In coordination with project architect, we designed and installed a resilient permaculture system for this farm and community. The off-grid water system elements included tapping a spring, installing gravity-fed high lifter pump, 12,000 plus gallons of above ground water storage, gravity-fed irrigation system, indoor non-potable water system, rainwater harvesting, and stormwater management. Agriculture systems included production food forest, alley cropping, forest restoration, native plant community restoration, rotational grazing, and extensive pollinator meadows.
benoit farms
farm & homestead portfolio
EST. 2008
This project builds upon an old homestead site, revitalizing over-grazed pasture land. Part of our role in this project was advising on building placement, in a way that could reconcile client goals and positive ecological impact. We conducted a thorough ecological analysis, documenting rare species and forest types to identify the best places on the site to develop without compromising the ecological integrity.
before
site conditions
construction complete
Featured images: design charette with collaborative design team; off-grid barn tower with raintanks for irrigation; locally-harvested locust post fence among buckwheat covercrop; off-grid water system schematic, with gravity-fed spring water, rainwater harvesting, and well water back-up; after tapping the spring we got 40 psi; orienting clients to rain system; mechanical high-lifter pump sends spring water uphill to holding tanks for 65 psi gravity feed to home site (without electricity); building the spring head wall.
