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WOFATI, an acronym coined by Paul Wheaton, stands for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia. It defines a type of earth-sheltered, passive building that blends affordability with energy efficiency. Inspired by the work of Mike Oehler, a pioneer of earth-sheltered building, WOFATI designs use locally sourced, natural materials, such as wood and earth, to minimize both cost and environmental impact. Central to the WOFATI concept is Annualized Thermal Inertia, which utilizes the surrounding earth as a thermal mass to moderate temperatures year-round. This means that the building stays warm in the winter by storing heat from the summer, and cool in the summer by retaining the coolness of the winter, greatly reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. WOFATI structures typically have a large gable roof on the downhill side, and at least 35% of the uphill wall is made of glass or other light-transmitting material to maximize passive solar gain. WOFATI buildings are ideally situated on or near a woodland, emphasizing a harmonious integration with nature. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI, along with Wofati 0.8, are examples of this building style and can be found at Wheaton Labs.

Hugelkultur, is an advanced permaculture technique for creating self-sustaining raised garden beds filled with decomposing wood. The technique involves burying a variety of wood materials, including logs, branches, twigs, and even whole trees, under layers of soil, creating a complex and dynamic environment for plant growth. As the wood decomposes, it acts as "a sponge to hold water," reducing the need for irrigation. This decomposition also generates heat, which can extend the growing season, particularly in cooler climates. The shrinking wood creates air pockets, making the beds "self-tilling" and promoting excellent aeration for plant roots. These "parking spaces for water and nutrients," as described by Paul Wheaton, enhance soil fertility, attract beneficial microorganisms, and release nutrients, reducing or eliminating the need for fertilizers. Hugelkultur beds are remarkably adaptable and can be built in various shapes and sizes, as exemplified by Sepp Holzer's large-scale project in Dayton, Montana, which features nearly a kilometer of hugelkultur beds.

WOFATI, an innovative sustainable building technique coined by permaculture advocate Paul Wheaton, stands for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia. The design utilizes readily available natural materials like wood and earth to create a "soil on wood" structure that harmonizes with the surrounding woodland. The "freaky-cheap" construction methods pioneered by Mike Oehler and further developed by Wheaton significantly reduce building costs. WOFATI structures are characterized by a double layer of membrane, a "two-skin" system that encapsulates the earthen roof, ensuring dryness and longevity. The principle of Annualized Thermal Inertia is key, using the earth's mass to regulate temperature, providing passive heating in winter and cooling in summer. WOFATI houses feature large windows on the uphill side for optimal passive solar gain, while the downhill side typically boasts a large gable roof, also incorporating glazing for natural light penetration. Allerton Abbey, located at Wheaton Labs, serves as a prime example of a WOFATI house

WOFATI structures excel in effectiveness due to their emphasis on passive design principles, particularly Annualized Thermal Inertia, which utilizes the earth's thermal mass to regulate temperature fluctuations. By strategically incorporating design elements like large windows on the uphill side and a substantial gable roof on the downhill side, WOFATIs maximize passive solar gain, further reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. This results in significant energy savings and reduced reliance on external energy sources. The use of locally sourced, natural materials, primarily wood and earth, in WOFATI construction minimizes the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and transportation of building materials. The "two-skin" system, a double layer of membrane encapsulating the earthen roof, ensures dryness and longevity, enhancing the building's overall effectiveness and sustainability. As seen in Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI built at Wheaton Labs, these structures successfully demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of this building technique