tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.comments2024-02-17T23:26:47.941-08:00Abdallah House - Redesigning a HomeRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-47473307289379108102021-02-07T16:47:37.817-08:002021-02-07T16:47:37.817-08:00This is a great demonstration of the productivity ...This is a great demonstration of the productivity of garden farming and low impact of permaculture designed RetroSuburban living. The discipline needed to record this data should be supported by government as "cheap as chips" useful citizen science but I don't think we should hold our collective breath for that. <br /><br />Well done Richard and family<br /><br />David Holmgren co-originatorhttp://holmgren.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-35035032454812888112020-02-03T19:48:24.682-08:002020-02-03T19:48:24.682-08:00Your entire family's passion has paid off! We ...Your entire family's passion has paid off! We are beginning to think of permaculture and move away from the urban life style and the mad rat race. Thank you for the details that you add to your blog which helps a great deal for newbies who know zero about growing plants or sustainable living. <br /><br />Coming to think of it, wasn't this Gid's original plan for man? 😊 we have taken it and made it sound different and then we blame God for every problem that arises. Putting 50 hours of hard work into some one else's business and making them earn all the money as an engineer and microbiologist, maybe putting a bit of that effort into our own house and garden would be more satisfying and stressfree at the same time. freely you have received, freely givehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08734186071301931292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-6617536265919772012020-02-02T02:21:56.735-08:002020-02-02T02:21:56.735-08:00Great results Richard and valuable proof what can ...Great results Richard and valuable proof what can be done in a relatively small space following permaculture principles. You surely walk the talk.Wojciech Górnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08923235279058799796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-77548034424893237682019-01-20T20:26:11.451-08:002019-01-20T20:26:11.451-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Vicky Ramhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09594302278614605411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-17152577082376404022017-02-02T01:17:48.221-08:002017-02-02T01:17:48.221-08:00Thanks for the really amazing blog post. because i...Thanks for the really amazing blog post. because its provide the elegant information regarding the A carport without the car. that is an undercover outdoor space so we can enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather. It's the sun more than the rain that prevents us from having meals outside. this blog is amazing and always provide the genuine information.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-80518776159086123962017-01-17T20:32:45.722-08:002017-01-17T20:32:45.722-08:00As a retrofit you could just draw from the cool ai...As a retrofit you could just draw from the cool air under the house (if on stumps) - though it wont be as good as if you can draw through an earth tube like we have. Not sure if using the cellar as an inlet point reduces the temperature much, but it does ensure airflow in the cellar. Be great if someone wanted to do a study and take accurate measurements on this project.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-24729961499370640772017-01-17T20:29:28.823-08:002017-01-17T20:29:28.823-08:00Pip magazine Issue 7 will be available from our ot...Pip magazine Issue 7 will be available from our other website in Feb at https://permacultureprinciples.com/product/pip-magazine/Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-7958587769615180572017-01-17T20:27:05.826-08:002017-01-17T20:27:05.826-08:00Hey there Angus, You may notice in the image of th...Hey there Angus, You may notice in the image of the system that there is a reference to summer temperatures - 19-23C in summer. See http://www.abdallahhouse.com/2012/06/cool-cupboad-link-to-cellar-switched.html<br /><br />I've actually made some changes to the design since this post was put up. I've extended the length of the outlet pipe, painted it black and put a whirly bird on top, in an effort to get it to draw better. Looking at the temperature today (currently 24C) it's 19.9C at the base of the cupboard and 20.7C about mid way. I should take a reading on a really hot day (like yesterday which was 39C).<br /><br />I'd definitely do it again. It's handy having a cellar (like space) with cupboard access in the kitchen.<br /><br />I may get into creating some new updates on this blog soon. Check out the upcoming issue of Pip magazine (Issue 7 Feb 2017) for an up-to-date article about our place, and the case study that's just been put up on RetroSuburbia.com - https://retrosuburbia.com/case-studies/abdallah-house/Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-51990833453954628582017-01-17T19:56:46.081-08:002017-01-17T19:56:46.081-08:00Hi,
