OLIVIA STOHRORLEANS, MA

Goals Articulation

The Champlain road homestead is a natural sanctuary that is peaceful, nourishing to the senses, and welcoming to guests. We live self sufficiently by means of sustainable food production, hunting, and fishing of which we also share or trade any surplus. Renewable resources supply the homestead with energy.

SITE ANALYSISBy analyzing my homestead site, I was able to put together all of the elements of my design. I was able to incorporate certain design elements by utilizing existing features on the site. For example, the large cedar tree on the eastern side of the property provides some shade where “shade loving” crops could be harvested. The tree lines along the northern and western sides of the site provide natural sound and wind barriers. The roof of my home faces the SE direction thus making us a prime candidate for solar paneling.

While doing the water analysis, I was able to come up with a schematic design element that will allow me to capture runoff water to be reused in the garden. I also was able to work on different solutions to efficiently use the subtle slope in the landscape to my advantage.

The site analysis introduced me to various aspects of my site that could be used as opportunities for design.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 1:The duck yard/house is located along the north

side of the property which is the largest area as well as the farthest from the crops. The meditation nook shares an edge with the shed an the coop allowing for privacy from distractions to relax. Fruit trees, which share an edge with pollinating plants, are located along the front of the property where there is a subtle slope. The beehives are integrated in amongst the fruit trees therefore sharing an edge with the pollinators as well. A homemade composting station is located just north of the raised beds making it easy to access for use in the garden. A kitchen garden is located right outside the door to the house making it easy to acquire the necessities for meals in the home.

The meditation nook is located in the northeast corner of the property and it shares an edge with the wildlife refuge as well at the clothes line. This allows for complete solitude and minimal distractions. Rain barrels are placed at the base of the gutter system on the NE side of the house to recycle rainwater. The compost area shares an edge with the raised beds to allow for easy access. Fruit trees and beehives occupy the south side (front yard) and share an edge with a small perennial/edible flower garden. A berry patch grows in “partial shade” sharing edges with both the shed and the chicken coop.

SCHEMATIC DESIGN 2:

FINAL DESIGN:

PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES

1.) CATCH AND STORE ENERGY-”Our job from here on is to plant forests, build soil, store water and save seed.” (Bane, page 31)

A gutter system will be constructed guide rainwater into barrels to be used for drinking as well as gravity fed to the garden. Solar panels will be installed to capture and store energy from the sun for electricity. By planting fruit trees (and sharing them), the trees themselves will catch the suns energy, store it, and use it produce fruit naturally.

2.) GET A YIELD-”Our efforts to work with nature must bear fruit that can provide for our needs.” (Bane, page 31)

By feeding my chickens some of the garden surplus, they provide me with manure (and eggs) to be used in the soil to create nutrient rich, fertile soil. “Each time energy cycles or transforms, another resource is created and another yield may be possible.” (Bane, page 31) Nature provides us with rain and by obtaining this rainwater, I can use it in times of drought. In turn, my crops will bear fruit for my family to harvest.

FINAL DESIGN DESCRIPTION:

-Ducks are located in backyard to give them enough space as well as the keep them away from garden crops.-Meditation nook is loaded with an abundance of colorful and edible flowers. By sharing an edge with the shed and chicken coop, I can hang a hammock between the two. Fruit trees also share an edge with the nook for beauty and healthy snacks while relaxing.-The raised beds will be rotated annually as a biodynamic garden. “Biodynamic gardeners practice a form of rotation within beds by growing in succession crops that bear from different parts of the plant: root, leaf, fruit, and seed.” (Bane, page 206)-The “processing factory” will be set up on an “as needed” basis. Folded tables will be set up on the porch which shares an edge with the kitchen in our tiny home. The underside of the porch doubles as a storage area.

FINAL DESIGN DESCRIPTION CONTINUED…

-The workshop shares an edge with the porch and will be used to harvest wild game as well as any other “outdoor projects”.-Pollinating plants (and apple/pear trees) share an edge with the beehives to help give the bees an abundance of pollen. -Native plants are integrate in with the pollinating plants. “…we should always be mindful to include natives among out cultivated landscapes, gardens, and fields for the unseen but essential relationships they make with soil microbes, pollinators, birds, and other key players in the ecosystem. (Bane, page 226)-The kitchen garden is located in close proximity to the door for easy access.-Blackberries not only provide delicious fruit but form a barrier from neighboring property.-The clothes line is located in one of the few “full sun” areas on the property to hang clothes to dry. It is also in close proximity to the house for easy, quick access.