[Greenbuilding] [BULK] Re: Smart house designs

[Lawrence Lile]

Robert sez:
We have been experimenting with
indoor shutters.
 
One of my projects before Winter is to build some indoor shutters or moveable insulation panels of some kind.  What kind of design did you settle on?  I am afraid that I'll come up with something that is impractical, since it needs to be put up and taken down every day, then find I don't use it because it is a hassle to use.  
 
I've considered using magnetic strips on the walls and on the backs of foam panels, this has the advantage of being easy to put up and making a tight seal.  I had considered tight-fit panels that go inside the window, but rejected that idea because we have sheetrock returns around the windows, which would be fragile with everyday use.  I also figure that tight-fit panels would get looser over time and start leaking.  
 
The panels will be covered with cloth for visual effect.  I am not real happy about the fire safety aspect of exposed foam inside the house.  
 
I'd like to come up with panels that are a minimum of R4, and easy to put up and take down.  
 
I don't know about window quilts, I take it they are very expensive compared to a DIY removable panel.  
 
--Lawrence