Apeiron Institute

Designed by a team of experts in sustainable design and technologies, the house showcases more than fifty environmentally friendly systems, technologies, and products, including: passive and active solar energy systems, natural, recycled and non-toxic building materials and construction, straw-bale walls, radiant flooring, permaculture landscaping, and so forth.

On Thursday our class got the opportunity to visit the Apeiron Institute in Coventry, RI.  In science we are learning about resources that can be found all over the world.  In Rhode Island they have built a home to show people how simple changes can cut down on the impact we have on the planet, and how we can lower our energy costs.  With some simple changes and additions the Apeiron Institute was able to convert this old campground building into an energy efficient living space.

Some of the features in the building included solar panels for both electricity and hot water, and more windows on the southern side of the building to collect heat from the sun exposure.  The house collects rainwater for washing and watering the gardens.  In the large open room on the main floor there is a wood stove that was invented in Finland, made of soap stone to retain the heat over a long period of time.

After our class was given a tour of the facility, we went outside to build solar ovens.  Groups of two built solar ovens with recycled pizza boxes, and a small list of supplies.  We will be using solar ovens later in science class to harness the sun's power to cook a small treat.