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The SKIP program, an acronym for Skills to Inherit Property, enables individuals to "skip the rat race" and acquire land for sustainable living by demonstrating practical skills through the completion of "Badge Bits" (BBs). To join the program, aspiring homesteaders, referred to as "Skippers," create free accounts on permies.com and select BBs they wish to complete from the PEP (Permaculture Experience according to Paul) curriculum. BBs encompass a wide range of permaculture-related skills, such as gardening, natural building, and food preservation. Skippers document their completion of each BB with pictures and videos, which are then reviewed and verified by the permies.com community. As Skippers complete BBs, they earn badges that reflect increasing levels of competency, starting with the Sand badge and progressing through Straw, Wood, and Iron. These badges, displayed on their profiles, serve as evidence of their skills and dedication to potential "Otisies" – landowners seeking worthy successors for their properties. The permies.com forums provide a space for Skippers to interact, share experiences, and seek guidance, fostering a supportive community within the SKIP program.

When discussing "woodland" versus "forest," the structural and management approaches differ significantly, particularly within a permaculture context. Forests, often managed for timber production, frequently involve monoculture planting and practices like clear-cutting, which can create what Sepp Holzer calls a "conifer desert." This leads to decreased biodiversity, depleted soil health, and disrupted ecological balance. "Woodland" management, as described by Ben Law, focuses on a more holistic, interconnected ecosystem. Woodland management prioritizes biodiversity, recognizing the interconnectedness of all lifeforms within the ecosystem. Active human participation is encouraged, mimicking the sustainable land management practices of Indigenous cultures, as exemplified by the HUSP (Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas) concept. Woodlands are viewed as spaces where humans actively participate and nurture, promoting long-term health and resilience. This active management ensures the woodland provides not only timber but also food, medicine, and wildlife habitat. The selection of "woodland" in Wofati design reflects a conscious shift away from extractive forestry practices and toward a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the natural world. In essence, the distinction between woodland and forest highlights the crucial role of human management in shaping the structure and health of these ecosystems, emphasizing the permaculture principle of responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Beyond the foundational elements of WOFATI design, there are advanced concepts that further enhance its effectiveness and versatility. The strategic placement and sizing of windows on the uphill side, for instance, are crucial for optimizing passive solar gain and regulating temperature. The design of the "two-skin" system, incorporating a double layer of membrane, demands careful consideration of materials and installation techniques to ensure long-term dryness and durability. The integration of WOFATI principles with other sustainable technologies, such as rocket mass heaters, offers the potential for a highly efficient and self-sufficient dwelling. The concept of WOFATI extends beyond just houses; variations such as WOFATI coolers and freezers, utilizing specialized venting systems and expanded thermal mass, showcase the adaptability of this approach to address various needs. Furthermore, WOFATI principles can be applied to animal shelters, with specific modifications to accommodate larger spaces and functionality. The ongoing development and experimentation at Wheaton Labs, as seen in projects like Allerton Abbey and Wofati 0.8, continue to push the boundaries of WOFATI design and its potential for sustainable living.

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.