Our project work site would be at Humboldt State's
Campus Center for Appropriate
Technology, or CCAT. Students and community members use CCAT as a resource for
information on all types of projects related to structural building, gardening,
solar systems, natural building, water systems and much more. Usually there are
multiple projects going on there all the time.
CCAT is run by three co-directors who manage the houses finances, projects on site and external affairs, and is partially funded by HSU's Associated Students, the student body government.
CCAT is located on Humboldt State University property, behind the Natural
Resources building near 14th and Union in Arcata, CA.
We chose this as our site because Liz is one of the CCAT co-directors. This made funding and site access very convenient. Also, CCAT averages over 3,000 visitors a year. We knew that this would make our project in clear view of many AT-interested visitors world wide, spreading the popularity of earth ovens.
Our project is on a cement patio in between an old brick chimney and medium-sized cinderblock planter against a cinderblock retaining wall. It faces south west and will be visible from the parking lot when the temporary house is deconstructed (CCAT is currently under construction: it's house is being relocated).
Project Worksite (hover mouse detail)
The old chimney served as an outdoor fire place. During it's engineering, it was probably designed with the thought of having fire in an open area. This makes having our oven there, which will use fire, a logical place as far as safety concerns. The side opposite the chimney will also serve as a place to store firewood, essential to an earth oven.
The planter provides a nice rest area at knee-height, and is aesthetically pleasing.
The retaining wall, well over 6 feet, is a shelter from wind, and will provide a future foundational support for a living roof.
The patio provides an even level surface, great for teaching classes on. Consideration was taken in breaking up the patio and even drilling holes into the patio to provide for moisture drainage. These measurements were deemed unnecessary as water does not pool in that specific area of the patio, and the oven's foundation would provide adequate height to keep from wicking moisture settled at the bottom.
The oven would be far from the future CCAT kitchen, but this was not a concern as CCAT often relocates workshops to outdoor areas, the patio being one of the more convenient ones. Co-directors are used to having to work around inconveniences such as distance to food and water. Water access is nearby, however.
In future workshops, people will be able to work on tables set up on the patio for preparation of baking materials.
Other things Kiko Denzer suggests people to consider is if they like to work in the elements, or how will they protect their oven from the elements. Will they build a roof over it? Can it be a well lit area? Does it face away from the wind to carry smoke away, or will smoke be blown in an undesirable location? Do they need a permit to build it there? How will it affect their fire insurance. Is it near food preparation areas? Will it be waist level, or will people have to sit on the ground to use it?
Site consideration is an important part of planning out your project. Let's look on at other planning features here.