
“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.
Month: February 2013
EMAS Handpumps
Pumps – EMAS high quantity handpump from EMAS on Vimeo.
Make your own low cost water pump (about $12) with a few pieces of PVC pipe. This is a fantastic find. Thanks to Jay, the reader who recommended it.
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.
Water Pumping Windmills for Off Grid Farms and Homesteads

“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.
My Home Cost Under 15k!
Are you ready for something different? This guy set four reclaimed garages on a slab and built a large new roof on top.
$6/square foot Straw Bale Houses in Pakistan

“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.