Just read an article in Mother Earth News.
this guy used "grey water" (water from sinks and showers), cleaned it up a but with some filtration, and re-used it to feed his tolets with flushing water. That's not a bad idea!
Then I was thinking about how much I like having a Garbage Disposal. But folks down that way don't have them in their homes, because of the septic systems. Which is fine since it is better to compost anyway.
When new septic systems go in, they have a "brown water" tank for toilet flushes. Then they also have a grey water tank for showers and sink waste.
How about adding two smaller tanks? (Could we get away with making these two smaller tanks out of trash cans? double layered? with cement between the layers?)
The Garbage dispoal could go to the first of those tanks. It's waste stream separated from the sink's other drain system. Then you have a way to say, "okay, that one has been run for 3 years, now we are going to use the second tank." On the 6th year, you clean out the first tank ~ removing the rich compost, and then let that second tank sit for 3 years. Still having the modern convenience of a garbage dispoal, but also the composting benefit. And besides, we all know stuff in composts break down faster if they are ground up first! Why not let the garbage dispoal do the grinding! lol!
Ah.. but wait... how much would it cost to have TWO additional things buried in the yard? and what about the cost of the extra piping and the control value? hummm...
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Mr Brown's Garage is a huge old carriage house. (South-East)
His driveway is lined with massive trees (South)
All of this will reduce the viability of passive solar or active solar.
But...
South-West to West is exposed to the road. Fairly tree free. So if we were to go with active solar, it might be good to start there.
His driveway is lined with massive trees (South)
All of this will reduce the viability of passive solar or active solar.
But...
South-West to West is exposed to the road. Fairly tree free. So if we were to go with active solar, it might be good to start there.
root celar
The more I read "Mother Earth News" magazine, the more I think I might want to be sure to incorporate a root cellar into the design. Maybe off the garage? A small section under the house? I think some thought should be given to food storage in addition to the traditional pantry. I don't think I would ever want to "homestead" and can a zillion cans of everything I could possibly grow... but I like the idea of not shutting down the option also. Putting in a root cellar type area is easier to do when a home is built.
Road Trip?
This company has some really sweet talking things to say....
http://www.sunlighthomes.com/design/sustainable-design
They are in Albuquerque, NM.
Then there are two companies in Ashville NC ~ Deltech home and Spring Time Homes.
http://www.springtimehomes.com/
I am thinking road trip. With a stop to see Scott and Laura of course!
what?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form
Need to look into this more!
Mentioned in an article ~ architect company called "Sun Plans."
http://www.sunlighthomes.com/design/sustainable-design
They are in Albuquerque, NM.
Then there are two companies in Ashville NC ~ Deltech home and Spring Time Homes.
http://www.springtimehomes.com/
I am thinking road trip. With a stop to see Scott and Laura of course!
what?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form
Need to look into this more!
Mentioned in an article ~ architect company called "Sun Plans."
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
And a special thank you to the fine folks of Vancouver. They just spelled it all out!
http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/passive-home-design.pdf
I have some photos to upload to the blog when I get the chance.
One other thing I wanted to mention. Google has a program called "sketchup" and ~ for free~ I can start playing with designs! Just need to download it.
http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/passive-home-design.pdf
I have some photos to upload to the blog when I get the chance.
One other thing I wanted to mention. Google has a program called "sketchup" and ~ for free~ I can start playing with designs! Just need to download it.
A week as passed since my last post.
Round homes... ????
eft!
maybe not! Not the best use of land maybe. Too much wasted space?
Been looking at kit homes today.
Found this rather cool article.
Maybe I should say "warm" because its about passive solar.
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/cost-effective-passive-solar-design
And then...
for some thing completely different....
This guy has his own ideas and is a bit combative in how he presents them ~
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/contrarian-view-passive-solar-design
If he is so right, why does he mention the wood stove or boiler fan?
Round homes... ????
eft!
maybe not! Not the best use of land maybe. Too much wasted space?
Been looking at kit homes today.
Found this rather cool article.
Maybe I should say "warm" because its about passive solar.
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/cost-effective-passive-solar-design
And then...
for some thing completely different....
This guy has his own ideas and is a bit combative in how he presents them ~
http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blogs/contrarian-view-passive-solar-design
If he is so right, why does he mention the wood stove or boiler fan?
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Maybe a Deltech home?
So there is a company that makes kits.
Round homes.
Totally flexible design options.
They ... could maybe beef up their sustainable design,
but I really like the kits, the options, the flow of it all.
