Manasaram Architecture: Bamboo Symphony

Exterior view of Bamboo Symphony by Manasaram Architecture
Exterior view of Bamboo Symphony by Manasaram Architecture

“Recently completed ‘bamboo symphony’ by Bangalore based Manasaram Architects has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival award 2011 in both the mixed use office and small office categories. An open air interior space is stepped into the rugged terrain in a spiraling configuration. Reminiscent of a billowing fabric, the canopy wraps around the harvesting pond directing the shell roof’s storm runoff into the water feature.

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Tiny House Infographic

Tiny House Infographic
Tiny House Infographic

“About a week and a half ago I did a post along with many other of the tiny house bloggers where we conducted a survey of tiny house people. It asked things like income, savings, etc. so we could get a better idea of what a tiny house person is like and how they compare to the typical American.

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Water Pumping Windmills for Off Grid Farms and Homesteads

Windmills raise water for irrigation and household use. This wind powered agricultural pump pumps 360 gallons per minute on an average windy day.
Windmills raise water for irrigation and household use. This wind powered agricultural pump pumps 360 gallons per minute on an average windy day.

“Windmills were used to pump water since at least the 9th century in what is now Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. On US farms, particularly on the Great Plains, windpumps (water-pumping windmills) were used to pump water from farm wells for cattle. At their peak in 1930, an estimated 600,000 units were in use, with capacity equivalent to 150 megawatts.

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$6/square foot Straw Bale Houses in Pakistan

Twice as energy efficient and half the cost of a conventional house, straw bale makes for environmentally friendly earthquake-proof homes.
Twice as energy efficient and half the cost of a conventional house, straw bale makes for environmentally friendly earthquake-proof homes.

“After the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, Pakistan Straw Bale and Appropriate Building (PAKSBAB) was set up to protect people’s homes against extreme weather conditions. More recently with the catastrophic earthquake in Turkey, I am reminded of the value of homes and family.

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