Note: (mar 04)..the following was partially developed as text for the Smart Shelter Introductory course in Natural Building. As it currently exists, it is a reminder list for some important ingredients to look for or include in a natural building project. Much further development of criterion would be needed prior to construction.

Natural Building Shells... (not completed)

Stucco and Plaster Systems...(not completed)

GLAZING- r-3 to r-11 glass systems

Thermopane

Tripple glazed units

Low E

UV filter coating

Argon filled

INSULATION-

Cellulose/recycled paper

Super-insulation

low dust fiberglass

Retrofit insulation

Radiant barriers

WATER-

Water catchment

wells

runnoff retention

created wetlands

gray water

Sewage (black water ) alternatives: composting toilets, biological

onsite treatment

Flow restricting faucets/ showers

Low volume flush toilets

Filtration

Drip /subsurface irrigation

Ground water barriers

Distillation

Creative uses for chlorinated water (besides drinking it)

POWER-

Photo voltaic

Photo voltaic prewire (for future conversion)

Wind power

Mini-hydro

Fuel cells

Net metering

Electric car charging stations (size elect. serv. for future add on)

HEATING-

Passive solar (computer design possible)

Active solar

Ground source

Russian Stoves

Circulating hot water gas

Massing

COOLING-

Passive cooling

Ground source

Water body source

Evaporative

Shielding systems , awnings, window covers

Retrofit remedial shielding -overheating rooms

massing

(note- a well designed, super insulated house seldom needs

additional cooling)

LIGHTING-

day lighting

Energy efficient lighting (emf considerations)

HOT WATER-

Demand gas water heaters

Thru-flow electric shower heads

Solar hot water

Integrated gas water heater/hot water boilers

APPLIANCES-

Solar ovens

Hi-efficiency appliances (Maytag)

TOXICITY CONCERNS

MCS awareness

Formaldehyde avoidance

CFC's

Pesticides

Preservatives

Radon

Aerosols

Carpeting

Chipboard/plywoods (especially cabinets)

Foam boards

EMF

AIR QUALITY-

filtration

Fresh air/ heat exchangers

humidification

Toxic exhausting

Vented appliances

FINISHES-

Low VOC paints

Vegetable source oils

Sealing systems for toxic materials

Stucco systems

Plaster systems

FLOOR COVERINGS-

Poured adobe

Brick/ masonry

stone

Natural wood

Natural fiber/ non-toxic rugs (removable)

MISCELLANEOUS-

Reused building materials/ fixtures

Computer hookups

FOOD PRODUCTION-

All weather greenhouses

Composting equipment

Storage/root cellars

Livestock facilities.

LIFE STYLES/HOME PRODUCTS-

Bio-compatable cleaning products

Outgasing/ toxic clothing

COMMUNITY IMPACT-

] Group building participation- bale parties/ stucco parties

Education programs during building phase

Workshops on site

School tours

Home tours

Videos/ slide shows of building process

Media coverage