There are also Hay-Bale houses with R values in the low 50s. Some of the houses constructed with Hay-Bales have lasted over a century. The tech has been around that long. Last time I looked Hay was fairly abundant as well.

Ambient Sound, neat idea, got any links? I wanna read up on it some more as Me and my Father are planning to build a high effiency cottage this spring/summer/fall. We haven't even started to drill the piers or well yet so our options are still wide open.

I see you guys used alot of recycled tires! What type of solar are you using? Heating or Panels?

Solar Panels for the 'well'
Passive for the houses-
the brick house has hot water pipes under the floor, solar, and passive, propane 'point of use' water heater
the straw house has wood and propane and batteries
the sticks house has a 12V battery, wood, and propane

It is Arizona- at 7000 elevation tho-

You are definately practicing what you are preaching.

What is a sticks house??

[edit on 17-3-2005 by sardion2000]

sticks = wood

We used a lot of recycled wood and continue to do so - (for the addition)

We used cheap recycled plywood, then covered it and with natural looking siding- 2*4 were new, but beams were recycled- not only are they pre-seasoned- but they are 1/2 the cost as well!

Our solar well is powered by a 80 watt panel that tracks the sun- The excess solar energy powers the brick house

Aah, I thought that was what you meant Just wanted to be sure is all. Well I am impressed to say the least

What do you think of the new "Spray On" Solar Panels? They just had a bit of a breakthrough in the cost(not effiency) of the product. It's around half the cost I believe at 2/3rds the effiency of regular panels(don't quote me on that)

How many folks here are using bio-fuels in their diesel vehicles. I've been considering it, especially with the gas prices rising so much.

Who here is successfully using alternative fuels in their vehicles? I am at least am looking to up my fuel efficiency in my vehicle.

Troy

Well I know of no one as of yet, but there IS a Biofuel pump just down the street so if my dad were to do such a thing it would not be that hard. It might be a bit pricey but not difficult at all. Only bad thing is when you drive around your car smells like a Fast Food joint (outside that is not inside)

[edit on 27-3-2005 by sardion2000]

I guess smelling McDonalds fries is better than gagging on normal diesel. Of course you might be hungry all the time for fast food.

Damn, you could have the problem of getting fat from fast food visits.

Troy

Thats whats great about the west, you can build whatever kind of earthship you want and no one bitches about it. Here in the east, they would show up with court orders and bulldozers to level them. I'm hoping to at least bring in some solar voltics and water along with a graywater filter for ornimental gardens. I'm also considering a hybrid, but the availablity is still a little price and slim pickings.

That's a pretty cool site. Got me wanting an electric car, and an electric ATV.

Troy