├── README.md
├── braga
├── README.md
└── research.md
├── douro.md
├── finance.md
├── goal.md
├── land.md
├── network.md
└── plan.md
/README.md:
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1 |
2 |
3 | # Phase Three
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 | If you are the kind of person
9 | that thinks
10 | _long-term_ and _high-impact_
11 | this repo is for you!
12 |
13 |
14 | # Why?
15 |
16 | **D**o **W**hat **Y**ou **L**ove
17 | is _not_ a stepping-stone,
18 | it's our
19 | [life's work](https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/life%27s-work).
20 |
21 | Like an artist
22 | or musician,
23 | our aim is to do
24 | [**creative technology**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_technology)
25 | work for the rest of our lives.
26 | We _love_ doing it
27 | and will continue
28 | until we are no longer able.
29 | We fully expect to be writing code,
30 | learning tools
31 | and making/sharing notes on the experience
32 | into our 80's.
33 | A _lot_ is going to
34 | [change](https://github.com/nelsonic/nelsonic.github.io/issues/733)
35 | in the next 50 years.
36 | We need _all_ need to embrace
37 | [lifelong learnering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifelong_learning)
38 | and
39 | [_capture_](https://github.com/dwyl/product-roadmap/blob/main/capture.md)
40 | as _much_ of that learning as possible.
41 |
42 | # What?
43 |
44 |
45 |
46 | ## Our Goal/Mission
47 |
48 | Our goal,
49 |
50 | > Empower people to
51 | > sustainably unlock their potential
52 | > and pursue their life's purpose.
53 |
54 | So what does this encompass?
55 | Any number of things
56 | that will need to be split out
57 | into measurable goals:
58 |
59 | + Living a happy and fulfilling life
60 | + Financial sustainability
61 | [**#42**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/42)
62 | + Life-long learning:
63 | [?q=learn](https://github.com/orgs/dwyl/repositories?language=&q=learn&sort=&type=all)
64 | + Health: [dwyl/health](https://github.com/dwyl/health)
65 | + Sustainable symbiotic agriculture:
66 | [dwyl/learn-**aquaponics**](https://github.com/dwyl/learn-aquaponics/issues)
67 | + Living with purpose and ethics
68 | [#155](https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/155)
69 | + Deal with today's constant distraction and information overload
70 | + And many more!
71 |
72 | ## Guiding Principles
73 |
74 | Our
75 | [manifesto](https://github.com/dwyl/start-here/blob/master/manifesto.md)
76 | does a good job of transmitting our beliefs
77 | so we won't duplicate it here.
78 | A quick re-iteration of the key points:
79 |
80 | + People-centric (UX-focussed)
81 | + Life-long learning community
82 | + Open source
83 | [Hyper-transparency](https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/140),
84 | building dwyl 'out in the open'
85 | + Accessibility (to all of our offerings)
86 | + Socially impactful
87 | + Sustainability
88 | + Data driven & data *privacy* driven
89 |
90 | ## How will we achieve this?
91 |
92 | [The Plan](/plan.md) [Work-in-progress].
93 | For now this focuses on 'Phase 1.5',
94 | what we will need to
95 | get from where we are **now**
96 | to a place where we can
97 | start investing in
98 | longer-term sustainable living and wellbeing.
99 |
100 | ## Our Vision
101 |
102 | Creating sustainable
103 | products, services, experiences
104 | and environments
105 | that enrich lives.
106 |
107 | We _very much_ want to hear your thoughts on this
108 | so if you have _time_
109 | _please_ read and _comment_ on the
110 | [issues](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues)
111 |
112 |
113 | ## Name?
114 |
115 | The name "**Phase _Three_**"
116 | refers to the third phase
117 | of our lives
118 | that we all hope to reach some day.
119 | [**`#Third_age`**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_age#Third_age)
120 |
121 | We must all embrace and plan for this phase
122 | by proactively taking steps while we are young.
123 |
124 | That is the purpose of this repository.
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/braga/README.md:
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1 | 
2 |
3 |
4 | ## Why?
5 |
6 | One of the ***biggest*** "***challenges***" we faced in **London**
7 | with **Founders & Coders** was finding ***premises***.
