As a follow up to last week's post on The Ecology Center's book, Backyard Skills: A D.I.Y. Handbook, we're officially sharing our favorite images of this project, taken after the project's completion in the fall of last year; click on any image to view larger. Photos by Jimmy Cheng Photography.
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The Ecology Center, renewable energy, solar The other day, we picked up The Ecology Center's recently published book Backyard Skills: A D.I.Y. Handbook, a collection of projects, infographics, and practices inspired by last year's popular Basic Needs lecture series.
Divided into five key topics- energy, shelter, waste, food and water- the book is aimed at getting readers engaged in sustainability, and it does so effectively, with visually compelling graphics and well-composed text that make the prospect of green living accessible and engaging.
The Ecology Center, publications, solar, solar structure Last weekend marked the opening of a new interactive exhibit at The Ecology Center: Splash! How Good Water Works
(Thanks to Jimmy Cheng Photography for a preview of this unique event!)
A collaboration between The Ecology Center, Hurley H2O, and Zago, this visually-engaging multi-media installation takes visitors on a educational exploration that incorporates art, community, and critical environmental issues.
Splash, The Ecology Center, art, events, exhibit, water footprint You've probably noticed the trend... Green roofs are becoming incorporated into our built environment at an increasing rate, as evidenced by the growing number of both large and small scale installations in urban, suburban and rural locations, in a wide range of climates. These systems are modern applications of a centuries-old technology, as seen in the image below of a sod roof at an 18th century farmhouse in Norway.
Such types of 'intensive' vegetated roofs typically need substantial soil depth for larger plants and trees, which, in turn, requires regular maintenance, as well as a building structure that can support the additional weight. However, recent advancements in technology have led to the development of lightweight modular systems that utilize interlocking trays, made of recycled material and prevegetated with plants selected by a local grower with careful consideration of climate, maintenance, and project design goals.
The Ecology Center, green roof, solar structure The celebration started a few days early this year, with yesterday's Earth Day event at The Ecology Center, where community members enjoyed organic treats from South Coast Farm, listened to live music and participated in demonstration workshops.
We couldn't help but take a peek at our solar structure site, behind the historic Congdon House, the oldest wooden structure in San Juan Capistrano (and home to The Ecology Center since 2008), and were excited to see the tell-tale signs that construction is impending...
This project is a great example of how the building industry, community and environment can work together to contribute to the educational efforts of this great organization. All services- architectural, structural, and construction- are being provided on a pro-bono basis, and materials (including PV, green roof modules and paper-based fiber composite siding material) were generously donated by local vendors.
With all our approvals in place and the permit ready to go, what better time to break ground on a project that embodies the environmental, social and community-oriented principles of sustainable design?
MYD is excited to be a part of this collaborative effort, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate Earth Day!
Earth Day, The Ecology Center, projects 