Ben Falk plots out long-term living landscapes, not turf patches | Photograph by Ben Stechschulte
In addition, a building that's sited correctly with respect to sunlight and windbreaks can save significantly on heating and cooling. On Falk's own 10-acre property in Moretown, Vermont, he's constructing a two-story timber-frame design-build workshop. The biggest windows face south on a pond dug into the hillside, so the flat surface and water reflect maximum light and heat inside. By trapping sun and blocking wind, Falk says, "You can create a 60-degree outdoor space on a 20-degree day."
Using natural know-how to create that kind of dramatic effect is Whole Systems Design's competitive edge -- and its ideas are spreading. The company was recently commissioned to create a new 70-acre demonstration farm and an associated nonprofit organization in Warren, Vermont, to teach best practices to aspiring farmers and landscapers from all over the country. "The biggest challenge is helping people imagine what's possible," Falk says. "Information is the limiting factor."
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Recent Comments | 9 Total
September 30, 2009 at 9:53am by Pat Jewett
I love the idea. We are planning to expand and want to do it the right way. We need to save costs to pay for other benefits like Medical insurance for our employees, but we want to be smart about it. Sounds like these guys are good at what they do and would be worth at least a call if not more.