8 | We have been paying (_burning money on_) "_commercial rates_"
9 | **£3600/month** (_including "business rates"_) for **140m2**
10 | @ **14 Palmers Road** since January 2015.
11 | see:
12 | [Fixed Overhead Breakdown](https://github.com/dwyl/quietspace/tree/58eb654e522b9974c1f83f12b5e79925d0132f3b#fixed-overheads-costs-we-have-to-cover)
13 | > The amount we pay for 14 Palmers Road is actually _quite reasonable_
14 | for London commercial property _especially_
15 | when compared to a _desk space_
16 | at "WeWork" or "SecondHome" start at £350/month for **4m2** of space!
17 |
18 | Even if (_when_) Founders & Coders (London) _eventually_ gets "_free_"
19 | premises based on its' charitable status everyone _attending_ will
20 | still need to pay London rents, transport and living expenses.
21 |
22 | ### Cost of Living in London
23 |
24 | The **rent** for **premises** in London
25 | is the _**tip** of the **cost iceberg**_!
26 | By _far_ the biggest "_space_" cost is the ***cumulative rent***
27 | all the people _attending_
28 | Founders & Coders (_and subsequently working for @dwyl_)
29 | pay to _live_ in the city.
30 |
31 | + The _average **rent**_ for a _room_ in London
32 | is **£630/month** (_including bills_).
33 | + For those who use _public transport_
34 | a **travel pass** costs a ***minimum*** of
35 | [**£120/month**](http://content.tfl.gov.uk/adult-fares-2017.pdf)
36 | + If people eat _frugally_ by preparing meals in bulk/advance,
37 | _limit alcohol intake_ and "_eating out_"
38 | they can survive on **£4/day** for **food** so ***£120/month***.
39 |
40 | > The _**bare minimum**_ total living cost in London is ***£870/month***.
41 | This does not factor the wasted _time_ people have commuting
42 | to-from Mile End each day (_average 1.5h per day!_)
43 |
44 | > TODO: @iteles _please_ Insert **Cost of Living Questionnaire** Data/Summary `here` ... https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/57
45 |
46 | ## What?
47 |
48 | `Braga House` is a **hub** for creative technology learning,
49 | healthy and sustainable living.
50 |
51 | Our `mission` is to give people a comfortable
52 | yet **_highly_ cost-effective** place to live
53 | while they are learning the skills to work in (_or start_)
54 | the top creative technology companies.
55 |
56 |
57 | ### Saving _Everyone_ Money/Time
58 |
59 | Setting up `Braga House` will cut down on
60 | _London_ living expenses by ***Two Thirds***
61 | and give _everyone_ ***more time*** to learn, create and enjoy life!
62 |
63 | The ***Cost*** of living in the `Braga House`
64 | will be around _**€260 per Month**_ (_per person_).
65 |
66 | This price is _exceptionally good value-for-money_
67 | based on our (_extensive_) market research
68 | and considering all the benefits people will get (_see below for "what's included"_).
69 |
70 | #### _Financially Sustainable_ But _Not For Profit_
71 |
72 | At €256/person/month the `Braga House` will cover all costs
73 | and make a _**small surplus**_ which will be
74 | ***re-invested*** into the house & community.
75 |
76 | #### _What's Included_?
77 |
78 | + A **single bed**1 in a ***shared room***2 with:
79 | + an orthopaedic memory foam mattress (_Founding Members will have their choice
80 | of mattress up to €200_)
81 | + your **choice** of **pillow** (_because pillows are a v. personal thing and make **all** the difference to sleep quality!_)
82 | + **bed linen** (_highest quality_) is **changed weekly** by housekeeper.
83 | (_if you prefer a higher frequency inform the "house parent"_)
84 | + **State-of the Art Kitchen** with the necessary appliances, utensils and utilities
85 | required for you to unleash your ***culinary creativity*** if choose to.
86 | + **3 Large Fridges** so everyone has space for their food.
87 | + **3 Dishwashers** so nobody has to wash crockery!