I can see how ... what they have to offer...fits what I have in mind.
But a round house?
Really?
That's just funky!
www.deltechomes.com
Check out the floor plans! And the interior photos! Yeah, I can see growing old there!!!
Round homes.
Totally flexible design options.
They ... could maybe beef up their sustainable design,
but I really like the kits, the options, the flow of it all.
I can see how ... what they have to offer...fits what I have in mind.
But a round house?
Really?
That's just funky!
www.deltechomes.com
Check out the floor plans! And the interior photos! Yeah, I can see growing old there!!!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
a nicely wrapped nut shell
Mother Earth News
February / March 2011 issue
page 41
"You can...start out with high levels of insulation and build a tightly sealed home with low heating loads. ... incorporate passive-solar building principles that will reduce the heating loads. Passive-solar design strategies include facing the long axis of the house south, sizing roof overhangs appropriately, and using high-mass building materials and high performance windows. In a well-designed passive solar home, heating loads will already be minimal, so solar collectors should be able to provide even more of a home's heat."
Yes, I can agree with that general idea...
Its the specifics I seek to sink my teeth into!
February / March 2011 issue
page 41
"You can...start out with high levels of insulation and build a tightly sealed home with low heating loads. ... incorporate passive-solar building principles that will reduce the heating loads. Passive-solar design strategies include facing the long axis of the house south, sizing roof overhangs appropriately, and using high-mass building materials and high performance windows. In a well-designed passive solar home, heating loads will already be minimal, so solar collectors should be able to provide even more of a home's heat."
Yes, I can agree with that general idea...
Its the specifics I seek to sink my teeth into!
Roofing
Roofing materials -
either make money, or are worth money.
If we were to try to incorporate solar into our roof ~
I would want something like this...
http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/solar/341624
Where it is not mounted on brackets... but the solar IS the roofing materials.
There is a hitch....
(of course)
as I have mentioned before,...
this is an old neighborhood with a number of trees...and we don't have control of the entire tree line to the south.
That being said...
MOST of the trees that are blocking our solar access...
are Norway Maples.
Norway Maples grow up to 98 feet tall and live up to 250 years of age. They tend to get heavily damaged in storms.
Trees.. function as a colony. If we remove all of the trees on our property ...that are capable of casting a winter shadow on our house, this will leave the Maples to the South of us exposed to some strong harsh Nor-Easter winds.
The trees that line his driveway are just stunning with a beautiful canopy.
The cooling effect this canopy has in the summer is just stunning as it creates a breeze in the area.
Taking down all of our trees,
in the hopes of using the solar we can get...
and hurting the trees around his drive way...
Just seems like evil.
Maybe solar isn't the way to go!
In which case, I want a metal roof.
It can last for 50 years. When you take it off you can sell it for scrap.
Maybe in 50 years ~ the neighbors trees will be dead?
I still think that building the house with passive solar in mind is still the way to go, even if we don't get as much of a benefit due to neighbor's trees.
IF Solar could work,
I would like to see the solar convert to electric energy.
Limited battery storage. A few hours of power stored maybe?
With "meter running backwards" capacity as well.
two things I would like to learn more about:
heat pumps
heat exchangers
What follows is copied from the web site (listed above) about roofing made of solar panels.
"Apollo II Solar Roofing - Radiant energy...Brilliant Looks In our highest producing solar shingle.
System Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing System is the pinnacle of energy production, using monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture and convert more solar energy per square foot than any other CertainTeed solution.
Features and Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing is the versatile solution for maximum power and flexibility in installation directly on new or existing roofs.
Efficiency: 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells per module for a power rating of 54 watts per module.
Low profile: The slim profile provides a clean integrated look that a rack mounted system cannot match.
Lightweight: No need for structural reinforcements or analysis. Each module weighs only 12 pounds or about as many pounds per square foot as a typical asphalt shingle.
Load rating: Modules are rated to 250 pounds per square foot.
Wind resistance rating: Apollo II roofing systems achieve a 110 mph wind resistance rating.
Water handling: Water channels and raised fastener locations further improve the integrity of Apollo II as a roofing system.
Wire management: Open space under the modules allows for easy wire/installation and eliminates the possibility of wires being pinched between the module and the roof deck.
Aesthetics: Black (frame) on black (cells) on black (backsheet) provides a greater aesthetic and visually blends with the surrounding roof.
