[Greenbuilding] Gaviotas

[Frank Tettemer]

_Racheli. wrote:_

It's been a long time since I read Gaviotas, but if I remember 
correctly, the
whole idea was very much earth-centered, in the sense that they wanted to
develop appropriate technologies for third world countries (since much of
the technologies developed in industrial countries is too expensive and not
really available for the poor.)
They figured that if it's possible to succeed in living appropriately 
and in
harmony with nature in an inhospitable place such as that, it should be
possible most anywhere (on the planet.)

IMO this is very different from all that space crap, and the intent/spirit
behind it.

Racheli.
 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

_I write:_

Totally.


Gaviotas has taken just as long to develop, but they have work under a 
driven sense  of need, invested with the most frugal use of high 
technology equipment.
I love the simplicity of their water pumping windmill design.

Having been involved building wind charging alternators with earth 
magnets and logging truck axle bearings, and then realizing we had just 
built a 300+ ampere producing machine, (so now how do we deal with 
it??), charge control it, and not fry the FETTS and diodes, and provide 
a disconnect switch that must be able to handle well over 400 amps of 
current, during hurricanes and such.

But the overall intention of planned community for sustainability, Real 
Sustainability, not the kind we all build here in North America, (even 
the greenest  greenies on our list).  No offense to anyone, myself 
included.

There intention of building from the earth up has instigated the 
direction of their science, based upon simplicity and the natural energy 
systems available, to recycle, compost, bio dynamic gardening, water and 
waste systems.
.
Many of us on this list, especially in North America, have had the 
experiences in our lives, of designing and building sustainable homes 
for our clients, (and inevitably based upon "their" idea of greenest 
homes).
And when trying to do our best, I still feel the difference of building 
for someone here who actually can afford to 'buy' into green, by using a 
slew of highest-tech energy systems, incorporated into their electrical 
systems, their insulating systems, heating and cooling systems, water 
and waste systems, such of the likes that I enjoy reading and discussing 
on this list..
Such the like that Cheryl and I enjoy in our own home, growing and 
freezing our garden,( using wind and solar. ).

  It has taken us three decades of experiences, in this "off-grid 
living-laboratory", plus probably more than 50 grand invested in 
equipment, to become fairly sustainable, while we both work full time 
jobs. Because here in North America, we CAN do that if we work at it.  I 
admit it. We are privileged, even the poorest among us.
Gaviotas has taken just as long to develop, but they have worked for 
decades under a driven sense  of need, invested with the most frugal use 
of high technology equipment.

My greatest wish is for all the 'smart stuff' that we builders develop,
to have greatest benefit to developing countries over the next few decades,
to allow a 'standard of living', that's healthier and  livelier, such as 
Gaviotas.
(Even while we in North America learn to do well, be happy and healthy,
during the coming oil decline decades, and transforming to a life of 
lesser financial prosperity, and greater value added sense of community.)

I like what they are doing there.

Cheers,
Frank

Frank Tettemer
Living Sol ~ Building and Design
www.livingsol.com
613 756 3884



--