88 | + We will gradually be introducing:
89 | + ***Unlimited*** Healthy Vegan Soup (_freshly made each day_)
90 | + ***Unlimited*** Fresh Fruit & Vegetables (_personal use only, please don't start a restaurant with the House's "free" ingredients!_)
91 | + ***Unlimited*** Healthy Beverages:
92 | + Filtered water (_carefully controlled and high mineral content_)
93 | + Tea (_any type/flavour_)
94 | + Coffee (_"barista-style" coffee machine for you "**flat white**" lovers_)
95 | + Healthy Smoothies (_made with **the best** "Quiet One" VitaMix **blender**_)
96 | + _**All Bills** Included_:
97 | + **Cleaning service** (_daily_)
98 | + **Laundry service** (_each person will have their own laundry bag,
99 | when yours is full simply drop it off in the utility room in the morning
100 | and your fresh & folded laundry will be available for collection the next day_)
101 | + ***Unlimited*** 100Mb Fibre Internet (_**Two** "Paired" Low-latency Fibre-to-the-House **Connections** and the highest speed routers available_)
102 | + 100% Renewable Electricity (_Zero Fossil Fuels_)
103 | + Eco Cleaning Products used (_good for people who have allergies or who care about the environment_)
104 | + ***Library*** with ***ALL*** the books you could _ever_ want to read about:
105 | + Creativity
106 | + Coding
107 | + Productivity & Personal Effectiveness
108 | + Business
109 | + Leadership
110 | + (_Positive_) Psychology
111 | + All other "Traditional Academic Subjects"
112 | + **Garden** where you can grow your own food if you want to!
113 | + State-of-the-Art **Multi-Media Creative Suite** / **Recording Studio**:
114 | + Sound Proof
115 | + Instruments available
116 | + Complete recording equipment
117 | + Dedicated Mixing/Editing computers
118 | + Games Room with:
119 | + Pingpong
120 | + Foosball
121 | + Games console and hand-picked games (_with the **hard rule** that we **only non-violent** "**multi-player**" games and limited to **1h per week per person** if there is a "queue"_)
122 | + Home Cinema (_weekly film night. flick picked by members_)
123 | + _Am I missing anything here...?_
124 |
125 | > _**Note**: I'm **absolutely not** suggesting that
126 | anyone **currently** working for @dwyl
127 | (or doing F&C) and living in London will be **expected**
128 | to "**move to Portugal**"!
129 | The purpose of `Braga House`
130 | is to make it **possible**
131 | for **future team members**
132 | to **drastically reduce** their **living expenses**.
133 | `if` any of our **existing** community/team
134 | members **choose** to **experience** living in an a Health-focussed "**Creativity Accelerator**"
135 | and save a **ton** of money in the process, they are **very welcome**!_
136 |
137 |
138 | 1_Beds are all **individual**.
139 | We can't accommodate "**couples**" who want to share a double bed.
140 | No Exceptions.
141 | (couples are welcome but expect to sleep in separate rooms
142 | this not a "love shack", Sorry.)
143 | 2If you **don't like** the idea of **sharing** a room
144 | with other interesting people, this is probably **not for you**._
145 |
146 |
147 |
148 | ### Why _Braga_?
149 |
150 | While Braga is not (_yet_) on the "Digital Map" the way Lisbon or Porto are,
151 | there are _several_ factors that make it a good candidate for investment/development:
152 |
153 | + General availability of ***high-speed internet***
154 | + Considerably ***cheaper living costs*** and **_far_ less crowded**
155 | than bigger European cities; fewer tourists means great food is still cheap!
156 | + Technology-focussed University based in the city.
157 | + All major supermarkets, clothing stores and facilities are available
158 | + Good (_modern_) hospital and other medical
159 | facilities e.g: dentists and eye specialists (_we recently updated our glasses
160 | and paid around a third of London prices! so much for "specsavers"!_)
161 | + Comparatively ***high education levels*** and low crime rate
162 | + Considerably better **air quality** than most major European Cities
163 | + Parks, Out-door Gyms, Mountain Biking Trails
164 | + Excellent transport links (_Buses/Trains to the rest of Portugal_)
165 | > _Direct_ Bus to Porto Airport is **€8** and takes **50 mins**
166 | via [GetBus](https://getbus.eu/en/braga-airport-braga)
167 | > Bus stop _in front_ of the house: [Braga House Street View](https://www.google.pt/maps/@41.547696,-8.4145142,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1nlC6YYTE91Q2njoTZhVmg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
168 |
169 | ## _Who?_
170 |
171 | The _objective_ of `Braga House` is _not_
172 | to create a "Hostel" for the "_general public_".
