“Located in the cooler central Utah climate at 6,000 foot elevation, the Allan’s solar home integrates at least ten different forms of solar, including: trombe wall, solarium convection, photovoltaic cells, propylene-glycol heat exchange, eutectic salt chamber, berm insulation, black chimneys and under-ground intake for passive solar air conditioning, and dehydration of food.”
renewable
Coppicing
Coppiced wood has all sorts of practical uses for natural builders – sustainable fuel source, pole building, wattle and daub, pinning, braces, latilla ceilings and more. “Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland management which takes advantage of the fact that many trees make new growth from the stump or roots if cut down. In … Read more
Save $100,000 on Zero Energy Homes
I was browsing Build it Solar.com, one of my favorite websites, and found the Montague Urban Homestead zero energy home pictured above. I was initially attracted to the home design by its simple lines and potential for do-it-yourself owner-builders (the focus audience of our blog). But then I saw the $180,000 price tag and was … Read more
Sundance Furniture and Decor
Robert Redford’s Sundance catalog has a great selection of rustic furniture and décor that shows how old, recycled wood can be made into something really beautiful. “In 1969, we founded Sundance. The next year the General Store was established. In the beginning for us there was no end. Now, it’s hard to remember the beginning. … Read more
Sustainable Wood Ceilings
Recycled wood or reclaimed wood ceilings add warmth and character to a room. Each ceiling is unique, and the final result often looks better than new wood. Not only can you save a lot of money if you gather your own salvaged wood and build the ceiling yourself (which isn’t particularly difficult), no new trees … Read more
Big Ideas that are Changing the World
Would you like to take an active roll in helping the world become a better place? Many people get overwhelmed with all the problems facing humanity and sort of give up or tune things out. But many others jump in and do what they can to turn things around before it’s too late. The ideas … Read more