A good tamper makes a big difference. Earth-bags, rubble trench foundations, and base materials for floors all need tamping. I used the make-shift coffee container filled with concrete and a metal rod… until I got my hands on this 10 x 10 tamper!
RENew Northfield presented “Solar Power 101″ at the Public Library, on December 20th 2005. The guest speaker for the evening was Ralph Jacobson of Innovative Power Systems (IPS Solar). Ralph spoke about PV power systems and solar heating and rebates options.
View Quicktime video 34 mb:
http://ilovecob.com/video/ips-solar/SolarPower101_34.mov
The Science Museum of Minnesota has created a permanent ( but seasonal) attraction called The Science House. This house is designed to be a zero-emissions building. The goal is to produce as much energy as it uses on an annual basis. It includes a passive solar orientation, geothermal heat pumps, integrated solar panel roofing, air tight building envelope, and energy efficient lighting.
I was unable to visit the building due to it being a seasonal facility. So if you plan on visiting- check the hours first!
This is my newest design for a net-zero energy house. It is small, passive solar, and relatively easy to construct. Materials used are cob, straw-bale, engineered timber, SIP, and integrated solar roofing.
It’s code name is Solunit- a brother to the Moonunit.