kelt0004

As a "young" carpenter & architect who works mainly in 3d programs, I have to agree with the "old guys." While most of my clients and builders appreciate the 3d experience there is little they can do with a 3d model like this. In fact, the illustrations in the article itself are much more handy that the 3d. If you provide a 3d model as the "Plan" for any kind of project, then it has to include ALL the necessary information. Thus, the extrusions and brackets should be shown (on separate layer), otherwise they look like they are just floating in there. All channels & knobs should be shown and be on a separate layer. There also should be copious amounts of notes and dimensions. This is all easy to do in 3d, even in a 2nd rate program like Sketchup. Once that very detailed model is complete, 2d drawings (Plans, sections & elevations) can be made from it automatically for the "old guys," and us youngsters will be giddy we can use the shop computer instead of wasting paper!

BTW: Nice design though!

This would certainly be worth it if replacing an older toilet.

The average american, according to multiple sources, flushes 5 times a day. Multiply that by the number of days in the year (365) and the number of people in an average household (3.2) that equals 5840 flushes a year. As, older toilets may flush as inefficiently as 3.5 gpf, this toilet could save some 15,768 gallons per year. Of course, figure that for a 10 year life and you've just saved 150k gallons. In my area, that is a cost savings of about $600.

The key to getting the victims in haiti sheltered is actually two fold. Number one, create very quick temporary housing. This housing need to be delivered prefabricated or extremely easily assembled. Number two, provide a long term/permanant solution to hillside housing in an earthquake zone structured around a smart building code. Without this second step we can count on supplying Haiti with millions of more USD this century.

This permanant solution must utilize indigenous and easily renewable materials. Forget solar, unless BP or similar will donate massive quanities, which would then be better utilized by a local energy co-op, than idividuals. Instead focus should be on freshwater collection, lightweight roofs and solar shading. The substructure must be reinforced and resting on solid ground (rock) and highley resistant to erosion. The superstructure of the house should be lightweight, possibly employing fabric roofs utilizing cane by-products. No more non-reinforced masonry. It creates too much loading on the hillsides and shifts the center of gravity too high off the ground.