In the article “HOMES AND STRUCTURES IN PERMACULTURE”, I explain that “Structures and buildings in Permaculture make their own particular microclimate, cast shadows, increment warm island impact, lessen site penetrability.
Outlining a building is a noteworthy contributing component of the human biological community.
To build a structure based on the permaculture principles is often cheaper and sustainable”.
There are many sustainable infrastructure you can build.
If you live in a cold climate, Walipini is considered one of the best.
Generally speaking, the concept of Walipini is an underground passive solar style greenhouse.
It’s an inexpensive way to grow permaculture food in cold climate.
I have to admit that have, living and working in a mediterranean climate, I have not personal experience in designing/building a Walipini.
The best way I found to explain you what is a Walipini, how it works and how you can build it by yourself, is to show you a series of video arranged by Joe Mooney from Homesteadonomics.
In this first video, Joe show us the steps that he took to build his Walipini
The second part of the video series is about the Walipini Project.
Joe talks about the concrete footer, block walls, doorway, and subframe of the roof structure…. and a few other little things as well.
In video number 3 Joe goes over the framing of the roof structure and installation of the polycarbonate panels… as well as a few other things.
We are at the part 4 where Joe installs entryway steps and a retaining wall system for the greenhouse.
He also touches on a couple other projects he did and what he’s planning for part 5.
This video includes Joe adding a solar vent fan and a wind diverter to help in cooling the greenhouse.
The last video is here. Building some shelves for the Walipini so Joe can water his plants and collect the water for reuse later.
This the part you will love more than the others, it’s about the rainwater harvesting system, cooling tunnel progress and the gravity powered watering system that Joe has installed.
And yes also there are real plants growing in it!
Enjoy the video and be sure to share it to inspire your friends and family to build their Walipini.
