Efficient Glasshouse Design
Building, Energy Systems, Nurseries & Propogation — by Les Anwyl
A well designed glasshouse can serve many functions and be an extremely productive element in a permaculture system. It creates a self-contained environment in which the designer can modify conditions of heat, light, water and air for a variety of benefits. High value crops can be grown out of their normal climatic range or produced out of season, growing seasons can be extended by starting seedlings of annual plants early, and plants can be propagated and grown in an ideal environment free of many pests, predators and adverse weather conditions.
As part of or attached to another structure, such as a dwelling, workplace or animal housing, a glasshouse can provide a temperature buffer and insulation between indoors and outdoors as well as provide heating and induce airflow to assist cooling. A glasshouse is also a warm, sunny, peaceful and beautiful environment to sit in, observe and enjoy.
Comments (2)Posted on: July 14, 2008
Retrofitting Tips
Building, Energy Systems, Retrofitting — by Susanna Carpi
Reprinted from ‘Earth-User’s Guide to Permaculture’
Most of us are stuck with the house we live in. What can we do to improve it? Here is a checklist of ways to retrofit a home and some good ideas to make life more comfortable.
TOO HOT IN SUMMER
Insulate ceiling
Pergola and vines
Deciduous trees
Shady verandahs
Breezeways/corridors
Solar fans
Cool air tunnels
Deciduous creepers
Shadehouse with plants
Comments (1)