Intermediate Technology

A term coined by the late economist and author of Small Is Beautiful, E. F. Schumacher, it explempifies the notion that the level of technology utilized needs to match the users’ needs. It is a rejection that the highest, newest, technology is always the most productive or appropriate. Hence the alternative term, “Appropriate Technology”, or AT as it is commonly referred to.

Below are some of Noah’s earlier experiments and more recent AT for architecture. This will continue to be populated.

TWO PERSON BANDSAW

These are a few versions of a homemade bandsaw powered by a pedal powered concrete flywheel. c. 1990

ROCKET STOVE COOKTOP

A simple rocket stove using available bucket, ductwork, and wood ashes as insulation.

BICYCLE POWERED GENERATOR - 100+ WATTS

A simple generator power by a stationary bicycle. Voltage regulator and invertor is utilized so 110v appliances can be plugged in.

SOLAR HEATED RADIANT FLOOR

A 6” concrete floor is heated by a large Solar Hot Air Panel (SHAP) integrated into the south wall. Two small PV powered fans circulate the hot air (often 180 deg F) through the 4” pipes in a closed loop system. Testing results will be available soon.

GREYWATER FILTER

As a member of a Western Mass Greywater group, this is an experimental design to filter pollutants and debris from household greywater in preparation to deposit into the environment via planter beds, landscaping, etc.

Greywater enters the top chamber as a large flow buffer and large debris catchment. Water then drips to the lower chamber, through a removable drawer of wood chips for further filtering. The wood chips can be replaced periodically very afforably.