Composting toilets transform human waste into usable soil through natural decomposition, eliminating the need for plumbing connections and saving significant water. This guide explains the complete process from collection to finished humanure, including urine separation, odor control with sawdust, and the one-year composting timeline that kills pathogens and produces garden-ready material. System Components Toilet Unit: [...]
Off-Grid Living
Off-Grid Island Living: Solar-Powered House on Little Deadman’s Cay Bahamas
Little Deadman’s Cay in the Bahamas hosts a single off-grid house on nine and a half acres of private island. The property runs entirely on solar panels and a windmill, offering a unique experience that blends camping simplicity with permanent shelter. Amenities are basic: gravity-fed outdoor showers and no internet or television, replaced by reading, [...]
Passive Solar Cob House: Natural Building Thermal Mass Design by Michael Smith
Michael Smith demonstrates passive solar design principles using cob and straw bale construction. The technique uses thermal mass in clay walls and floors to store temperature – coolness in summer, warmth in winter. Strategic window placement captures solar heat during cold months while the massive walls retain temperature throughout daily cycles. Design Principles Teacher: Michael [...]
Cordwood Cabin Retreat: Rustic Tiny House Built with Recycled Materials
This cordwood cabin retreat demonstrates how natural building techniques create beautiful, functional tiny spaces. The unique structure features cordwood construction with decorative bottles, large windows, and a matching outhouse companion building. Design Details Construction: Cordwood with decorative bottles Materials: Recycled and reclaimed Purpose: Writing, reading, and day retreat Features: Large windows, custom screen door, built-in [...]
Fab Lab House: IAAC Solar-Powered Tiny House for Solar Decathlon
The Fab Lab House, designed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), was selected to compete in the Solar Decathlon Europe competition in Madrid, Spain. This innovative tiny house features integrated solar power, environmental monitoring, and smart home technology. Fab Lab House Exterior Design Details Designer: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) [...]
Yestermorrow Design/Build School: Hands-On Sustainable Building Courses
Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren, Vermont offers hands-on courses in sustainable design, construction, woodworking, and natural building. Operating as a non-profit organization since 1980, the school provides learning experiences ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week certificate programs. Yestermorrow Sleeping Cabins School Details Name: Yestermorrow Design/Build School Location: 189 VT Route 100, Warren, Vermont Founded: 1980 [...]
Thermoelectric Boots: Human-Powered Phone Charging for Off-Grid Living
Thermoelectric technology offers one solution to a common off-grid challenge: keeping devices charged without access to the electrical grid. Orange developed prototype “Power Wellies” that generate electricity from body heat while walking, hiking, or dancing—demonstrating how human energy can power small electronics. Thermoelectric Boot Design Image © Orange Power Generation Technology Human Energy Harvesting Concept [...]
