The team has been developing several new home layouts for the Tribe to choose from, which will be made up in both 2d and 3d forms. The "eye" shape developed at the workshop last week is the favored design.

Meanwhile, the engineers have been compiling recommended systems for both sustainable water and heating and cooling systems. Having found out more details on the future residents of the home, the recommended composting toilet system has been settled on, which will have several toilets connected to a single collector, located outside. The grey water irrigation system is also a great idea, as it will provide water for the garden; this will minimize water consumption at the same time it maximizes water use.

This combined composting toilet/grey water system will effectively "close the loop" for the home; water pumped from the aquifer will be used to sustain vegetation on-site, without any harmful waste effluent being produced.

The team is researching the pros and cons of the various heating systems; conventional furnaces, while cheapest upfront, cost more to operate, both in fuel costs and maintenance. Ground-source (or geothermal) systems can provide heating and cooling for minimal operational costs, but their upfront costs are a problem-- the team is looking into open-loop systems, which could use water from the well as a heat source and sink without requiring any significant on-site excavation.

Everyone is excited to be working on the project and looking forward to our next round of interaction with the Tribe!