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Hugelkultur, is an advanced permaculture technique for creating self-sufficient, raised garden beds by burying wood beneath the soil. Hugelkultur beds can be built in various shapes and sizes, from small backyard gardens to large farm-scale operations. This technique utilizes a variety of wood, from small twigs to whole trees, which decompose over time to create a beneficial environment for plant growth. The wood acts as a sponge, holding water and reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation. As the wood decomposes, it attracts beneficial microorganisms and releases nutrients, creating a fertile "soil on wood" environment that requires minimal fertilization. Hugelkultur is an environmentally sustainable technique that utilizes organic materials that would otherwise be discarded, embodying the permaculture principles of working with nature and reducing waste.. This technique is also applicable to diverse climates and has been proven effective even in desert environments
WOFATI structures demonstrate remarkable effectiveness due to their unique design features and emphasis on passive systems. The "two-skin" system, characterized by a double layer of membrane, protects the structure from moisture, ensuring dryness and longevity. WOFATI designs prioritize the use of natural and locally sourced materials, primarily wood and earth, significantly reducing the building's environmental impact and embodying the "freaky-cheap" philosophy pioneered by Mike Oehler. The core principle of "Annualized Thermal Inertia" harnesses the earth's thermal mass to regulate temperature fluctuations, providing passive heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. Large windows strategically placed on the uphill side, along with a spacious gable roof on the downhill side, often incorporating glazing, maximize passive solar gain, further enhancing energy efficiency. By minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems, WOFATIs achieve substantial energy savings. Allerton Abbey, the first WOFATI built at Wheaton Labs, exemplifies the practicality and success of this building technique
The berm shed is more than just a simple storage structure; its construction incorporates advanced techniques that prioritize sustainability, durability, and integration with the natural environment. Earthworks play a crucial role, as careful shaping of the landscape is required to create the berm that covers a portion of the shed's sloping roof. This berm acts as a natural insulator and thermal mass, helping to regulate temperature inside the structure. The "attic" cell design, as discussed in source, involves a specific configuration at the termination ends of the berm shed, further enhancing its thermal efficiency. Round wood timber framing, a technique using logs instead of dimensional lumber, is often employed, lending structural strength and a rustic aesthetic. A key consideration is the long-term durability of the wood in contact with soil. Source emphasizes the importance of peeling the bark from posts before burial to reduce the probability of rot, highlighting the evolution of construction techniques for increased longevity. Additionally, using gravel in post holes, as described in source, helps with drainage and further protects the wood from moisture. These advanced concepts, when combined, result in a berm shed that is not only functional and visually appealing but also a testament to sustainable building practices deeply rooted in permaculture principles.