Category: Structures and Design

Frost-Protected, Field-Stone Stub Foundation: Material Saving Hybrid

October 4, 2023

Our current building project is exploring how we can create a structure using local materials. We’re currently building the foundation and thinking a lot about how to create a firm, long-lasting platform on which we can build the rest of the structure while using as little time, effort, and materials as possible. Typical Foundation In … More Frost-Protected, Field-Stone Stub Foundation: Material Saving Hybrid

Upcoming Workshop — Build (Timber-Framing) Sawhorses, Apr. 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

March 29, 2023

This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically run $50 with a cap of $500 for ten or more. See also: Build a Mallet (Mar. … More Upcoming Workshop — Build (Timber-Framing) Sawhorses, Apr. 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

Upcoming Workshop — Build a (Timber-Framing) Mallet, Apr. 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

March 28, 2023

This year we’re building a timber-frame workshop and we’ll have classes almost every weekend, covering this build from start to finish. See our Events page for the complete schedule, which is being finalized at this time. Classes typically run $50 with a cap of $500 for ten or more. See also: Sawhorses (Apr. 15), Tool … More Upcoming Workshop — Build a (Timber-Framing) Mallet, Apr. 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., $50 ($40 for members)

Timber Framing and Thatching — Upcoming Work Days — Saturdays & Sundays June–July, Free (Space is Limited)

May 12, 2021

This year we’ll be building a timber-frame compost and garden hutch, and we’d like to invite you to come join us to get some hands-on experience. Timber framing was the dominant wood-based building method for hundreds of years before modern stick framing was developed to take advantage of smaller, cheaper pieces of wood. Instead of … More Timber Framing and Thatching — Upcoming Work Days — Saturdays & Sundays June–July, Free (Space is Limited)

New Video: No. 23 — Walipini: In-Ground Greenhouse

February 19, 2021

In this video, we put together photos, video, and other information about our in-ground Walipini greenhouse. We started this project in 2017. You can see some blog posts about this topic to read more: Design (https://lowtechinstitute.org/2017/11/07/walipini-earthbag-greenhouse-design/)Siting (https://lowtechinstitute.org/2017/10/12/walipini-earth-bag-greenhouse-siting-and-bags/)Foundation (https://lowtechinstitute.org/2017/11/06/walipini-earthbag-greenhouse-foundation-and-bags/)Update (https://lowtechinstitute.org/2019/12/18/walipini-update/) Please remember to subscribe to our YouTube Channel! You can find all of our videos under … More New Video: No. 23 — Walipini: In-Ground Greenhouse

Research Project No. 7 — Hot Box Compost: Modular Composting System that Heats, Waters, and Fertilizes Grow Bed for Off-Season Production

December 9, 2020

This project tests the performance of a modular, scalable compost box that uses a composting chamber to support an attached growing bed with nitrogen, moisture, carbon dioxide, and heat to grow greens in the shoulder and off seasons; includes a series of controlled tests to determine best practices. … More Research Project No. 7 — Hot Box Compost: Modular Composting System that Heats, Waters, and Fertilizes Grow Bed for Off-Season Production