173 | The _objective_ is to surround ourselves with people who are
174 | interesting, creative, optimistic and ambitious!
175 | This criteria _automatically exculdes_ 95% of the population
176 | who prefer to sit around watching TV and _complain_
177 | that there are "***no jobs***";
178 | when in _fact_ there's a
179 | ["_skills gap_"](https://hbr.org/2014/08/employers-arent-just-whining-the-skills-gap-is-real)
180 | i.e: ***huge shortage*** of
181 | people with specific technical and creative skills.
182 | We want to _attract_ people who are pursuing/practicing these skills
183 | and help them _flourish_!
184 |
185 |
186 |
187 |
188 | `Braga House` will be available to **two groups** of people:
189 |
190 | ### Residents (_Long Term_)
191 |
192 | People who (_temporarily_) ***live*** in the house.
193 | The _amount_ of time a person will _live_ in `Braga House` will
194 | range from **1-6 Months**
195 | (_we don't `expect` people to stay longer than
196 | a few months but we won't forbid anyone
197 | from staying for as long as they like!_)
198 |
199 | We will give preferential residence/access to people who (_already_)
200 | work with/for dwyl.
201 |
202 | ### Guests (_Short Term_)
203 |
204 | Guests are people who are visiting for a short period (1 night - 1 week).
205 | We _love_ having guests because they bring new ideas/perspective
206 | and tell us how we can improve.
207 |
208 | Guests will need to fill in a brief "_application_" form
209 | to come and stay with us.
210 | (_we aren't focussing on guests for the first 6 months,
211 | guest form will only be created later._)
212 |
213 | Guests will be able to work their choice of creative/technology projects,
214 | collaborate with other people in the house on one of the existing projects
215 | or simply relax and absorb the atmosphere.
216 |
217 |
218 |
219 | # How?
220 |
221 |
222 | ## The House
223 |
224 | The house is comprised of 3 floors:
225 | + **Basement**
226 | + Large Garage with street door and ramp to the public road - we will
227 | be using the garage as our multi-purpose indoor communal/community area.
228 | + Projector
229 | + Beanbags
230 | + Yoga Mats
231 | + 2 Medium Sized ("double") rooms:
232 | + **Multi-media recording/editing studio** for video/podcast production
233 | + "**Art Room**/Classroom" for design, crafts & other arts as well as a daytime
234 | classroom for anyone who wants to learn/teach (away from the main working area).
235 | + 1 Small ("single") room (_was previously used as a study_)
236 | we intend to use this as our Laundry, utilities and linen room.
237 | + Bathroom w/ Shower (_big enough for an accessible/wheelchair facility
238 | or multiple showers_)
239 | + **First Floor**
240 | + Extra-Large Living room (9.4 x 4.3m) - to be used as our main co-working
241 | space. It can easily fit desks for 20 people (1m wide - see below)
242 | + Dining Room fits 8 People
243 | + Kitchen (large enough for double appliances and "American" fridges)
244 | + Walk-in Pantry perfect for storing food and kitchen appliances.
245 | + Office/Study - this will be our library and resource room (_printing etc_)
246 | + Bathroom
247 | + **Second Floor**
248 | + 4 Large bedrooms - the plan is to use these 3 large rooms as "Dorm" rooms
249 | with bunk beds. Each room can comfortably fit 5 bunk beds with
250 | storage space, however we are going to _initially_ limit each room to 4
251 | (_double_) bunks (_see below for details_)
252 | + 1 Medium bedroom this will be the bedroom for Ines & Nelson
253 | or who ever is the "_house master_" once it's set up
254 | and ready to run _independently_ of us.
255 | + Bathroom w/ shower - this will be converted into 2 individual showers.
256 | + Bathroom w/ bath - this will be converted into additional toilet cubicles.
