Over the years I have accumulated ideas for creating my perfect home. It included of course, at least an acre of land with a large pond, numerous trees, and a greenhouse. I have attempted a few times to draw it on paper, but not being an architect, my drawings are not to scale. My home will be outfitted with large, thermal windows in every direction, making use of as much light as possible; not only for me, but for my many house plants. It will be solar and/or steam heated, with natural wood floors. I could detail the many wonderful ideas I would incorporate into my plan, but this is only meant to be a blog, not a novel.
Several years ago, I recall seeing where someone had built a home around their yard with a large tree in the center. I was reminded of this the other day when a friend suggested having a two story home with the upstairs for the humans and the downstairs for the chickens and other animals.The subject came up because my chickens love to be near me. They often pile up next to the screen at my back door at bedtime, rather than going into the nice chicken house that I have made for them. Sometimes they get through the screen (which is a portable, magnetic screen that parts in the center) and walk into the hallway. I know they would be in chicken heaven if they could curl up in my bed with me; but knowing that they poop everywhere, I harden my heart and shoo them out.
Could we be on to some new and innovative ideas? I am motivated to begin tweaking my drawing once again. Imagine walking into your yard without neighbors peeking over their balconies at you, or cars passing by constantly while you work in your garden. Dogs and chickens could be let out without fear of them jumping the fence, or being frustrated by what they could hear, but not see through a privacy fence. Children could play in the yard without parents worrying that they might be snatched up by a pedophile. In ancient times, castles were often built with a courtyard in the center. Could we build entire communities this way, with community gardens in the center? As our planet becomes more and more crowded, how can we live among our neighbors peacefully and still have a quiet sanctuary for ourselves? As we begin to think outside the box, I believe more possibilities will be found. One thing is for certain: we cannot continue to miss-use the space we have. Yards can be used to grow food, instead of lawns. They can be used to house chickens and other small animals – not just dogs. If we design our homes with integrity and ask how we can design them for the highest and best for all of the lives living within a space, we may be surprised by our ingenuity. It is an exciting prospect.
