Recycled Materials Village – One Community Pod 6

The Recycled Materials Village (Pod 6) will share how to build safely, affordably, and efficiently with maximal use of reclaimed/recycled materials. As part of this village, we will also open source a diversity of indoor and outdoor personal growth/self-development and expression spaces. This village will be the 6th of the 7 villages planned and open source and free-shared in complete detail.

This page contains the following sections related to the Recycled Materials Village:

• • What is a Recycled Materials Village
  • Why a Recycled Materials Village
  • Ways to Contribute
  • Advantages of Recycled Materials Construction
  • Disadvantages/Limitations of Recycled Materials Construction
  • Additional Recycled Materials Village Pictures and Details
    • Replicable Living Spaces
    • Art Studio
    • Library and Computer Room
    • Game Room
    • Gym
    • Outdoor Dining and Recreation
    • Multi-use Recreation/Relaxation Space
    • Music Studio
    • Yoga Studio
    • Dance Studio
  • Resources
  • Summary
  • FAQ
  • Consultants for this Component of One Community

 

ALL VILLAGES (Click icons for complete pages)

Here is a book overview about the entire One Community project also:

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RECYCLED MATERIALS VILLAGE SEARCH ENGINE

 

WHAT IS A RECYCLED MATERIALS VILLAGE

The Recycled Materials Village (Pod 6) will be open source shared to demonstrate how to build safely, affordably, and efficiently with maximal use of reclaimed/recycled materials. The design of the Recycled Materials Village is an earthship-inspired semi-subterranean design that will provide 47 living units and 14 common areas. The common areas will include dining and social space large enough to seat 150+ people, an art space, music room, dance room, yoga/meditation space, library, game room, gym, and relaxation and socialization room. Each common area will have an indoor and outdoor design with ground-floor spaces (art studio, library, game room, and gym) planned to include and open source specific extensions and development of outside space dedicated to the same use and also designed and constructed with recycled materials. It will be open source shared with all the same details, and level of detail, used in the Earthbag Village and Straw Bale Villages.

Here is the floor plan:

 

WHY A RECYCLED MATERIALS VILLAGE

The open source purpose of the Recycled Materials Village is to share and simplify how to build safely, affordably, and efficiently with maximal use of reclaimed/recycled materials. Every aspect of this village will be open source for replication as either individual components or the complete village. This includes the residences, recreation spaces, social spaces, exercise spaces, large-scale kitchen and dining, commercial laundry, and a broad diversity of outdoor social, recreational, and artistic components too. It includes all the replication and design aspects explained in the Earthbag Village and City Center pages, plus all the construction, assembly, materials acquisition, aesthetic, and other details unique and specific to building with recycled/reclaimed materials.

With a total estimated cost of $3,590,000, our goal with doing this is to demonstrate the concept of building with reclaimed materials as relatively easy, affordable, sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and interesting enough for widespread implementation.

 

WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO EVOLVING THIS SUSTAINABILITY COMPONENT WITH US

SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS

 

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ADVANTAGES OF
RECYCLED MATERIALS CONSTRUCTION

The advantages of recycled construction materials are many:

• • 1. Sustainability: Recycled materials have already been created (and used) for another purpose. This means reusing them eliminates the environmental burden associated with new-materials creation. It also removes these already used materials from the use-to-landfill cycle, reducing waste and all the associated financial and environmental costs.
    2. Affordability: Besides environmental benefits, recycling can also provide economic benefits. Recycled materials usually cost less to acquire and are sometimes free. In rare instances, you may even be paid to remove certain items you can use for your construction. Many leftover recycled materials are also more affordable to dispose of because others may want to use them, which can reduce your material hauling and disposal costs.
    3. Availability: Materials with recycled content are available both for exterior and interior uses. Recycling bricks and blocks, glass, insulation, plasterboard and gypsum, plastic, tiles and board, wood, and floor and wall coverings from construction projects are all fairly easy to find and use.
    4. Artistic and Diverse: Seeking and using recycled and upcycled materials tends to result in much more interesting and varied materials. These materials can be diverse, mismatched, antiques, items with a unique story or appearance, etc. Working with this diversity typically stimulates creativity and produces a level of aesthetic beauty, interest, and character that is difficult to accomplish with newly purchased materials from usual outlets.