257 | + **Outdoors / Garden**
258 | + 3.5 - 4.5m around the house (_currently the garden is very neglected
259 | so requires some attention/landscaping_) we are considering the following:
260 | + Outdoor table Tennis (_covered between use_)
261 | + Outdoor Table Football ("_fussball_" _also covered between use_)
262 | + Hot tub (_we need to gauge demand for it
263 | and cost it including annual maintenance_)
264 | + Bird House (_disused_) - the plan is to convert it into something _useful_
265 | like a sauna/steam room (_which is great for detox/letting off steam..._)
266 | + Glass Cube for outdoor meditation, quiet reading and isolated creative work.
267 |
268 | ## 1. The House for _Creative Technologists_
269 |
270 | 
271 |
272 |
273 | `Braga House` is a place for people to live, learn and work
274 | with [_Creative Technology_]( #what-is-a-creative-technologist-).
275 |
276 | A _haven_ for people who _already_ consider themselves a "***Digital Nomad***"
277 | and/or those who _want_ to _learn_ how to be ***Creative Technologists***.
278 |
279 | Initially the house will be "_invite-only_"
280 | (_because we want to be **selective** to establish the culture_)
281 | but once we are up-and-running
282 | we will have an ***application process*** for people joining.
283 |
284 | ### How Many Beds?
285 |
286 | Let's start by making one thing clear: the `Braga House` is _not "small"_.
287 |
288 | There is space for 64 beds (32 Bunks) in the house if we were to _maximise_ it,
289 | but our purpose is to make it _comfortable_ for everyone
290 | so our plan is to `limit` it to **32 beds** (16 bunks);
291 | 4 bunks per large room.
292 | We have carefully measured the amount of space in the large rooms
293 | and confirmed the space is consistent with other (_high rated_)
294 | Hostels we have stayed in and will ensure that people have ***ample space***.
295 |
296 | > _**Note**: the **objective** is to make **affordable living** & **co-working**
297 | available to people in **comfortable minimalism** not "5-Star Luxury"_.
298 |
299 | ### Hostel Requirements and Considerations
300 |
301 | + Firstly we need to _enquire_ about ***licensing/regulations***
302 | to operate a "Bed and Breakfast" or "Youth Hostel"
303 | in the area and specifically that location.
304 | + **Solar panels** - what is the pay-back period (_financial_)
305 | and can we _justify_ investing in panels immediately?
306 | (_can we use the bank loan to finance them_?)
307 | + **_Secure_ bicycle parking**. (_off street_) - how many spaces?
308 | + **_Secure_ Building Access** membership card and/or NFC-enabled mobile phone.
309 | all exterior doors will have security cameras for the safety of members.
310 | + **Bunk Beds** - are there already _great_ quality beds we can use
311 | or do we need to spec/design and order our own from scratch.
312 | + Investigate fresh produce (_wholesale_) market for sourcing fruit & veg
313 | with a bulk discount.
314 | + Should we make all fruit & veg "free" for members?
315 | + A clear code-of-conduct must be drawn up using dwyl's existing one.
316 | It _must_ be _clear_ to all what constitutes acceptable behaviour
317 | and what the grounds are for membership (_and the revocation thereof_)
318 | e.g: knowingly breaking any local law will lead to membership termination
319 | because each member is an ambassador/representative of the entire org/team.
320 |
321 | ## 2. Workspace
322 |
323 | Our plan is to create _ideal_ ("***deep***") working conditions
324 | for the **32 people** staying with us.
325 |
326 | Considering that we currently have 26+ people
327 | working in the **140m**2 at Palmer's road,
328 | we expect people to be a **lot more _comfortable_**
329 | with **300m**2.
330 |
331 | ### Desks
332 |
333 | We will make **32 sit/stand desks** available for people to use.
334 | The desks will be primarily in the "**Main WorkSpace**"
335 | which will have **20 desks**.
336 | The remaining desks will be in the basement work areas.
337 |
338 | ### Dimensions
339 |
340 | Each desk will measure 100 x 70cm
341 | (_this is **compact** but **comfortable** for a Laptop,
342 | Gas-lift mounted Screen, notepad and other personal effects_)
343 |
344 | ### Sit/Stand
345 |
346 | Desks can be have a vertical range of between 65cm and 125cm
347 | (_this **exceeds** the range of motion of an IKEA Bekant sit/stand desk_)
348 |
349 | Desks will be on castors and can be moved into different layouts.
