Sub Slab Plumbing

Plumber installed sub slab drains and vents.  I didn't realize so many vents were needed so didn't have it all marked out so had to rush around when they showed up.  Plumbers are go go go.   Not a big fan of rushing.  Hopefully I got them in the right place !@#@!  :-o.  Brody is now responsible for all picture

Site Grading for Concrete Pads

Jeremy showed up (yesterday) and did a great job grading and compacting the site for the concrete pads.  I am quite sore today from raking and shoveling.  Left ~1" below final grade (I used Jeremy's laser level) as can't get right on with this shale material.  Will need to bring in a little gravel (small sized stones 1/2"

Changed Title and Updated Brief History on May 16 post

Finished floor joists over basement including plywood with carpenter and his guys.
Dozer got dropped off so hopefully will start grading pad tomorrow.

Updated Design Principles and added a Brief History on May 16 post

Finished basement sub slab insulation.  started measuring off and placing floor joists for basement.
Concrete contractor may be able to back fill Monday now.  Fairly slow again due to inexperience.

 Sunny and 20deg !! Updated design principles on May 16 again with a little more info.  Picked up pneumatic tamper at post office (bought refurbished from Detroit as can't rent here).  Will need a 100cfm at 90PSI compressor to run this (the tow behind a vehicle kind.  Thankfully I can rent that here).  Ripped  inserts off basement walls concrete contractor didn't remove.  Put Delta MS in basement for under slab and started insulation. 
Went fairly slowly as first time and

Hauled basement floor trusses up to lot (had stored in old milk barn as had them built last fall in anticipation of starting construction).  Ordered and placed drain rock around basement drain.  Covered over with filter fabric and secured with rocks.  Hauled dirt back into basement :-( to bring root cellar up to desired grade.  Put down a layer of the drain rock as well.  Left enough dirt and stone to finish root cellar after basement poured.  Hard physical work.  Overworked back again and it is tender.  Will add some more pictures tonight.

The weather is still the story

I know I said I wouldn't say it but it is pouring even harder this morning and I am wasting time blogging.  Will go and build the rammed earth forms in the barn (or maybe an arc).   Drilled first hole for rammed earth wall forms in 1” plywood too small (1” instead of 3/4”) will have to sand/file out.  Thought pipes for RE wall were 3/4” OD but are 3/4” ID (apparently steel pipes go by ID.  Should have measured).  Brody seeing if old windows in red barn could

The first post on the actual date

Spent the morning (it is now 12:45 and I haven't done a stitch of physical work) e-mailing friends and getting this blog up.  Sill raining (I probably should only report the weather the next time it changes.)  I probably should get Angela to take over this blog :-)
Went to the lot and dropped off wheel barrow.  A mud hole and still pouring.  Went to Home depot to get drill bit (1 1/4") for rammed earth wall.  Basically accomplished zilch.  Hopefully better luck tomorrow.

A brief history, a brief explanation of house design principles, a few plan pictures and catch up postings

BRIEF HISTORY:

Why we are doing this can be partially garnered form the "Extra Message" (now removed) in the heading of this blog.

Some of the other motivating factors include the following:

Export surplus clean green renewable energy into the grid (there are issues with this such as energy storage);  conservation of non renewable fossil fuels and reduction of pollution; cultivate a lifestyle of conservation and non materialism; produce as much of our own food as possible, using organic permaculture, to address food quality issues, food security and pollution in its generation, processing and transportation; help spread awareness; get more involved and gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world that ultimately sustains us,  eventually connect with and build meaningful relationships and community with like minded people ( for example http://communityplanet.org/blog ) and ultimately live a more enjoyable life.

Again, I must stress that although the things listed above are necessary for a better future, the current mass ignorance and/or  ambivalence about these issues are simply symptoms of our current system's underlying value disorders (that we can correct if we choose).  Solutions being attempted (unfortunately most environmental activism) under current "market systems" have proven incapable of affecting significant and lasting change (for example these things are often near impossible if you can't afford them in our current system).  Please see John McMurtry's (professor, University of Guelph) book, "The Cancer Stage of Capitalism" for further understanding.  Here is a link to a brief synopsis http://www.islandnet.com/plethora/mai/cancer.html.

We began doing our own research for this project in the summer of 2009.  I had drawn some preliminary designs in Google SketchUp but we decided (for many reasons) in October of 2009, after we had purchased the land,  that we would look for design help.  In February 2010 we started working with an ecotect (ecology versus arches in architecture) firm in Calgary called A.S.H Inc.