TURTLE FEATHER CENTRE for SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Just a few of our recent projects...using recycled materials for creation of space and retrofits to existing structures to reduce energy use. (from top to bottom).

Broken slab recycled for patio area next to small pond.  Set as three layers using no mortar. Material removed from a construction site was was given a "new life" as an aesthetic improvement instead of an "eye sore" or cluttering up a landfill.

Cabin retrofitted with solar chimney (passive cooling device appears as "wood" chimney in centre of roof), shutters (keeping direct sunlight from reflecting into living areas through windows), arid landscaping (utilising underground grey water distribution as irrigation), earth plastering  (over cement/earth block construction using local materials mixed with 1 part portland cement) and (in-process) lime wash paint (using hydrated lime and coloured "fines" as a tinting agent).

"Masonry" style thermal mass fireplace fashioned of super adobe in the traditional "behive" mode, and finished with an earth based plaster.  Essentially a wood fired radiant"heater", a small fire is built in a steel firebox and the door closed.  The heat is absorbed into the earth mass and is slowly dispersed back into the living space.  Uses little wood and provides radiant heat for hours after the fire as died out.

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