Building Principles & Practices

 Every Woman Can Build!

We have chosen design & construction methods

that meet several important Building Principles & Practices here at Outland

o        As harmonious with and non-disruptive to the land as possible

o        Respectful and honoring of plant, animal and rock life

o        Accessible in the spectrum of what that means physically— walker, wheelchair, scents, light or sound pollution, chemical or environmental sensitivities, etc.

o        Affordable

o        Nontoxic, natural and recycled materials. 

      Green & environmentally sound, alternative electric & water systems

o        Water collection, gray water & composting toilets

o        Principles and skills readily learned by women with little experience or expanded on by women with a range of experience. Buildable by women with few skills.

o        Relatively quick and easy to construct and maintain

o        Fitting to women’s needs and bodies

o        Aligned with Simple Living values-- small enough to be simple and large enough to meet our needs

o        Beautiful

o        Safe, Fun, Inspiring, Expanding, Confidence-building

   Design Elements of our 2008 Outlandish Adobe Cabins

Design elements we will consider or use for our Outlandish Adobe cabins

o        Post & beam frame— fast, inexpensive, sturdy

o        Concrete stem on floating footing to hold the weight of the adobe walls

o        “Puddled” / poured adobe between the posts and beams—fast, inexpensive, durable

o        Shed metal roof—fast, inexpensive, durable

o        Extensive glass doors & windows— to blur distinction between indoors and outdoors, for lightness and airiness, spaciousness & passive solar gain

o        Easily maintained— protected adobe, metal roof, metal-clad glass, accessible materials

o        Range of physical and financial accessibility features

o        Energy-efficient and alternative systems— solar hot water, composting toilets, energy efficient appliances, roof water collection and storage, gray water system, solar or wind generated electricity, composting toilets, etc

Construction Steps & Phases You Can Experience

Overview of Construction Principles, Procedures &Hhow-To’s

Tool Use & Safety

Site

Foundation, Post & Beam Frame, Roof

Adobe Walls, Floor, Plaster, Finish Plaster

Window/Door Frames, Frame Walls, Insulation

Electric System, Plumbing

Water Collection & Gray Water

Composting Toilet

Sealing & Trim

Counters & Shelves Wood Stove & Chimney