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Alternative Building in Crestone
The Art of Living Softly Upon the Earth
Continued

Sacred space

In addition to natural building concepts, Koppana also incorporates the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui in his projects. Principles of Feng Shui utilize the behavior of life force energy - or “chi” - to facilitate specific intentions throughout the living space.

“ Sacred architecture” is another element that is incorporated into structures around Crestone.

Michael Bertin, a Boulder-based architect who has lived in Crestone, designed several public projects in the area using the principles of sacred geometry and sacred space. They include the chapel and community center at the Carmelite Monastery.

“ If you look in nature, the patterns of sacred geometry are everywhere,” Bertin said. “Why not use them in building our structures?”

Sacred geometry uses ratios and proportions found in nature and the human body, including golden means and Pythagorean triangles. The Carmelite community center is in the shape of a golden mean rectangle, and there is extensive sacred geometry in the design of the Carmelites’ chapel.

The Lindisfarne Chapel at the Crestone Mountain Zen Center is a unique example of alternative building in many ways. Michael Baron was involved in the original construction, which incorporates sacred geometry and natural building.

The original design was as an amphitheater with an earthen floor. The domed roof is made of wood shaped into curved ribs, then woven into an inverted basket and fastened with wood dowels rather than nails. Baron borrowed the concept from shipbuilding.

“ The structure is built from heaven to Earth,” Baron said. “We started at the top and brought it down to Earth.”

Dollars and sense

There are many concepts and technologies associated with alternative building. Kelly Hart has an informative web site - www.greenhomebuilding.com - filled with definitions, examples and suggested reading material for those interested in the subject.

In the end, practicality of design, durability, comfort, energy conservation, environmental sensitivity and cost are the primary ingredients for successful alternative construction and habitability.

Crestone Alternative Energy,
Living & Building Fair

On Labor Day weekend each year, Crestone shows off its prowess in alternative energy systems and building with the Crestone Alternative Energy, Living & Building Fair.
Contractors and developers of alternative systems present their products and designs in outdoor booths at a local park. Live music, food vendors and artisans lend their energy to the annual event. A community dance and fundraiser on Saturday night is open to the public.
The Crestone Energy Fair Home Tour gives visitors an inside glimpse of Crestone’s sustainable architecture. “Alternative homes” that are not normally accessible to the public are opened for the annual home tour.
This year’s event runs Saturday and Sunday, August 30-31, with the home tour in the morning on Labor Day, Sept 1.
For information, contact Talmath Mesenbrink at (719) 588-8276 or visit energy.crestonecolorado.com.