350 | We can easily switch between
351 | "classroom" format (_everyone facing the projector screen_)
352 | and "deep work" (_everyone facing the walls to avoid distraction_)
353 | or "team work" (_where desks are clustered to promote collaboration_).
354 |
355 |
356 | ### Day Visitors
357 |
358 | Once we are _well established_ we will encourage other people
359 | to visit during the day to learn & collaborate with us.
360 |
361 | The "main room" will be reserved for focussed work
362 | as visitors will inevitably distract others.
363 |
364 | Similar to "Google Campus" where _anyone_ can show up and work.
365 | People who are _members_ of dwyl can come and work in the house/gardens
366 | and use free WiFi.
367 |
368 | ### No Working in the Kitchen or Dining Room during meal time(s)
369 |
370 | No laptops are allowed in the Kitchen/Dining room;
371 | these are areas for eating and casual conversations, not staring at screens.
372 |
373 | Tablets/phones are permitted to _demo_ work
374 | as part of informal discussions
375 | and for checking recipes in the kitchen
376 | but people should not sit at the table messaging or watching videos.
377 |
378 |
379 | ## 3. Creative Technology Rapid Learning Workshops (`CTRL+W`)
380 |
381 | The purpose of `CTRL+W` is to develop and share creative/technology knowledge.
382 |
383 | Between **16:00 - 19:00** we will build up to holding _**daily**
384 | Creative Technology **Workshops** for **dwyl members**_.
385 |
386 | We intend to share our learning _material_ both in written form
387 | (_the way we have since the start of dwyl_) and as video recordings.
388 |
389 | dwyl's purpose is _not_ to "_make money_" from education,
390 | however we feel that the learning materials, online and in-person community
391 | of creative technology professionals offers _significant_ value to our members.
392 | In order to make Learning/Training a _sustainable independent_ "_arm_"
393 | of dwyl we need to charge a _small_ monthly membership fee.
394 |
395 | For more detail on the dwyl NetWork see: [/NetWork.md](/NetWork.md)
396 |
397 |
398 |
399 | # The Plan
400 |
401 | Hopefully the above has given some insight into what we intend to
402 | do with the Braga House. (_if you have questions, please ask in issues(s)_!)
403 |
404 | ## Financials
405 |
406 | ### The House
407 |
408 | Buying the house will cost **€280k** (_+ Taxes TBD_).
409 | This figure may sound like a "_bargain_" by "_big city_" standards ...
410 | a **8 bedroom**, 4 bathroom, 2 office/study house with a generous kitchen,
411 | separate dining room, a garden and garage for
412 | _**less than** a **studio flat** in central **London**_!
413 |
414 | > We think this is an "_unmissable_" opportunity because the total cost
415 | of living is less than **1/3** of **London** which means
416 | that _all_ our members can achieve "***financial freedom***" much earlier!
417 |
418 |
419 | ### Renovations
420 |
421 | _One_ of the reasons why the house is so "_cheap_" is that it requires a _lot_ of renovation ... it's been _empty_ for the past 2 years and needs
422 | quite a lot of work to be "_nice_" again).
423 |
424 | The total projected renovation cost is €252k (_including project management_).
425 | Please see **spreadsheet** for complete breakdown:
426 | https://docs.google.com/a/dwyl.io/spreadsheets/d/1P9O-wV2ssWqkBZlMx3uTMZC2ErNQW7wx5rYai0ZFAr8
427 |
428 | 
429 |
430 | 
431 |
432 |
433 | ### Monthly Running Costs €2,500
434 |
435 | We estimate total monthly running costs of **€2,500**.
436 |
437 | #### Cleaning
438 |
439 | Housekeeping is our single biggest cost.
440 |
441 | 
442 |
443 | **Note**: We expect "_economies of scale_" at full capacity
444 | where we will be able to hire a (well compensated)
445 | full-time housekeeper with part-time weekend cover.
446 |
447 | #### Variable Overheads
448 |
449 | 
450 |
451 | Please see spreadsheet for calculations.
452 |
453 | ### Revenue
454 |
455 | For the purposes of this plan we are assuming that "The Braga House"
456 | is a _independent entity_ with a _single_ source of Revenue.
