“This construction project was on invitation from the local council in Carrancas, (Minas Gerais, Brazil) to offer a prototype for an eco and low cost solution to social housing. It was a three-month project which was received with much attention and enthusiasm from the community and council, and has been well-loved since by its occupants.”
sustainable
Feedback on Rex’s Pallet House
Yesterday’s blog post about Rex’s Pallet House got me thinking of some different possibilities. Rex and the crew have done an outstanding job so far of building a solid, durable home at incredibly low cost (around $4/sq. ft.). One could stop right there, follow in Rex’s footsteps and be quite satisfied with the results. But I’m the type of person who likes to run ‘what if’ scenarios to explore multiple options. (Brainstorming is free and fun, and often leads to improved results.) For instance, not everyone has 6 months available to build their home. Some builders might prefer spending a little more money to reduce the labor and speed construction. $4/sq. ft. is so cheap, that many could probably afford to pay a little extra, so let’s briefly look at some alternative building methods that will raise the cost a little, without breaking the bank.
ReGenAll Resort and Retreat Center in Haiti
My Double Unit Ecoresort earthbag design has been adapted for a $400,000 resort in Haiti. The project will create jobs and boost the economy.
“Real people, real experiences, regional regeneration
What is this?
ReGenAll Ventures has created an affordable resort and retreat center concept that meets a rapidly growing global demand for meaningful vacation experiences. From its comfortable, eco-elegant design to its range of renewing cultural, ecological, and agricultural programs, ReGenAll Resort and Retreat Center is a refreshing new take on the eco-resort model. It is a direct catalyst for community driven regeneration and is designed to provide positive, life-changing experiences for its guests.
Enough Wind to Power Global Energy Demand 20x
Near-surface winds could provide more than 20 times today’s global power demand
There is enough energy available in winds to meet all of the world’s demand. Atmospheric turbines that convert steadier and faster high-altitude winds into energy could generate even more power than ground- and ocean-based units. New research from Carnegie’s Ken Caldeira examines the limits of the amount of power that could be harvested from winds, as well as the effects high-altitude wind power could have on the climate as a whole. Their work is published September 9 by Nature Climate Change.
Compact Living
You know you have achieved perfection in design, not when you have nothing more to add, but when you have nothing more to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Bamboo Living: Amazing Green Home Made with Bamboo
“What’s it like to create an eco-lux island style home that’s made with sustainable and beautiful bamboo? You’ll be amazed at how gorgeous a green home can be.” Bamboo Living.com