Design with Energy in Mind
Building, Energy Systems, Waste Systems & Recycling, Waste Water — by Robyn Francis
Permaculture designer, Robyn Francis, looks at a variety of design strategies for using energy responsibly and sustainably.
The practical ‘down-to-earth’ farmer, gardener and layperson will often find the theories surrounding ecology and energy very heavy going, if not downright confusing. What I would like to do is offer some practical perspectives on how we can use resources responsibly.
Energy, in a holistic sense, involves much more than electricity and the use of fossil fuels, although these are certainly central to the energy issue. In permaculture design, energy and resource management are virtually synonymous and it is often difficult, if not impossible, to separate the two.
Comments (0)Posted on: November 18, 2008
Design for the Human Life Cycle
Building, Eco-Villages, Energy Systems, Land, People Systems — by Robyn Francis
 Photo: Craig Mackintosh |
It seems to be a common failing in a society that is so peer-oriented, that people rarely seem to design and plan for the changing needs of the full human life cycle. It is easy to relate to the here and now, and the needs of our immediate, short-term future. As permaculture designers we need to consciously develop our awareness of the needs of the full human life cycle so we can plan systems that will be socially as well as environmentally sustainable.
Comments (0)Posted on: November 10, 2008
What is ‘Zone Zero’?
Building, Energy Systems, Land — by PIJ
Zone planning in permaculture design means placing elements according to how often we need to visit them. Areas that need to be visited every day (e.g. the glasshouse, chicken pen, herb garden) are located nearby, while places visited less frequently (grazing area, orchard, woodlot) are located further away.
In Bill Mollison’s book ‘Introduction to Permaculture’, zone zero is defined as being the centre of activity in a design. This may be the house, or in the case of a large scale design may be a village centre.
However some permaculturists have used the term ‘zone zero’ to describe the human element in permaculture design, claiming that the most important part of a design, the people, often receive little attention during the design process.
So how do we define zone zero in permaculture design?
Four experienced designers gave their opinion…
Comments (3)Posted on: November 8, 2008
Letters from Vietnam - Ke Village
Aid Projects, Building, Community Projects, Project Positions, Village Development — by Craig Mackintosh
The trip to meet the Ma Lieng people at Ke Village, Vietnam, was a bit like a chapter out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. For starters, to reach the village I had to get ferried across a chocolate river in something resembling a dugout canoe. And, when I got there, I was met with a tribe of villagers who were almost supernaturally tiny.
The river’s chocolate hue was due to heavy rains flushing the nation’s soil to the sea - also making the river abnormally swollen and swift. Carrying expensive camera equipment in a very suspect-looking vessel, with a freeboard of only a few inches, was disconcerting to say the least - every person’s slightest movement rang alarm bells, and I had to work hard not to overcompensate in our bid to keep the canoe upright.
We made it to the other side, though, our gear dry, albeit with our nerves a little jangled.
Entryway to the Ke Village, home to the Ma Lieng people
So, whew, welcome to the Ke Village. This visit was in stark contrast to our trip to see the Black Thai, at Na Sai, only a few days earlier, as you shall see.
Comments (6)Posted on: October 21, 2008
Sites Unseen
Building, Land, Waste Systems & Recycling — by Mark Worthington
Making use of resources from a building site
The lifecycle of a building site can supply the observant designer with loads
of resources. Be it your own site or one nearby, there are plenty of available
materials otherwise destined for landfill.
Before work starts, designate specific areas to stockpile materials choosing
places where they won’t have to be moved until needed.
After surveyors peg the site, collect seedlings, rocks and logs before clearing
begins. Offer to do the initial clearing and stockpile resources. The bobcat
operator can be a great ally if you give instructions to keep the piles in
order on site or transport material to your place, saving a trip to the dump.
Posted on: September 28, 2008
Inventory of Traditional Knowledge
Building, Energy Systems, Land, Livestock, People Systems, Swales, Terraces, Village Development — by Craig Mackintosh
It’s raining outside and you’ve an afternoon to kill? Why not check out this amazing collection of articles, pictures and historical facts - full of information on the ingenious methods people have developed over millennia to live prosperously and sustainably. It’s titled the ‘Inventory of Traditional Knowledge’.
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Posted on: September 21, 2008
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 (3)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
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