457 |
458 | Revenue will range from €5k - €8k depending on occupancy.
459 |
460 | 
461 |
462 | Any surplus will be re-invested in the house/community.
463 |
464 | In _reality_ the revenue will be higher because we expect to have
465 | membership of **200+ people** @ **€6/month** in Braga/Porto who will
466 | attend Evening + Weekend Creative/Technology Workshops, Meetups & Events.
467 |
468 | The "dwyl network" membership will cost €6/month if we have 200 members.
469 | We think this is a very _fair_ price for the value people will get.
470 |
471 |
472 |
473 | ### Total Cost of Project: _€532K_
474 |
475 | ### Expected Financial Return
476 |
477 | "Adequately Meets Cost-of-Capital Requirements"
478 | (_ask Inês for the "Bank Loan Business Plan" if you are curious_)
479 |
480 | ### Expected Social Return
481 |
482 | + Hundreds of People's Lives Improved Each Year!
483 | + Health, Creativity & Technology Training for the wider community
484 | (_we expect to reach tens of thousands of people per year!_)
485 | + Many innovative products/services will flourish here
486 | with a **social focus**.
487 |
488 | #### Market Value of House _Post-Refurbishment_
489 |
490 | We expect the house to be worth around €650k once refurbished.
491 | This is based on _current_ valuations for _smaller_ properties
492 | in _worse_ areas of Braga.
493 | see: https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/54#issuecomment-298320811
494 |
495 | Given that we expect to invest €532, we _could_ make €100k if we sell.
496 | But that's _definitely_ not the point of the project!!
497 |
498 | But it's re-assuring to know that we could make a 20% financial ROI
499 | if we _wanted_ to, and that's what the Bank will be looking at.
500 |
501 |
502 |
503 |
504 | # tl;dr - thoughts on how to ...
505 |
506 |
507 |
508 | ### Well-Defined Routine/Schedule
509 |
510 | We think people work best when there is a clearly defined routine.
511 | see: https://medium.com/swlh/habits-maketh-the-man-32fd07037a6
512 |
513 | #### Well-defined Work Day: 08:00 - 16:00
514 |
515 | We will _encourage_ people to work have _consistent_ working hours
516 | from **08:00 - 16:00**. The "Main Room" is available for
517 | co-working during these hours.
518 | people should take a break for lunch,
519 | go for a walks (_outside_) and take naps (_upstairs_) as required.
520 |
521 | If people prefer to work earlier or later than this
522 | that is fine! We will simply ask that they do so from a _different_ room.
523 |
524 | Proposed Daily Schedule:
525 |
526 | |Start - End | Description |
527 | |---------------|-------|
528 | | 05:00 - 06:00 | Healthy food preparation (_kitchen area_) |
529 | | 06:00 - 07:00 | Self-guided Yoga / Pilates / Mindfulness (Basement/Garden); Reading or Quiet work 1st & 2nd floor |
530 | | 07:00 - 08:00 | "Early" Focus Time for reading & coding (_absolute silence please this is when we get our best "deep" work done_) |
531 | | 08:00 - 10:00 | Morning Focus Time (_silence please this is when we get our best "deep" work done_) |
532 | | 10:00 - 10:30 | Morning break (_moderate chat/noise acceptable. get outside!_) |
533 | | 10:30 - 12:30 | Pre-Lunch Focus Time (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate when pairing._) |
534 | | 12:30 - 13:30 | Lunch Break (_moderate chat/noise in dining room. No noise on 1st in case people are napping._) |
535 | | 13:30 - 15:00 | Afternoon Focus Time (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) |
536 | | 15:00 - 15:30 | Finish, "push" and/or summarize/update your work/task/issue ahead of standup (_please whisper or use "instant messaging" to communicate_) |
537 | | 15:30 - 16:00 | Daily Standup Time: take turns to record your daily progress update in the meeting room. (_moderate chat/noise acceptable_) |
538 | | 16:00 - 19:00 | "Self Directed Learning" or "Specific Topic" learning (_in the main rooms_) |
539 | | 19:00 - 19:30 | "Show & Tell", "Get Help", "Q&A", "Decompress Time" |
540 | | 19:30 - 21:00 | Personal time. Meetup, Event or Evening Training (_see events calendar_) |
541 | | 21:00 - 22:00 | "Wind Down Time"(_Upstairs please whisper or use IM to communicate_) |
542 | | 22:00 - 06:00 | Sleep! |
543 |
544 |
545 | #### Breakfast
546 |
547 | We have ***deliberately excluded*** "_Breakfast_" because we _don't_
548 | want to encourage/force people to think that they _have/need_ to eat
549 | anything in the morning.
