This 800-square foot Clearlake itHouse is under construction in California right now.  Similar to another itHouse that we mentioned previously, the home will be off-grid and solar-powered.  It will also be the first, elevated, above-ground itHouse, leaving the site relatively untouched by the structure.

The Taalman Koch Architecture-designed retreat includes a studio, bathroom, and three outdoor court decks.  A wood burning stove will provide heat and propane will be used for cooking and water heating.

Clearlake is being constructed with a hybrid itHouse system incorporating a platform from Blue Sky Building Systems, a division of Blue Sky Homes (the company behind this stunning Yucca Valley prototype).  The platform is made with prefabricated, light-gauge, galvanized steel parts that can be assembled on site.

“Several new itHouse projects are being built using the Blue Sky Frame to create a sturdy base or platform for homes on lots where creating a flat pad is undesirable or not possible,” according to Linda Taalman of Taalman Koch Architecture.  Taalman added, “[the] point-loaded, bi-directional, moment-resisting structure requires minimal footings.”

Clearlake itHouse is expected to be completed in spring 2011, and I’m already looking forward to sharing more detail and information.

Credits: Taalman Koch Architecture; itHouse; and Blue Sky Homes.