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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.

A berm shed, as detailed in the sources, is an innovative and sustainable approach to building storage structures. It seamlessly integrates with the landscape, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Constructed using natural building techniques and readily available materials like logs and earth, a berm shed minimizes both environmental impact and construction costs. Its defining feature is the sloping roof covered with soil, forming a natural berm that provides excellent insulation and temperature regulation. The construction often employs round wood timber framing techniques, utilizing logs instead of dimensional lumber, which further enhances its sustainability and rustic appeal. Earthworks, carefully shaping the land to create the berm and ensure proper drainage, play a crucial role in its construction. The berm shed aligns perfectly with permaculture principles, serving as a visual and sound barrier, increasing privacy, and potentially even creating a microclimate beneficial for plant growth around the structure. This unique design, combining natural materials and earth-sheltering principles, offers a durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing storage solution that blends harmoniously with its surroundings.

Hugelkultur, is a permaculture technique for creating raised garden beds filled with rotting wood and covered with soil. This method, whether small-scale or large-scale, as exemplified by Sepp Holzer's work, which includes almost a kilometer of hugelkultur beds, uses a variety of wood, from branches and twigs to entire trees. Hugelkultur is beneficial because as the wood breaks down, it acts as a sponge, retaining moisture and reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. This process also creates "parking spaces" for water and nutrients, leading to fertile soil that requires less fertilizer. Hugelkultur is a practical and sustainable permaculture solution for gardeners seeking to create self-sufficient garden ecosystems.

WOFATI, which stands for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia, represents a sustainable building solution that merges affordability and energy efficiency. Developed by Paul Wheaton, WOFATI draws inspiration from Mike Oehler's earth-sheltered designs, enhancing them with cost-saving strategies and a focus on harmonizing with the surrounding environment. This innovative approach prioritizes using locally sourced natural materials like wood and earth, thereby minimizing reliance on manufactured products and lessening the building's ecological impact. The concept of Annualized Thermal Inertia is central to WOFATI design, harnessing the surrounding earth as a thermal mass to regulate temperature fluctuations throughout the year. This natural heating and cooling system stores summer heat for winter warmth and retains winter's coolness to moderate summer temperatures, significantly reducing energy consumption. WOFATI buildings typically feature large windows strategically placed on the uphill side to maximize passive solar gain, further enhancing energy efficiency. As the name suggests, WOFATI structures are ideally situated on or near a woodland, emphasizing a symbiotic relationship with nature. Examples of WOFATI buildings, including Allerton Abbey and Wofati 0.8, can be found at Wheaton Labs in Montana

WOFATI, an acronym for Woodland Oehler Freaky-cheap Annualized Thermal Inertia, is an innovative approach to sustainable building developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton. WOFATI structures are designed to be eco-friendly, utilizing locally sourced natural materials, primarily wood and earth. These structures are intended to be located on or near woodlands, promoting a harmonious integration with the natural surroundings. Annualized Thermal Inertia, a key element of WOFATI design, harnesses the thermal mass of the surrounding earth to provide passive heating in winter and cooling in summer, thereby minimizing the need for artificial temperature regulation. WOFATI structures are inspired by the work of Mike Oehler, a pioneer in earth-sheltered building known for his simple, "freaky-cheap" designs, which Wheaton has adapted and refined to further reduce construction costs. WOFATI buildings are typically characterized by a large gable roof on the downhill side, with at least 35% of the uphill wall featuring glass or other light-transmitting materials to maximize passive solar gain. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI structure, and Wofati 0.8 are both located at Wheaton Labs in Montana and serve as prominent examples of this unique building style.