Last Friday, 09/25/09, the construction staff, volunteers and workshop participants visited the Orme School for a presentation on renewable energy and sustainable housing led by the School's current architect, Bill Otwell. Our group joined the lecture along with the Orme students, which took place under the beautiful Horsecollar Theatre.

Topics from the lecture included passive solar design approaches, use of local materials, photo voltaics, wind power, rainwater harvesting, compostable toilets, and alternative liquid fuels for cars and trucks, all of which drew on real-life experiences of Bill's life.

After the presentation, one of the staff members at the Orme School offered to take us on a tour around the campus. Our group had the opportunity to visit the Old Main Administration Building; the Old Adobe, the first classroom built on campus [photo]; and other facilities including Founders' Dining Hall, the Phillips Library; and the Morton Orme Memorial Chapel.

Since 1929, The Orme School has been a leader in private, college preparatory education, attracting students from all of the world. The campus is located on a 26,000-acre working ranch in the high desert countryside of Arizona, an area of immensely striking natural beauty. Not only is Orme known for its demanding academic program, the school also offers athletics, arts, horsemanship, outdoor leadership and a sense of community that is truly unique among boarding schools.

We express our deepest gratitude to Bill Otwell, the Orme School and community for facilitating this visit and their warm hospitality as well as our appreciation for having been exposed to this exciting, innovative and inspiring educational institute.