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Temperate Natural Building
Elements
Orientation of axis to sun
Insulation and draft-proofing
High thermal mass
Ventilation
Insulated ground under house
Heat banks
Cold banks and wall shading (deciduous trees if possible)
Attached greenhouse/shadehouse/watertanks
The use of large eves to let winter sun in, keep summer sun out.
Design strategies
Careful draft proofing of all doors/windows
Insulation of walls and ceilings (Reduces heating bills by 50%)
Attached greenhouse to the sun side. (double glass or closed off from house)
Adding heat mass as concrete slabs, tanks, and brick or stonework
Catastophe Design
Learn climatic and landform history of area and site. Use common sense, and if there are rare external energies (ex. hurricanes) assume they will happen and plan accordingly.
Keep damp mulched gardens
Design with ponds
Include succulent ground covers
Acquire appropriate foraging animals to 'rake' up leaves
Plant slow-burning, high-ash-content (least combustible) species
Other issues: flood, earth-movements, cyclone, hurricane, tsunami, lava, etc.
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