Benefits In Your Bill...and In Your World
Apollo II makes you master of the sun with a system that harnesses more energy per square foot than any other, significantly decreasing your home's draw on the grid and reducing carbon emissions.
With its maximum output potential, Apollo II can generate most or all of the electricity your home uses during the day. And if you don't use all the electricity your roof makes, the excess power flows back through your meter into the power grid, causing your electric bill to go down even further.
That makes Apollo II Solar Roofing one of the most environmentally conscious things you can do with your home for a beautiful, ecologically-sound future.
either make money, or are worth money.
If we were to try to incorporate solar into our roof ~
I would want something like this...
http://www.certainteed.com/products/roofing/solar/341624
Where it is not mounted on brackets... but the solar IS the roofing materials.
There is a hitch....
(of course)
as I have mentioned before,...
this is an old neighborhood with a number of trees...and we don't have control of the entire tree line to the south.
That being said...
MOST of the trees that are blocking our solar access...
are Norway Maples.
Norway Maples grow up to 98 feet tall and live up to 250 years of age. They tend to get heavily damaged in storms.
Trees.. function as a colony. If we remove all of the trees on our property ...that are capable of casting a winter shadow on our house, this will leave the Maples to the South of us exposed to some strong harsh Nor-Easter winds.
The trees that line his driveway are just stunning with a beautiful canopy.
The cooling effect this canopy has in the summer is just stunning as it creates a breeze in the area.
Taking down all of our trees,
in the hopes of using the solar we can get...
and hurting the trees around his drive way...
Just seems like evil.
Maybe solar isn't the way to go!
In which case, I want a metal roof.
It can last for 50 years. When you take it off you can sell it for scrap.
Maybe in 50 years ~ the neighbors trees will be dead?
I still think that building the house with passive solar in mind is still the way to go, even if we don't get as much of a benefit due to neighbor's trees.
IF Solar could work,
I would like to see the solar convert to electric energy.
Limited battery storage. A few hours of power stored maybe?
With "meter running backwards" capacity as well.
two things I would like to learn more about:
heat pumps
heat exchangers
What follows is copied from the web site (listed above) about roofing made of solar panels.
"Apollo II Solar Roofing - Radiant energy...Brilliant Looks In our highest producing solar shingle.
System Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing System is the pinnacle of energy production, using monocrystalline silicon solar cells to capture and convert more solar energy per square foot than any other CertainTeed solution.
Features and Benefits
Apollo II Solar Roofing is the versatile solution for maximum power and flexibility in installation directly on new or existing roofs.
Efficiency: 14 high-efficiency monocrystalline silicon solar cells per module for a power rating of 54 watts per module.
Low profile: The slim profile provides a clean integrated look that a rack mounted system cannot match.
Lightweight: No need for structural reinforcements or analysis. Each module weighs only 12 pounds or about as many pounds per square foot as a typical asphalt shingle.
Load rating: Modules are rated to 250 pounds per square foot.
Wind resistance rating: Apollo II roofing systems achieve a 110 mph wind resistance rating.
Water handling: Water channels and raised fastener locations further improve the integrity of Apollo II as a roofing system.
Wire management: Open space under the modules allows for easy wire/installation and eliminates the possibility of wires being pinched between the module and the roof deck.
Aesthetics: Black (frame) on black (cells) on black (backsheet) provides a greater aesthetic and visually blends with the surrounding roof.
Benefits In Your Bill...and In Your World
Apollo II makes you master of the sun with a system that harnesses more energy per square foot than any other, significantly decreasing your home's draw on the grid and reducing carbon emissions.
With its maximum output potential, Apollo II can generate most or all of the electricity your home uses during the day. And if you don't use all the electricity your roof makes, the excess power flows back through your meter into the power grid, causing your electric bill to go down even further.
That makes Apollo II Solar Roofing one of the most environmentally conscious things you can do with your home for a beautiful, ecologically-sound future.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
JUST MY NOTES FROM AN ARTICLE I LIKED
A FEW QUOTES FROM AN ONLINE ARTICLE I AM READING:
http://www.cchrc.org/docs/sns/Zedda-Abstract.pdf
"Provide a roof structure that will allow future location of photovoltaic and solar thermal arrays."
"Use of natural ventilation along with supply air brought it from air cooled by groundwater."
YES,
How do we cool the place in the summer? There are about 4 weeks of summer that might be more comfortable with an AC unit. But in place of an AC unit, can we run pipes down into the ground to capture coolness from ground water / water table? (without increasing Radon exposure)
So far all the info is applicable to places like Maine, Canada, and Alaska. But how about COOLING factors?