I'm considering building a cool cupboard ...Hi,<br /><br />I'm considering building a cool cupboard at my house. Can you tell me how it performs over summer? Would you do it again?<br /><br />Have just discovered your blog looking for this, and love it. Thanks!<br /><br />Cheers, AngusAngus Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01518875828382696708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-89784044377462867862015-10-15T22:22:50.561-07:002015-10-15T22:22:50.561-07:00After the removals of dirt and giving the glass a ...After the removals of dirt and giving the glass a quick polish, the greenhouse really looks wonderful! Can't wait to see it when the plants are put in!Marcio Wilgeshttp://www.platinumremovals.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-710975297158420272015-06-21T17:37:56.848-07:002015-06-21T17:37:56.848-07:00Thanks for that clarification. I didn't reali...Thanks for that clarification. I didn't realize it was as easy as that. I assumed I had to cut into the wires within the freezer as opposed to this. So it's basically an extension cord of sorts with a temperature controller to power the freezer on and off accordingly. This will make things a lot easier. Thanks again for the article.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-22457869189178523602015-06-21T16:55:57.634-07:002015-06-21T16:55:57.634-07:00Not sure that I can explain this better than I alr...Not sure that I can explain this better than I already have - there's lots of photos there. I'm no electronic whiz, so I can't explain this aspect.<br />The controller is powered by the power point, the controller can be programed to turn on and off using the thermostat readings. The freezer is plugged into the controller and so is turned on and off as determined by the program in the controller.<br />Hope that helps.Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-57959348798743611592015-06-21T14:31:07.706-07:002015-06-21T14:31:07.706-07:00Can you better explain how this process works? Di...Can you better explain how this process works? Did you only hook-up the positive/negative power wires along with the temperature probe to the new controller? You didn't hook anything up to the cold/hot spots on the controller? I don't understand how this is working for you if that's the case. How is your controller able to kick on the compressor when it needs to? This is something I'm considering doing but I'd really like it if you could give us some more details. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-2974234503468210692015-06-09T15:20:17.402-07:002015-06-09T15:20:17.402-07:00The themostat, in the freezer was not modified in ...The themostat, in the freezer was not modified in any way. The freezer is in it's original stat and still working fine 2 year on. Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-5743958671170700032015-06-09T10:59:55.068-07:002015-06-09T10:59:55.068-07:00Did you modify the freezer 's thermostat in an...Did you modify the freezer 's thermostat in any way or remove it ? Thanks for reply if you find my line.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-46444555504345156242014-12-16T23:31:42.792-08:002014-12-16T23:31:42.792-08:00Nice work guys, thanks. Interesting that model wit...Nice work guys, thanks. Interesting that model with insul on 2 sides didn't get much hotter than no insul sides. I suppose that indicates how readily the 2 uninsul sides increase their heat loss in response to higher internal temp.<br /><br />Mods you've probably thought of..<br />- insert a hardwood or plastic insulator under steel plate to protect polystyrene.<br />- use clear comfort or similar plastic film to create dbl glz on sides. Not trying to put Dylan out of job, but it is cheaper. <br />- ?only worth dbl glazing sides that are being boosted by reflectorsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04347720147463906693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-11314140059200785312014-12-16T21:19:34.023-08:002014-12-16T21:19:34.023-08:00Suggest, for safett reasons, that you use toughene...Suggest, for safett reasons, that you use toughened safety glass instead of plain 6mm glass. If your going the double glazed route (recommended), 4mm TSG should be fine and will reduce the weight of the unit.<br /><br />Also, suggest the base of your unit and your cooking pots are black - to absorb solar heat / sun's energy.Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-77594506205200434582014-11-14T12:46:20.452-08:002014-11-14T12:46:20.452-08:00Hi, My two copies of the 2015 permaculture calenda...Hi, My two copies of the 2015 permaculture calendar arrived in the mail yesterday. I ordered mine from Green Harvest. The calendar is great. I really appreciate the way the permaculture principles have been incorporated into the calendar.Sherrihttp://www.making-haven.blogspot.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-22768578691775399902014-11-14T12:44:48.982-08:002014-11-14T12:44:48.982-08:00Hi, My two copies of the 2015 permaculture calenda...Hi, My two copies of the 2015 permaculture calendar arrived in the mail yesterday. I ordered mine from Green Harvest. The calendar is great. I really appreciate the way the permaculture principles have been incorporated into the calendar.Sherrihttp://www.making-haven.blogspot.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-21939124074528370802014-11-02T18:58:18.715-08:002014-11-02T18:58:18.715-08:00Hi Gordon. The mesh is bird netting. The BEAM Mitc...Hi Gordon. The mesh is bird netting. The BEAM Mitchell environment group recently did a bulk purchase of some which I think was similar.<br />http://www.beam.org.au/post/bird-netting-for-suburban-gardens/Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-49706222920515223862014-11-01T13:23:15.129-07:002014-11-01T13:23:15.129-07:00That's a great idea. I'd never have thoug...That's a great idea. I'd never have thought of using these old roof tiles as a fence.<br /><br />What is the mesh net called that's over the bed in the background of one of the photos, and where do you get it? I've searched for it on the internet, but without knowing what it's called I'm not having any luck.Gordonhttp://www.lockyervalley.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-77885159942070077172014-09-01T00:00:11.930-07:002014-09-01T00:00:11.930-07:00It looks Can't wait to see the next step. :-)It looks Can't wait to see the next step. :-)Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10975556587020883049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-24370855587656281732014-08-03T01:44:08.626-07:002014-08-03T01:44:08.626-07:00Richard,
I have an induction and am pretty happy w...Richard,<br />I have an induction and am pretty happy with the electricity use. Remember that when you put the espresso pot on the ring it is much smaller than the ring (well mine is) so you are using even less than you think. If it were a normal electric, you would be wasting half the heat of the plate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-51496765330910739332014-07-31T17:53:56.335-07:002014-07-31T17:53:56.335-07:00The induction cooker has two 'plates', one...The induction cooker has two 'plates', one that can draw 2000w/h and another that can draw 1400w/h. So it's theoretical maximum is 3400w/h. We never use it to this extent though. For instance, when making a coffee I might have it set on 800w/h for about 5 minutes for the espresso pot, and the milk on 600w/h for 4 minutes. 67w + 40w = 107w (this is just a guess, I'll have to test it later). So in answer to your question, it depends on how much we use it. <br /><br />The same goes with the 'smart' oven. The things that I like about this oven is that it's only heating a small space, so heats up quickly - with minimal energy. It has a fan / convection cooking, which takes less time to cook. It has elements that fluctuate frequently, so keeps the temperature relatively constant and only uses the energy it needs to to do that - once the space gets up to temperature it doesn't appear to use very much energy to keep it at that temperature.<br /><br />What I don't like about it is that it's not well insulated (or doesn't appear to be) and only has single glazing. I'm also imagining that once the computer controls start playing up the whole thing will need to be discarded - but I guess that goes for most appliances. Unless you find creative new ways to use them.<br /><br />The main thing about these gadgets is to use them sparingly, and use alternatives when it makes sense to do so. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to light the wood stove - like to make a coffee. But this might be the time that you use the rocket stove, which we haven't set up yet. There's no one answer - it really depends.<br />Richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10265524593691122778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7971443171317468019.post-69464028600533558112014-07-31T07:27:32.191-07:002014-07-31T07:27:32.191-07:00It would be interesting to know how many watts you...It would be interesting to know how many watts your induction cooker draws / hour.<br /><br />The "Smart" oven at 2400 watts / hour would be a huge drain on our solar power!Danihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04020970904311512357noreply@blogger.com