LIVING IN PLASTIC TUBING

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Questions and Answers

What method is used to secure extruded houses in high winds?

Adjustable corkscrew devices (correct)

Wooden stakes

Heavy concrete foundations

Steel beams

How can extruded houses in Ecotopia be recycled after their use?

They are buried in landfills.

They are digested by micro-organisms into fertilizer sludge. (correct)

They can be burned for energy.

They can be reused as building materials.

What reaction do Ecotopians generally have towards their extruded houses compared to wooden structures?

They have little regard for extruded houses and no ceremonial respect. (correct)

They treat extruded houses with similar respect as wood structures.

They view wooden structures as outdated compared to extruded houses.

They revere extruded houses much more than wooden structures.

What can be done to accommodate a new family member in an existing extruded house?

Glue on a new room. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes the design approach of extruded houses in Ecotopia from conventional housing?

They are constructed with a focus on ecological impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key advantages of the bathroom system used in extruded houses?

It repurposes sewage into methane gas for heating. Signup and view all the answers

How do Ecotopians generally manage the ecological impact of their housing systems?

Through integrated systems that serve multiple ecological purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of insulation and heating method is commonly used in Ecotopian extruded houses?

Heat-pump solar heating systems. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'integrated systems' refer to in the context of Ecotopian housing?

Systems that combine various ecological functions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of the walls in extruded houses?

Washable and derived from corn plants. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Ecotopians avoid using fluorescent tubes for lighting?

Their flickering is unpleasant to the human eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of high energy costs in Ecotopia regarding household lighting?

Houses tend to be poorly lit. Signup and view all the answers

What material is used for the flooring in the extruded house system?

Dried corn leaf-derived tubing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of extruded houses regarding their internal structure?

Walls and ceilings merge into one another. Signup and view all the answers

What method allows extruded houses to maintain warmth with windows often open?

High-quality insulation from foam shells. Signup and view all the answers

Which materials are commonly used for decoration in extruded houses?

Woven fabrics, rugs, and blankets. Signup and view all the answers

How do extruded houses impact the ecological landscape?

They utilize sustainable materials and have low environmental impact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common social custom among inhabitants of extruded houses?

Acceptance of nudity indoors. Signup and view all the answers

What unique architectural feature did one of the described extruded houses have?

Extruded rooms arranged like spokes of a wheel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of adding woven objects in extruded houses?

They soften the severe geometrical lines. Signup and view all the answers

What common practice do Ecotopians engage in regarding their living spaces?

Creating their own furniture and dividers. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Extruded Houses in Ecotopia

Ecotopia is a fictional society with a strong emphasis on environmentalism and sustainability.
Extruded houses are a common type of housing in Ecotopia.
They are made from a material that is derived from corn plants, making them biodegradable.
They are washable and can be painted.
They fit in well with natural landscapes.
Extruded houses are modular, with rooms coming in different lengths.
The floor of the tube has molded troughs to hold wiring and water pipes.
These houses are designed with "integrated systems" that serve multiple purposes.
A single, molded piece contains a complete bathroom, including a space heater.
The septic tank is a companion unit, buried outside and connected to the bathroom by hoses.
It digests sewage and produces methane gas, which powers the bathroom's space heater.
The effluent is used for watering gardens, and sludge is removed and used as fertilizer, making it a closed-loop system.
The high cost of energy in Ecotopia makes this efficient system attractive.
Heat-pump solar heating devices offer another example of an integrated system.
They work without using fossil fuels or water.
Extruded houses are poorly lit due to the high cost of energy.
They use lamps for reading and work, but Ecotopians dislike fluorescent tubes.
Extruded houses are easily repaired and can be patched by occupants.
They are easily recycled, broken down by microorganisms in biovats, creating fertilizer sludge.
They are modular and can be easily expanded or contracted by adding or removing rooms. This allows families to adjust their homes to suit their changing size.
They tend to be decorated with rugs, blankets, and other woven objects to soften the severe geometric lines of the structure.
The insulation and air seal in extruded houses make them easy to heat.
Ecotopians living in extruded houses tend to wear little clothing indoors due to the warmth.
Some Ecotopians are comfortable with nudity.
The design of extruded houses features a central stone core and a translucent dome.
The houses are often placed near rivers, as the stones for the core are sourced from these environments.
Residents are often fond of using prefabricated cabinets, but many also create custom cabinetry with intricate details.
Extruded houses lack many built-in appliances found in modern homes, but are considered very durable.
Some extruded houses have been occupied for 15 years.
The modular design allows for easy repairs and replacements, and residents are comfortable making these adjustments themselves.
Despite their unique design, extruded houses have a comfortable feel.
Ecotopians use small bulbs and candles for socializing.
They produce candles from animal fats.
Extruded houses lack traditional walls, creating a sense of unity between the walls and ceiling.
They provide a sense of security and snugness.
Ecotopians decorate their extruded houses with many rugs and woven objects to soften the geometric lines.
Sheepskin and fur rugs are common.
The houses are easy to heat due to the excellent insulation and air seal.
Owners often keep windows wide open to let in fresh air.

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