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Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDWhen <a href="http://www.seed.org.za/">SEED</a> invited us to visit their recently-unveiled post-carbon homestead in Cape Town, we jumped at the opportunity. Built using the same blueprints and budget as an RDP house, which is the government housing standard for underprivileged South Africans, this remarkable <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-great-barrier-house-fuses-modern-technology-and-island-life/">solar-powered home</a> made of tires, clay and recycled timber pallets demonstrates that we can survive in a world without fossil fuels. Built on the Rocklands Primary School grounds and tested by the Head Principal known fondly as "Mr. P," the charming house exists independently of the national grid.1
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDSEED built this solar-powered on the Rocklands Primary School grounds outside of Cape Town2
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDIt was built out of tires filled with sand and clay and clad with recycled shipping pallets3
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDStrategic orientation maximizes solar gain in winter and natural light4
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDAlmost all the materials used inside and out are recycled5
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThe home as a small loft with shelves around the perimeter that are reached by a moveable ladder6
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDA small desk and table placed by the recessed window allows underprivileged children to work by daylight7
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThe home was built using the government's RDP blueprints - social housing - as well as the same budget!8
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThe back of the house is not as well lit, but it is cool in the hot summer months9
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThis is the bedroom: well lit with a gentle ambience. This entire upper level was constructed using recycled shipping pallets10
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThis recycled lamp uses energy-efficient light bulbs11
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThis is the bedroom window12
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThe recessed window doubles as a bench. Note President Obama's face on the recycled covers.13
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThere's a decent amount of storage, although this home definitely promotes a smaller footprint14
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThese chairs are made from recycled tires and they are incredibly comfortable15
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThe rocket stove uses wood grown on-site16
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDOn hot days, food can be cooked on the solar cooker. While we were there, the water was super hot!17
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDThere are rainwater capture tanks on either side of the house18
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDAlthough the furnishings may seem rudimentary (they are), it is extraordinary what SEED has accomplished with such a small budget!19
Post-Carbon Homestead by SEEDMr. P, the headmaster, lived in the homestead for a week and said it has definitely opened his eyes to what it would be like to live in a world totally sans oil!20
