My name is Paul Travitzky and I've stumbled onto this site because I wanted to start something similar. So since this is already under way, I figured I might as well join in and see what I can do to help. I don't blog at all so this is new ground for me. Who ever is running this site please contact me through my email and let me know who you are and what are your immediate goals. I do have one suggestion right now and that's to concentrate your housing ideas to build underground housing. Like the Shire in the story. It would be beneficial three ways: 1. Heating and AC costs would be cut drastically (ground temp is a constant 65 degrees when you reach below the frost line) 2. building costs are reduced ( exterior paint and trimmings aren't necessary when your building is underground). 3 Protection from the weather (Hurricanes and Tornado's go over the house without damaging the home. Before you nay say this. The house would NOT be completely underground. Look at the Shire in the movie and see how the facing of the house is still exposed in the side of the dirt mound that covers the rest of the home. Plus you can incorporate light tubes and or domes that would allow light into the rooms.

I just got called into work so I have to leave but please contact me and I will fill you in on the project more. I would like to become part of something that can and will change the world.

Our goal is a building design that fades seamlessly into the environment. underground homes, and more specifically earth bags, cob and stone will be the primary building technique. I want to stay away from large uses of off site and unsustainable materials like concrete.

Thenor'
Have you considered aquaculture? Heating and cooling with a thermal loop system integrated into the ponds does wonders. Also, ntrate catchment from detritus can be used for green fertilizer for gardens. One other thing, if you have hardwoods you can use fallen leaves in the fall along with wood chips from mill to make wood pellets or pressed logs for supplimental heating in winter. Any plans for bio-fuel? Always thought it would be cool to have a underground living structure with an above ground entrance that for all outward appearances looks like an old stump complete with spiral staircase.

our goal is to make the houses be dynamic yet to fit naturally in to the environment. Stage one will involve the creation of a living machine. which will have at least 2 tanks for aquaculture production which will hopefully go to a airoponics grid to grow peppers, tomatoes and other yummy's that we can, all year long.

Are there any BLM rules and regs as far as watershed diversion is concerned? Think about this, a four tiered elevated aquaculture station. The first "tier" would contain trout or other high oxygen fish, second tier, breem, perch, bluegill or catfish, third tier, mollusks or crustaceans and the fourth tier used for the rearing of aquatic edible plants.
What are the topographics for the fourty? Natural stone available? Placement of structures, sun arc and the utilization of a trombe wall if you have the rock available. Who did the timber cruising? Any estimate on board feet? You may want to do a market survey to see if there is any interest in green milled custom cut lumber. That may be a niche and selling point and garner a higher cost per board foot than industry standard. Could you give me a species and count rundown? Has anything been graded?
Join or peruse www.fixingtheplanet.com there are people on that board with resources and knowledge who may have some insight. If you are looking for up to date information check out the Energy Blog, many recent innovations are posted there daily. Gotta run, I'll be back.

There are other materials that can be used to create the structure other than concrete. I just wanted a strong inexpensive material that would be able to handle the structural weight of the dirt above the roof. I have many other ideas that can be incorporated into the Shire (been thinking and researching this for about a year). If you ever want to call me about it no problem. 1-866-317-4378 or my cell number when I'm not home 1-334-538-5429
To much to type and too little time. I will mention that we can we can help with some of the cost for forming the N.P.O. but we can talk about that later. I think though you have to be in existence for three years before you can get status for that. It might vary state to state, I check the rules on that.

Enjoy and may 2008 be better that all your years before!

You can check out our website at www.monkeyboyproducts.com to see what my wife and I are all about.