Active window shutter update 04/07

We spent some brainstorming time today on the next incarnation of the active window shutter .
Paul, Ryan, and Wayne are looking for the best design that is able to work in the most situations.

People powered house part II

The following list is some of the ideas we have for our "people" powered house:

1. Composting toilet

2.Gray water recycling
a. filtration
b. plant beds
c. Plant/garden watering

3. Low-pressure water system
a. 12 VDC electric pump

4. Ultra-efficient washing machine

5. Indoor clothes drying rack, or line
a. Japanese inspired

6. Cooking
a. L.P.
b. microwave
c. steam
d. focus primarily on fresh, non-cooked diet.

7. Steam generator
a. heat
b. cooking
c. hot water

8. On-grid electrical, but able to sustain off-grid
a. solar
b. wind
c. human generated
1. pedal
2. elliptical
3. hand

9. Recycling shower
a. wash/lather cycle
b. rinse cycle

10. Low powered lighting
a. LED
b. fluorescent

11. Water sources
a. well
b. rainwater
c. ground sources
d. filtration
1. plant filled tanks
2. conventional wound filters
3. charcoal filters
4. sand/ gravel filtration

12. Water heating
a. L.P.
b. solar
c. electric

This list is by no means complete. We could like comments and ideas from everyone. Please feel free to post!

People Powered House? Part I

We spent Friday afternoon brainstorming the feasibility of a "people" powered dwelling. Basically, what we are looking at is an ultra-efficient, ultra-low carbon footprint home that includes the ability to generate electricity and sustain the occupant without the requirement of being on-grid.