Modular Construction
This dome is the first of several, ultimately allowing for three units connected by causeways.
A model autonomous living concept for the 21st century.
The unique design of Building 1 is a vast improvement over traditional structures. The "dome" provides superior protection against severe wind conditions and greater energy efficiency. The aesthetics of the free spanning geodisic dome lends a futuristic look to the site.
Building alternatives. Living the solution.
Natural Fiber Insulation
Denim insulation is made from high-quality natural fibers. These fibers contain inherent qualities that provide for extremely effective sound absorption and maximum thermal performance. The material has no Fiberglass Itch and is easy to handle and work with. It contains no chemical irritants and requires no warning labels compared to other traditional products. There are no VOC concerns when using denim insulation, as it is safe for you and the environment.
Denim insulation meets the highest ASTM testing standards for fire and smoke ratings, fungi resistance and corrosiveness. Most denim insulation contains 80% post-consumer recycled natural fibers making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to use a high quality sustainable building material.
Solar Powered Off-Grid Electrical Power
Harness the power of the sun to generate your electricity and provide security during power outages. The BPS-1250-S solar package is engineered to allow you to create and use your own energy to power household appliances.Alternatively Fueled Heating and Cooking
Alternative fuels can range from dried corn kernels to cherry pits, but one of the most popular forms of alternative fueling is a sawdust based product pressed into the form of a pellet. When burned, these pellets are clean burning and highly efficient for heating rooms or homes of all sizes.
This type of alternative stove allows you to follow the “100 mile Rule” in ecology which is that you should try and use suppliers that live within that radius to heat your home and feed your children.
Well Water
Situated on pristine farm land in rural South Carolina, the campus utilizes the ample ground water supply beneath its foundation. The process of filtering and cleaning water uses a significant amount of energy and creates pollution. Using well water is good for the environment because it cuts down on the amount of pollution that is put back into the air since the filtration process is smaller scale and relies less on large machinery.
Well water is reported to have a cleaner taste since it isn't heavily treated with chemicals to be drinkable. Taste depends on the chemicals present in the soil and rocks around the well, but in general, well water drinkers say the taste quality is superior to what comes from the municipal water supply.
Rainwater Harvesting with Cisterns
A popular alternative way to provide water to the home is through collecting rain water. The water from your rain gutters is channeled into the cistern and then pumped back into your home as you need it.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most common treatment for potable rainwater systems. Chemical treatment should be unnecessary, especially since rainwater starts out so clean (assuming there are no severe local sources of air pollution). Rainwater is one of the purest sources of water that exists in the world, provided air pollution in the area is sufficiently low.
Build It Yourself
In these economically challenging times we wanted the A.R.C. to be a model of affordable construction and self-sufficiency. That means trying to use as little institutional financing as possible, low utility costs and some means of food production. The most efficient means to achieve these ends is by working with others of like mind and commitment.Community
The status quo of contemporary living in our world community is ever evolving. It is our intention to share in the collective responsibility of both igniting growth and preserving the well being of our community. At the A.R.C. the benefits of new technology are enjoined with environmental conscientousness and applied to the microcosm of family, yielding an exemplary model of sustainable housing and community development.
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