Structures of Valle de Sensaciones The mandala roof and ceiling of the kitchen (above) is the first thing anyone would notice. And the physics of the thing works out so that each beam not only shares the entire weight, but practically even holds itself up (demonstrated by chopsticks here). That there are practically no straight lines was the next thing I noticed; and it works beautifully well. Food is kept cool in a series of holes in the floor beneath sliding trap doors. Inside, basket-shelves, in-vent from the cool air of the nearby creek, and an out-vent keeps everything cool and dry. This is also the system used in the Bodega: a few vents at floor level for incoming fresh air, and one going up through the roof for the hot air to be pushed out. The space was left between the shelves and the back wall to improve air circulation. This metal-work bug sculpture is actually bicycle- powered spin cycle! The composting shitter does just that; with up to a 6 person capacity, all you have to do is make your deposits, layered with dried cuttings, sawdust, lime powder, etc.; by the time it reaches the bottom, you have very enriching, non-smelling, soil nutrition. This is a living willow structure, with a platform. The Octagon with platform which adjusts to a table or more bed space. La Bola, made of cork. Casa 3 Alamos: everything slides open! The Treehouse: The ceiling. The joinery. The floor. The treehouse is one of the works in progress. Every other triangle will have musical instrumentation that anyone can play well, for all through the land to hear. Peter’s finishing the floor. I’m helping, and gettin’ real good with a chisel. Natural Building: Abroad Friday, May 16, 2008