Living Large with Little Footprints

To address the need of saving the environment, the use of an electric vehicle is rising as time goes by. With the increase use of EV, it simply means an increase demand to renewable energy. This concept made designer Neville Mars convinced to create the solar forest. The solar forest has trees that are composed of photovoltaic leaves, which is responsible of collection solar power. Each of the trees’ trunks has a power outlet available for use in order to charge up an electric vehicle. Aside from charging, the photovoltaic leave also provides shades to ever car and its users while charging.

Having grown up in South Africa where having blistered palms was part of the summer driving experience the idea that you can have renewable energy, and shade to park in is incredible. Anyone want to predict how long till this is a reality? My guess by 2020!

Designed by IC Green Inc, the recycled shipping container house is just another addition to the green container architecture that we have in the world today. Aside from the recycled container as its main material, this wonderful green housing boasts off their numerous green features inside the house. These features include the eco friendly finishing materials used inside the house. The green roof this eco-house has is another eco-friendly feature that made the IC Green Inc. is proud. This house is energy efficient as well with its radiant floor system, highly insulated envelope to minimize the overall demand for energy. Solar and geothermal energy system can also be installed upon request.

It seems that many tiny house dwellers are single, this miniature home is all set for a family. Really neat pictures of both the family and the cosy cabin.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/48439883@N00/sets/72157605304375665/

These housing units at a Thai orphanage look really funky. I assume that it doesn’t get cold very often!

Living with small footprints and making the best use of the resources we already have is a must. I came across this site and article which are thought provoking and really good advice too.

http://www.makeitandmendit.com/2009/08/19/prolonging-the-life-of-school-uniform/

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2008/08/in-search-of-ti/

I found this link to an interesting article this morning more grist for the mini mill

This is a great read and worth following.

http://www.tinyhouseliving.com/tag/issue19/

Well Hi there I love reading other people’s blogs and so I think it is only fair I contribute too. I am a 40 year old happily partnered man. I have two wonderful children, a great job and the privilege to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, New Zealand.

I have a dream, to one day build my own house, situated away from the rat race on my own piece of land. A lot of this blog will be about that, designs for houses, great ideas and other reasonably on topic ramblings. I hope whoever passes through finds the thoughts on offer interesting.