Retreat Homes
From DmesWiki
How are you going to build a comfortable retreat home in a place where there is no electricity, no running water, and in many sites no place for a septic tank? The solution also happens to be the gentlest, most compassionate lifestyle, one that enriches rather than depleting the environment. No particular recommendations here, just food for thought. Add your favorites! To contact us, click here (mailto:retreat@dmes.org).
Water--where to get it
Important considerations about water [1] (http://www.dmes.org/bart/hut1_files/Water.htm)
Harvesting rain water: local systems and why [2] (http://weeklywire.com/ww/08-24-98/tw_feat.html), FAQ sheet [3] (http://www.harvesth2o.com/faq.shtml#1) and general article [4] (http://www.motherearthnews.com/top_articles/2003_August_September/Harvest_the_Rain)
Solar power water pump [5] (http://www.solar4power.com/solar-power-water-pump.html)
City of Tucson water harvesting manual (this is an excellent detailed summary of water harvesting for our climate) [6] (http://www.dot.ci.tucson.az.us/stormwater/education/waterharvest.cfm)
Gray water site assessment checklist [7] (http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/createanoasis/GWsiteAssessmentForm.pdf)
Living off the grid-this is actually a big advantage to quiet retreat, but what can we do for light and refrigeration?
Where do we get our power? [8] (http://www.dmes.org/bart/hut1_files/SolarPower.htm)
The Solar Living Institute [9] (http://www.solarliving.org)
Solar LED Lighting [10] (http://www.hollysolar.com/html/pdf.html)
Sky-lighting and solar attic fans [11] (http://www.solatube.com/)
Real Goods--Products for an ecologically sustainable future [12] (http://www.realgoods.com/)
Mother Earth News (back issues to the '70's--lots of articles on how to live simply) [13] (http://www.motherearthnews.com/main/)
Non-electric kitchen and other appliances [14] (http://www.lehmans.com/)
Food preservation [15] (http://www.omick.net/food_preservation/food_preservation.htm)
Fire prevention - One of our biggest concerns will be fire. We need to educate ourselves and be very careful so as not to endanger each other and the creatures who share our land.
Rules for retreaters and everyone who stays at Diamond Mountain: fire article
Excellent website with links to lots of information on wildfire prevention here (http://www.mrsc.org/subjects/pubsafe/wildfire.aspx).
General information on Arizona fire considerations here (http://www.azfireinfo.com/).
Food considerations--cooking without fuel, and having fresh greens without refrigeration
Fresh-baked off-the grid biscuits [16] (http://www.dmes.org/bart/hut1_files/grain%20foods.htm)
Solar Cookers International (fuel-free cooking up to 350 degrees): [17] (http://solarcookers.org/)
Everything you need to know about sprouting your own greens [18] (http://www.sproutpeople.com/)
Sewage, and considerations about graywater/blackwater
Composting toilets [19] (http://www.dmes.org/bart/hut1_files/composttoilet.html)
Humanure Handbook [20] (http://www.weblife.org/humanure/index.html)
Construction
Tiny houses (this site also has a lot of interesting links) [21] (http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses.htm#)
Low tech methods used in remote mountanous Himalayan regions [22] (http://mountaintechnology.tripod.com/intro/siteintro.html)
Natural building photo gallery (look here for ideas) [23] (http://www.potkettleblack.com/natbild/)
50 Plans for Straw Bale Houses [24] (http://www.balewatch.com/)
CalEarth Forum (earth bag construction and more): [25] (http://www.calearth.org/)
Mandala Custom Homes (pre-fab wooden yurts from Canada) [26] (http://www.mandalahomes.com/)
Strawbale web resources: [27] (http://www.skillful-means.com/menupages/resourcesweb.html)
Adobe, rammed-earth, etc. [28] (http://www.adobebuilder.com/)
E-Crete autoclaved aerated concrete (fire-resistant, green building material) [29] (http://www.e-crete.com/index.html)
Can't decide if you want a yurt or a dome? Try a yome! [30] (http://www.redskyshelters.com/)
IcoPods and DecaPods [31] (http://www.thepod.net)
Ecotecture (online journal of ecological design) [32] (http://www.ecotecture.com/index.html)
Neighbors and friends - The desert is full of life. As you become quiet they will start to come to you. Learn their habits, learn how to care for them so our presence doesn't disrupt their homes and families.
Desert Q&A [33] (http://www.desertmuseum.org/education/faq_desert.html)
Living in the desert [34] (http://www.desertusa.com/index.html)
Animal Defense League of Arizona [35] (http://www.adlaz.org/)
Defenders of Wildlife [36] (http://www.defenders.org/)
If you find an injured or orphaned animal: [37] (http://www.tucsonwildlife.com/)
For your retreat garden - some thoughts about trading gray water for fresh vegetables.
Native seed search (Tucson area traditional crops) [38] (http://www.nativeseeds.org/v2/cat.php?catID=1)
Amaranth [39] (http://www.motherearthnews.com/features/2005_April_May/Amazing_Amaranth/)
Seed Savers Exchange [40] (http://www.seedsavers.org)
Composting [41] (http://www.compostinfo.com/main/intro.htm)
How to be safe during a monsoon storm - we have plenty of water, but it all falls at once. This article gives tips on how to deal with a deluge. monsoon article