 

LIMITATIONS/DISADVANTAGES OF
RECYCLED MATERIALS CONSTRUCTION

Recycled materials construction also has some limitations:

• • 1. Time Intensive: One of the biggest drawbacks with construction using recycled materials is that finding and acquiring recycled materials rather than just buying new ones at the local store, etc. can take a lot more time
    2. Labor Intensive: Using certain recycled materials such as tires for walls involves pounding soil into the tires. This is very tiring and time consuming.
    3. Difficult to Design With: Creating with reused and often mismatched materials can be more difficult to design with than using new and uniform materials. Plan to get creative.
    4. Condition: Recycled or repurposed building materials must be closely examined before used in new construction projects. Damaged materials may lack the structural and aesthetic properties desired.
    5. Contaminants: Thousands of condemned buildings are demolished each year. Much of the wood from these demolition sites remains structurally viable, however some contain contaminants such as lead paint that make them difficult or undesirable for reuse in new building products.
    6. Efficiency: Efforts to improve the environment can sometimes come into conflict. For instance, reusing building materials may reduce the stress on natural habitats, but some materials don’t meet current energy efficiency standards.
    7. Cost: The additional labor required to carefully deconstruct condemned buildings may offset the savings gained by using repurposed materials.

 

ADDITIONAL RECYCLED MATERIALS
VILLAGE DETAILS

All aspects of the Recycled Materials Village will be open sourced for replication as either individual components or as part of the complete village. Just as we are doing with the Duplicable City Center and Earthbag Village (Pod 1), we will produce for this village the same level of detail for the materials lists, cost analysis, build-time and labor details, construction plans, permitting needs and strategies, and much more for all components. Here are additional images and overviews of some key components of this village:

• Replicable Living Spaces
• Art Studio
• Library and Computer Room
• Game Room
• Gym
• Outdoor Dining and Recreation
• Multi-use Recreation/Relaxation Space
• Music Studio
• Yoga Studio
• Dance Studio

 

REPLICABLE LIVING SPACES

The Recycled Materials Village is an earthship-inspired semi-subterranean design that will provide 47 living units. Each unit will be a spacious one-room design that includes a bedroom, large recreation/work area, full bathroom, kitchenette, and dining area. The layouts and complete construction process will be open source shared as tutorials for replication and/or modification into larger multi-room structures.

 

SOCIAL AND RECREATION SPACE RENDERS

In addition to open sourcing living space floor plans, the Recycled Materials Village will also open source and/or demonstrate 14 additional common spaces including a recycled materials indoor/outdoor art studio, library with outdoor recycled materials sitting spaces, game room with connected outdoor game space, indoor/outdoor gym, meeting and social space, music studio, yoga studio, dance studio, kitchen and dining for 150+ people, and laundry room for 300+ people.

 

ART STUDIO

The first-floor art studio is large enough to host a class and includes an open source outdoor space plan too. Features of this area include multiple work spaces for different types of artistic creation, storage for supplies to meet all art needs, and ample and dimmable lighting to meet diverse lighting needs.

Here are concept renders showing the external art areas. This area will function as an outdoor extension of the indoor area with tables, benches, and art creation spaces all made from recycled materials. This area will be usable for artistic creation, classes, dining, socialization, and/or relaxation.

 

LIBRARY AND COMPUTER ROOM

The first-floor library and computer room will be for study, recreation, and relaxation with outdoor seating and relaxation spaces planned too. This area features extensive amount of shelving for books, eight public computer work stations, plus a diversity of comfortable seating options with plugins for laptops.

Outside will be an extension of the indoor functionality with weather-safe plugins for computers and ample seating for reading, relaxation, or computer or tablet work. The landscaping in this area will create and support a natural, relaxing, and beautiful environment for work or study.

 

GAME ROOM

The first-floor game room will offer a pool table, foosball, ping pong, and tables both inside and outside for playing board games.

Outside will be an extension of the indoor functionality with additional tables for board games and a variety of larger games created using recycled materials. These games will include bowling, dominoes, checkers and chess, and open spaces for sports like soccer, frisbee, baseball, football, etc. This area is also positioned next to the outdoor gym area with outdoor exercise options, an obstacle course, etc.

 

GYM

The first-floor gym is designed to offer cardio options, free weights, and exercise machines inside and sporting areas, an obstacle course, and more weights along with a circuit training course outside.

Outside will be an extension of the indoor functionality with additional exercise equipment, a circuit training course, and an obstacle course – all created using recycled materials. There will also be open spaces for sports like soccer, frisbee, baseball, skateboarding, football, etc. as part of the space shared with the adjacent game room and outdoor gaming area.

 

OUTDOOR DINING AND RECREATION SPACE

The indoor dining area for the Recycled Materials Village will be capable of feeding and hosting 200+ people at a time. Directly outside of this area are planned seating and relaxation areas that will allow (weather permitting) the hosting of even larger groups and events. These seating and relaxation areas will also provide space for resident dining and socialization outside, hosting classes, etc.

 

MULTI-USE RECREATION/RELAXATION SPACE

The second-floor recreation/relaxation space is designed for conversation, coffee and tea socials, classes, meetings, etc. This area features an open floor plan and a variety of comfortable chairs and couches. Chairs and couches can easily be pushed to the walls if a large open space is needed for social events and/or classes. The outdoor patio area can also be used as an extension of this room and its functions.

