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Made of ancient diatom skeletons, diatomaceous earth is edible to mammals but deadly to insects. De scratches through a bug's waxy exoskeleton coating turning their innards to teeny tiny bug jerky.

WOFATI structures are characterized by a thoughtful design that prioritizes passive systems and natural, locally sourced materials. The "two-skin" system, composed of a double layer of polyethylene membrane, encapsulates the earthen roof, providing a durable and waterproof barrier. The lower layer hugs the structure, while the upper layer defines the thermal mass surrounding it, with at least eight inches of dirt between the layers and sixteen inches on top. WOFATI designs emphasize a harmonious integration with the surrounding woodland, incorporating the "soil on wood" building technique. This method eliminates the need for a conventional concrete foundation, making construction faster and more affordable. A distinctive feature of WOFATI houses is the large gable roof on the downhill side, often incorporating glazing to allow light penetration, while at least 35% of the uphill wall features windows for optimal passive solar gain. This strategic placement and sizing of windows is crucial for maximizing natural light and regulating internal temperature, contributing to the effectiveness of Annualized Thermal Inertia.

A berm shed is an innovative, earth-sheltered structure designed for storage, blending seamlessly into the landscape while offering practical benefits. This natural building technique utilizes readily available materials like logs and earth, minimizing environmental impact and cost. The berm shed's design, as described in the sources, features a sloping roof covered with soil, creating a natural berm that provides insulation and helps regulate temperature. The round wood timber framing techniques used in its construction, relying on logs rather than dimensional lumber, further enhance its sustainability and aesthetic appeal. The berm shed is often incorporated into permaculture designs, serving as a visual and sound barrier, enhancing privacy, and creating a microclimate for plant growth. Its construction involves earthworks, carefully shaping the surrounding landscape to create the berm and ensure proper drainage. The berm shed's unique design, combining natural materials and earth-sheltering principles, offers a durable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing storage solution that integrates harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

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