Alysion Acres
A developing intentional community in SE Arizona
Thoreau Cabin Project
Experiments are for repeating. Henry David Thoreau's 2 year and 2 month "experiment in living" at Walden Pond should be of special interest to anyone who would try on his overcoat. At Alysion Acres we have a 14-acre nature preserve with a 3-acre seasonal pond (we are in an extended drought period so it has only been full twice in the past 15 years, but we hope to put in another artesian well to maintain a permanent, smaller pond). We avoid any use, even minimizing visitation, of this area. However, for the right person, one capable of treading lightly and appreciating nature, we will permit the construction of a Thoreau sized cabin (10x15 feet) within the preserve for one person to live in (writing a book will be optional, but plan on blogging your experience and progress).
The cabin is to be the same size as Thoreau's cabin but not built of the same materials. Thoreau himself would have built differently if he had lived in Arizona. The edge of the 3-acre pond, when full, has been colonized by tamarisk (Salt Cedar), an alien and invasive species of tree that provides little habitat or sustenance for native species. In short, it is an unwelcome invader. By cutting the trees up into 24 inch logs and sticks, then stacking them with an cob mortar, the walls of the cabin could be built and the tamarisk reduced. The massive walls would be well insulated, moderating outside temperatures of both heat and cold. The cordwood wall comes up about five feet. The upper half of the catenary barrel vault is formed from straw bales/cob covered by a curved OSB roof with overhang. One concession to modern construction, to make the cabin last longer, would be a metal barrier on top of a rock foundation to block termites and rodents. The floor could be cob with a linseed oil finish. A tight door and screen on the windows will complete the separation of in from out.
We are accepting applications for the Thoreau Project now. The applicant will build the cabin; we will assist as needed (such as hauling/moving materials to the site and providing technical support). The applicant may tent-camp at the site at no charge and have use of our tools and community facilities (kitchen, community room, library, internet, bathroom, etc.). The applicant will have one year to complete the project. Upon completion the applicant will receive 2 years and 2 months free rent and continued use of community facilities (plus a hardcover copy of "The Annotated Walden" currently in our library!), after which time the applicant will have first choice to rent/lease the cabin. In the event the applicant chooses to not stay the full 2 years/2 months, he/she may rent the cabin out and receive the rent paid until the end of the 26-month period. Any money invested in construction will extend the time period.
This is a proposed project at this point. Details of the cabin design and "the deal" are negotiable. If interested, contact us.
Gutters divert rainwater into tanks on the north side. On the south side is a 20 foot long raised bed garden that would receive full sun in the winter and could be enclosed to make a mini-greenhouse. The south facing roof would be ideal for solar panels and hot water heater. Glass around the door lets in light, along with light tubes. Air circulated through earthtubes would moderate temperatures in the super-insulated cabin.
Opposite the door and in front of the window is a sculptured high-efficiency Rocket Stove. The smaller tube is the vent for the composting toilet. The end walls are non-load bearing and curve outward on both ends, creating an overhang and an attractive shape.
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