posted 4 years ago
Are there maximum square footage/dimensions to stay within when building a wofati or another structure? Would the size depend on the type of roof used? If there's a limit is there also a limit to number of buildings? A wood shed/tool shed seems like a good first building (following the SKIP progression), perhaps a root cellar, and then tackle the main house.
Rainwater collection systems- wasn't there an Ant in the past who tried collecting water from their earthen roof? Was that successful? Are there any options for this that would fit the standards, say a shed roof made from wood shingles that feeds into a gutter and a water tank? What might be options for preserving those wood shingles, would linseed oil be the main option, is there anything else?
Materials for John Hait's 'thermal umbrella': is there still a local source for recycled billboard material? Found one or two web sites which sold recycled billboard tarp which is hit or miss on supply. Is new material allowed if recycled can't be found? Are there any local organic straw sources selling smaller bales that could be used for the insulation layer, or are evergreen trimmings the only option (assuming those insulating 4x8 sheets must be out by default)? I saw large bales of rice hulls are sold, which when opened up are 90 cubic feet each but that's pricey, dropped shipped on pallets, and would probably be a hassle to use for this. Ever had several of those massive round straw bales delivered (assuming that's the only local organic option)? Any other options when it comes to the insulation layer? I'm thinking that if a person starts by thinning fuel wood to make a junkpole fence around their acre they should end up with plenty of plant material for that insulation layer though.
Used vs new windows/doors/building materials - does Missoula or surrounding areas have any ReStore type recycling centers? Building materials should obviously not have petroleum products, but what about used vinyl-clad windows? Custom windows were made for the greenhouse, is that a reasonable option for affordable windows? Glass can be ordered to make something custom, but a dual pane window made that way probably would have condensation issues.
Speaking of the greenhouse, it seems an attached greenhouse that can be kept warmer through winter would allow a graywater system to filter that water before it's fed into something like a mulch basin to feed thirstier plants, but handling water output in winter- should a person plan for a deep (5'-6') hole filled with mulch and other material to try to avoid freezing? In warmer months, some willows seem ideal for growing crafting materials. Hopefully this winter will be a case study for Allerton Abbey feeding the greenhouse system if anyone is living there year-round.
What are the plans for the new well and any cistern/water storage, will there be any water lines or distribution plans? Could a person install a water tank of say 300-500 gallons into their wofati earth berm and fill that if there will be water lines to gravity feed? Otherwise perhaps a smaller tank say in a truck bed that you fill from the well, then drive it to the house and empty it into a tank there?
What about black water/waste systems? Obviously there's the willow feeders, would/could a person have their own in their house, and then store those barrels the needed time where the existing ones are stored? What about other systems like humanure or anything else that involves smaller buckets/barrels for ease of handling? Edit: there was a question about types of organic foods allowed like say organic pea protein- so long as it's organic and packaging can be properly disposed of is a person good? The goal is to avoid persistent poisons in the output.
As more people arrive, perhaps a designated parking area by the gate would be established? Perhaps a simple shed-roof parking shelter to keep weather off the cars, keep them out of mud, and could be a surface to capture some rainwater (which maybe you could use to wash the bugs off the windshield etc)? Sort of like the berm shed minus the berm/wall?
The holy trinity of wholesomeness: Fred Rogers - be kind to others; Steve Irwin - be kind to animals; Bob Ross - be kind to yourself