"including natural light in every space." ~ sounds like a novel concept... even if it is from the north a "reflective" lighting.
Oh, and ran into someone that said they knew a couple that build a home for their golden years. They put the master on the first floor. Then they built it so that after the kids moved out (god willing our kids will one day ~ actually move out) they had built in shut offs. All water and heat could be shut off with some changes of valves. All water, heat, and electricity shut off. Then they had a way to block the heat rising up there. Not a bad concept. So... insulate the first floor... from the second floor... as you insulate from the second floor to the roof. Then save one piece of foam, pre cut to fit in the stairs to make it look like a wall, and the upstairs... disappears. Disappears from the Utility bill.
"heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system"
also called THE MAGIC BOX
"They installed the largest solar array in the YT on the south side to provide a total
output of 3.825 kW of power using a type of solar panel that didn’t require a battery bank. The building is small and the batteries would have taken a large portion of the space. Excess power is sold to the local utility in the summer and bought back in the winter. "
also called NET ZERO.
OOPS~ SOMETHING TO AVOID HERE:
"The building was designed and built in factory and then disassembled and shipped to the site. A problem was encountered because the building design didn’t account for the SIP joints adding 1/8” per joint to the width of the structure. As there were many SIP joints, the last panel wall extended 6” beyond the foundation. There was also a problem with a 1” gap between the sill plate and the column splice joints."
"Focus on the Basics – Improve thermal efficiency of building envelope before spending big bucks on technological gizmos"
on the radar
It is almost comical how ... when you have something in mind, ... on your radar... suddenly the info starts pouring in.
Was at the Doctors with the little one.
Saw a magazine on the rack that ~ perhaps I would never have noticed before.
It is called "Mother Earth News."
Jackpot!
Then I found out they carry it at the library and you can check out back issues. I got 9!
When I return those I will get 9 more!
How to build a sun room that will heat your home,
how to build your own house,
how to build a house that is net zero or off the grid. Very basic info but lots of links and resources listed for more info.
They also had info about Yurt houses. Its an interesting read. I have zero desire to ever live in a yurt. Be it noted!
They also have a lot of info about making your own soap or bread or raising chickens.... tempting stuff I tell ya!
I might copy some of the pages from the magazine for design info / resource info ... to keep as I return the magazines.
Saw an article in the Newspaper today.
http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/UA-prof-lauded-for-energy-efficient-home-4488449.php
Basically a professor (Teaches sustainable living stuff and energy efficient home designs) managed to build a home in Fairbanks Alaska that uses 20 gallons of heating oil a year ~ instead of 700 gallons.
If he can do that in FAIRBANKS ALASKA ~ home of the frozen hell!!! I sure as heck think we can do it in RI! No brainer!
He teaches a class that I could "attend" remotely. They call it "Distance Learning." I figure the class will just make me read the same materials I would have read if I had done my own research, but with the added pressure of deadlines and papers to write.
I still might try to find out what materials he is using to teach his class....
Was at the Doctors with the little one.
Saw a magazine on the rack that ~ perhaps I would never have noticed before.
It is called "Mother Earth News."
Jackpot!
Then I found out they carry it at the library and you can check out back issues. I got 9!
When I return those I will get 9 more!
How to build a sun room that will heat your home,
how to build your own house,
how to build a house that is net zero or off the grid. Very basic info but lots of links and resources listed for more info.
They also had info about Yurt houses. Its an interesting read. I have zero desire to ever live in a yurt. Be it noted!
They also have a lot of info about making your own soap or bread or raising chickens.... tempting stuff I tell ya!
I might copy some of the pages from the magazine for design info / resource info ... to keep as I return the magazines.
Saw an article in the Newspaper today.
http://www.ctpost.com/default/article/UA-prof-lauded-for-energy-efficient-home-4488449.php
Basically a professor (Teaches sustainable living stuff and energy efficient home designs) managed to build a home in Fairbanks Alaska that uses 20 gallons of heating oil a year ~ instead of 700 gallons.
If he can do that in FAIRBANKS ALASKA ~ home of the frozen hell!!! I sure as heck think we can do it in RI! No brainer!
He teaches a class that I could "attend" remotely. They call it "Distance Learning." I figure the class will just make me read the same materials I would have read if I had done my own research, but with the added pressure of deadlines and papers to write.
I still might try to find out what materials he is using to teach his class....
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