Architectural Designs

I there a place where I can learn how to build green houses?

Here is what I want to learn to do: -build a house out of shipping containers -build home made solar panels maybe wind -get land in the hills and nature outside of LA somewhere cheap maybe not yet developed but going to be -septic tank -well or water tower -use effective materials like bamboo -maybe farm a little -ect I have these ideas but would like to know if there is a place to get thoroughly informed on the subjects like a school, comprehensive book, in depth website, internships ect. I have question like need ideas on how to design the house, and what materials to use, and how to live rural, where to get cheap land ect. sorry i didnt mean to say a gardening house. i meant to say a residential house that is efficient.

Public Comments

1. Step1 Check for maximum sunlight before you start building. A south or southeast location is best, but any location that receives good morning sun is a good option. Northern locations are rarely a good idea. Step2 Provide good drainage for lean-to green houses. A bed of gravel with channels to drain sitting water to drain away from your home and green house is a necessity. Step3 Decide on your building materials. Many people build do-it-yourself green houses with wood or metal frames, although increasing numbers of PVC green houses are finding their way into the hobby gardener's life. Step4 Buy film plastic such as UV stabilized polyethylene to provide the walls to your green house. The least expensive is a utility grade, but it doesn't last more than a year. A commercial grade green house polyethylene protects your plants from harmful ultraviolet rays. Step5 Water plants with a hose and appropriate attachment. You can also increase green house humidity by spraying water on gravel floors. Step6 Heat your green house on particularly cold days and nights with a 220-volt circuit electric heater. You may need a fan to circulate the warm air throughout the greenhouse.
2. It is nice to hear from a like minded individual. I have been researching the same questions for the past 20 years, and have learned a lot more then I can share on this limited space. What I can do however, is give you some of the places I have turned too for the bulk of my information, or to find links to others. By following these links you will find the answers to all of the above referenced questions, as well as many that you haven't even begun to think about. Personally I have designed my own Green Home, but have not found the perfect home site in which to build it on yet, so the search continues. I have learned how to build solar panels, and wind generators. I have a very large organic vegetable garden, and I am currently constructing a Aquaponics system to raise vegetables and fish together. I use to raise Quail and Rabbits, and will probably get back into this business again soon as well. My goal is to be totally self sustaining in all aspects, power, water, and food, within the next 2 years. Good luck on your project, and I hope you find the experience as exciting and fulfilling as I have. Check out these links: www.motherearthnews.com www.instructables.com www.earthship.net www.greenhomebuilding.com www.greenhomeguide.org www.usgbc.org (US Green Build Council) www.aquaponics.com www.littlewolf.us www.earth4energy.com