Adaptive Design Method

This approach creates a balanced and resilient system in which our activities align, in a positive way, with the environment and the culture where all resources are continually reused and replenished. We believe that every location will inform our design process. Climate, culture, available materials, local skill set, and need are all equally important contributing factors.

Our structures incorporate a holistic, circular approach with the aim of reducing waste, reusing materials and utilizing regenerative mechanical systems.

The build process focuses not only on minimizing negative impacts on the environment, but also actively restores and improves it.

We provide accessible learning to local communities that emphasize the skills and practical knowledge needed to embrace environmentally responsible self-reliance.

“Earning while learning” is a key component in creating meaningful job opportunities that align with sustainable principles. Job creation honors the place and the people.

On the community level, the goal is to foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. We facilitate builds that support community resilience and positive evolution.

Within this approach we have identified 9 Fundamental Elements which are the guiding force behind every project:

THE FUNDAMENTALS:

EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT

  • The transfer of knowledge is a core goal of ECOHAB. We believe that Education is power. Throughout all of our projects we offer explanation of approach and theory in the classroom followed by hands on learning in the field. Locals, guests and teachers all build and learn together.

    Whenever possible we pay locals during the education process. Employment is often a critical need within the communities we engage. The concept of “earning while learning” helps to build a motivated team who’s skill development becomes very valuable as the project progresses.

SELF-RELIANCE

  • Ecohabs provide for all basic human needs without depending on outside mechanical sources or infrastructure. This approach creates independence from corporations and other entities that may not always have our best interest in mind. Once in place, our systems operate with minimal or no cost. Being in control of our own needs with little associated long term cost creates Self-Reliance.

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

  • ECOHAB is committed to creating an Inclusive learning and working environment for all people. We believe that challenging, meaningful work can unite people from varied backgrounds. We sweat together, laugh together and succeed together. Together we build a Community of mutual trust and respect.

WATER CATCHMENT

  • Rain water is collected from the roof and stored in protected cisterns. The water is then filtered for use as drinking and domestic water. On site Water Catchment establishes water security for all.

WASTE WATER TREAMENT & RECYCLING

  • The water in each of our buildings is used a total of four times. At the end of the cycle, grey water (sinks and showers) and black water (toilets) are separated into lined planters and used for food production. These contained planter “cells” use every drop of waste water with zero discharge into the ground or waterways. Onsite Wastewater treatment and Recycling is important in reducing wasteful water use and keeping our surrounding environment healthy.

ENERGY PRODUCTION

  • Ecohabs generate their own electricity by utilizing battery based solar electric systems. We store energy produced from the sun on site for all electrical needs. These systems are even very effective in cloudy environments. Energy Production is a component of every build.

PASSIVE HEATING & COOLING

  • Each ECOHAB incorporates passive (non-mechanical) techniques of heating and cooling. This is accomplished by surrounding massive materials with insulative materials. Temperature is stored in the mass (masonry, stone, tires packed with earth) and kept there with insulation (cardboard, crushed plastics). Passive Heating & Cooling defines the design of each ECOHAB based on the locations’ climate. When warmth is needed the building will face the sun and windows will allow the sun to heat the mass. When cooling is desired, hot air rises out of ventilation “chimneys” and is replaced by cool air supplied from underground tubes.

FOOD PRODUCTION

  • The contained grey and backwater planters offer endless opportunity for Food Production. Food producing plants grow readily without the need for irrigation and help to mitigate waste water issues.

NATURAL & REPURPOSED MATERIALS

  • We strive to use natural materials native to the locality while also incorporating repurposed material where ever possible.