 

MUSIC STUDIO

The second-floor music room and studio is another large open-space design perfect for group classes, recitals, and live-music social events. This area will feature a variety of instruments available for use or check-out and music stands, chairs, and other music related items to support playing and practicing in this area. The outdoor patio area can also be used as an extension of this room and its functions.

 

YOGA STUDIO

The second-floor yoga and meditation room is a large and open room designed for use for social events and other educational classes too. The outdoor patio area can also be used as an extension of this room and its functions.

 

DANCE STUDIO

The second-floor dance studio is designed for dance classes, exercise classes, and dance-related social events. The outdoor patio area can also be used as an extension of this room and its functions.

 

 

RESOURCES

• Article: “9 Building Materials Made Entirely from Waste Products”
• Article: “The Benefits of Using Recycled Building Materials”
• Article: “Incorporating Recycled Materials into Construction Projects”
• Earthship.com: “Radically Sustainable Buildings”
• Article: “Earthship Questions and Answers”
• Article: “3 Ways to Get Reclaimed Materials for Your Tiny House”
• Article:  “Reclaimed Timber: The Benefits of Recycled Materials”
• Article: “10 Tips For Finding Salvage Wood”
• Article: “Building With Recycled Materials”
• Article:  “The Disadvantages of Recycled Construction Materials”
• Article:  “The Upside of Upcycling”
• PlaygroundIdeas.org: Free DIY designs and how-to handbooks to create recycled materials playgrounds
• Article: 3 DIY Yard Games – Jenga, Dominoes, Yahtzee
• Article: Outdoor Games – DIY Bean Bag Toss
• Article: DIY Backyard Four-in-a-Row
• Article: DIY Outdoor Dominoes
• Article: DIY Outdoor Giant Scrabble
• Article: DIY Outdoor Giant Kerplunk Game
• Article: DIY Build a Ladder Ball Golf Game
• Article: How To Build Your Own Backyard Bowling Alley
• Article: A Project Sharing Their Experience Building with Tire Bales! 
• Use this page (click here) if you have a resource you’d like to suggest be added here

Here’s a recycled materials passive lighting option:

 

SUMMARY

The Recycled Materials Village (Pod 6) will share how to build safely, affordably, and efficiently with maximal use of reclaimed/recycled materials. As part of this village, we will also open source a diversity of indoor and outdoor personal growth/self-development and expression spaces including an art space, music room, dance room, yoga/meditation space, library, game room, gym, and relaxation and socialization room. Each common area will have an indoor and an outdoor design with ground-floor spaces (art studio, library, game room, and gym) planned to include and open source specific extensions and development of outside space dedicated to the same use and also designed and constructed with recycled materials. It will be open source shared with all the same details, and level of detail, used in the Earthbag Village and Straw Bale Villages.

 

FREQUENTLY ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can I get more information about your philosophies for world change?

Please take a look at each of these additional pages: (click icons)

Q: What were the initial inspirations for these designs?

With 7 villages to be designed, and a desire for artistic and unique appearances that also had a deeper relationship to the purpose/intent of each village, we drew inspiration from the 7-chakra system from Hinduism and Tantric Buddhism and the Japanese 5-elements philosophy.

Note: One Community does not endorse or subscribe to any one spiritual philosophy. You can read more about our philosophy on spirituality and religion on our Spirituality Page. 

The Recycled Materials Village was designed thinking of and researching the Sacral (2nd) Chakra from Hinduism and Tantric Buddhism and the Water Element (“sui” & “mizu” – “shuǐ”) from the Japanese 5-elements philosophy. The associated color of “orange” helped develop the color palette for this village and we further aligned, diversified, and distinguished the purpose and intent of the village by looking at One Community’s core values and focusing on the values of Fulfilled Living, Personal Growth, and Freedom.

Here are some of the initial concept drawings done for the Recycled Materials Village:

 Initial designs drawn by Nelli Levental, MFA of Graphic Design and College Professor for Classes in Sustainable Design

Initial floor plans by Architecture and Urban Planning Intern Team: Diana Vieira, Erika Yumi Tamashiro, Flávia Galimberte Bozeda, Raquel de Oliveira Alves, Samantha Freitas, Thaís Eustaquio, and Victor Oliveira

 

CONSULTANTS ON THE RECYCLED MATERIALS VILLAGE DESIGN

Bupesh Seethala: Interior Designer
Diana Vieira: Architecture and Urban Planning Student
Erika Yumi Tamashiro: Architecture and Urban Design Student
Flávia Galimberte Bozeda: Architecture and Interior Design Student
Jagannathan Shankar Mahadevan: Mechanical Engineer
Mike Kowalski: Game Developer (3D Renderer and Designer)
Nelli Levental: MFA of Graphic Design and College Professor
Raquel de Oliveira Alves: Architecture and Urban Planning Student
Samantha Freitas: Architecture and Interior Design Student
Thaís Eustaquio: Architect and Urban Design Student
Victor Oliveira: Architecture and Urban Planning Student

OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS