BIG SUSTAINABLE LIFE

This week we are looking at sustainable building, taught by Ben Jones, and how we can incorporate green, recycled, and sustainable materials into good, efficient design.  The farm at VISFI has many such buildings that serve as examples of the type of home or community center you would want to build in its given climate (tropical), to serve its needs (shelter, water, and energy) and to make use of appropriate materials (local sustainably harvested wood).

Today we discussed the principles of green or sustainable building which are:

- use green recycled and sustainable materials

- build passive energy systems

- minimize energy use

- prevent all erosion

- disturb the smallest amount of land possible, and leave as much vegetation possible

- use local materials when possible

When then talked about the steps you would take when designing and implementing a building starting with the conceptual design (what is it that you want to design), the schematic design (how will you design it, construct it), design development (blueprint), and construction documents (permits, zoning requirements, etc.)

As for the implementation phase we discussed steps to follow:

- survey the site

- set up erosion control systems

- foundation work

- sub-floor/electrical, plumbing

- structure

- roof’

- skin (interior and exterior walls)

- windows and doors

- floors/porches

- interior/finish work

During this week our class will have the opportunity to work on several sustainable building projects here on the farm including, thatching a bohio (a traditional Taino hut made of wood posts and palm leaves), laying a wood floor down on a new cabana, and setting up the ground work for a living bamboo jungle gym.  This is going to be fun.