These are the predators that will lay siege to the garden. I must make a fence. Putting the first plants in tomorrow.
I've also been thinking about how this whole covering scheme will work and I think I've figured it out.
Step 1: Mosquito screen around the whole wall section.
Step 2: Cover Entire Frame with heavy duty shrink wrap. While Covering, leave spiral flap around top third of wall to serve as water catchment system.
Step 3: Expand water catchment area while simultaneously shielding open windows by suspending 'flying shades' at strategic areas where there is natural tree support.
Here are some very rough digital sketches of what I have in mind.
Shades similar to the above will dramatically increase water catchment area for the house and also create an additional buffer from the elements. With these shades there should be little need for closing windows (other than screens) during the summertime. In addition, the upper tier shades shall be angled so as to allow the sun to pass underneath during the cool times of day but block most of the mid afternoon sun. Actual shape and frequency of flying shade(s) and windows to be determined on-site by available trees and relative sun position.
This was certainly easier to draw than it will be to build.
Do you plan on pooling the water in the top section, or will it be guided into some type of storage tanks? Do you have any added protection or plans for snow load? The tree coverage above you might be sufficient, but if that top section filled with 6-12 inches of snow, do you think it will handle the load?
ReplyDeleteThings are looking great my man! Keep up the great work!
Scott
Good point - For clarity, we can say that the 'flying shades' are the top section. The water will be guided into storage tanks via a spiral 'gutter' that will encircle the exterior walls of the dwelling (thus catching all of the water as the top section will simply drop water onto the roof of the dwelling. However - The design above no longer completely appeals to me. I've come to realize that this is a crucial juncture so I'm taking time to figure it out appropriately. The problem with catching rain in the above way is that I will certainly have storage tanks, but they will be at ground and so for the water to get anywhere above that level will require energy (and then more for any decent flow). I'm thinking that since the rain has more embedded energy the higher it is, then I should capture it up high. So now the plan is to have a separate water catchment 'area' which is uphill from both the boulder and the yurt. The storage tanks will be atop a 15' or so platform which should provide more than adequate pressure to a shower or a sink anywhere around that area. I would imagine I could store 300 gallons or so at a time - to be replenished with precipitation of course.
ReplyDeleteI think the roof is steep enough (and will be slick enough) to fend off any snow that falls on it. The tree cover is not adequate to block snow (i don't know this of course). I don't think the roof would be able to hold too much weight.
Here's another thing. With winter, there will be some problems to solve w/r/t the whole water system. The catchment above will certainly freeze solid, as will all the hoses. I could potentially run hoses below frost line but that still leaves a bunch of frozen barrels. The winter situation needs work - any ideas?
I would suggest looking into a SOLAR STILL. you should be able to either incorporate this into an elevate structure, but supporting the weight will be difficult. 300 gallons of water will weigh in at approximatly 2500 pounds.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could dig into the earth using a solar still type setup and the ground temperature to prevent freezing of your water.
If you could design some form of pressure siphon you should be able to generate enough suction if you draw from the bottom of your water storage tank...it will be even easier if you have a hill nearby. If you were to pipe a portion of the siphoned line, you could build a fire under it, then provide yourself with hot water...thats getting a bit tricky though. I have faith in you sir!
Also, have you figured out your wind direction. Do you think this will be substantial, or do you predict it will have little to no effect on the rain pattern for trapment?
Scott