550 |
551 | While the "_common knowledge_" is (_was_) that
552 | "_**breakfast** is the **most important meal** of the day_"
553 | there is substantial evidence that
554 |
555 | If people chose to use the power of intermittent fasting
556 | e.g: fasting for 16-18h/day and only eating during a 6-8h "time window",
557 | then having a pre-defined "_lunch time_" works well.
558 | If people prefer to only eat once per day i.e:
559 | [fasting for 23 hour each day](https://www.instagram.com/rumdumdum/)
560 | you could still have your daily meal at "lunch time".
561 |
562 | See: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-intermittent-fasting
563 |
564 | #### Lunch Time 12:30 - 13:30
565 |
566 | Rules:
567 | + No eating at desks or in bedrooms
568 | (_keep crumbs to a single place for easier cleaning_)
569 | + When you have **finished eating** get up, clean your dishes go for a walk.
570 | (_**don't linger** in the dining room as others need the space_)
571 |
572 | #### Fasting for Religious or Health Reasons?
573 |
574 | If you are observing a religious fasting or on a specific diet
575 | please make this known to your housemates so people know not to expect
576 | you for lunch.
577 |
578 | #### Daily Standup Time: 15:30 - 16:00
579 |
580 | People working on a project should meet daily to discuss their progress on current tasks,
581 | the next task they will work on and (_where applicable_) any impediments.
582 | We hold our standup(s) via video chat, record the update and post it on YouTube.
583 |
584 | If you are not working on a specific project then your update is like
585 | a [_video diary_](https://youtu.be/_3pyYFkeMn8) of your learning progress.
586 |
587 | > See:
588 | https://pm.stackexchange.com/questions/14240/should-daily-scrum-meetings-be-held-in-the-morning-or-the-afternoon
589 |
590 | #### Lights Out Sleep Time: 22:00
591 |
592 | No more tech after 22:00. Switch off and give your brain/eyes a rest!!
593 | (_there is substantial academic/empirical /medical/psychological
594 | research that indicates that using screens before bed - or in bed! - adversely affects sleep quality, we want to help people rest well!_)
595 | We `expect` people to **sleep** from 22:00 - 06:00 (8hrs)
596 | Some of us will sleep 22:00 - 05:00 because we need to be up early to
597 | go to do food prep, exercise, reading etc.
598 | Others may sleep 23:00 - 07:00.
599 | either way "***tech off***" @ 22:00 (_for your own good!_)
600 |
601 | #### Weekends
602 |
603 | Everyone is free to relax and do what they want on weekends.
604 | People who observe a specific faith should make this known
605 | to others after joining so everyone `else` can respect
606 | their days/times of worship.
607 |
608 |
609 | ### What is a _Creative Technologist_ ?
610 |
611 | A "Creative Technologist" is a _general_ term to signify a person
612 | that uses
613 | [creative technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_technology)
614 | for their work.
615 |
616 | We do not "_pigeon hole_" people by what technology they use
617 | or whether they are a "coder", "graphic designer" or videographer.
618 | Everyone is welcome the only requirements are that
619 | + their use of technology creates value to someone else
620 | + their work/output is beneficial to society
621 | + demonstrate pursuit of "_mastery_" in their skill/craft through
622 | [deliberate practice](https://goo.gl/Qrf13X).
623 | + willing to share their knowledge/skills with others
624 |
625 |
626 | ### What is a "Digital Nomad" ("_DiNo_")?
627 |
628 | A "Digital Nomad" (_or_ "_DiNo_" _for short_)
629 | is a person who is "***location-independent***".
630 | A DiNo's does not require visiting a traditional "_office_".
631 | They can ***work from anywhere***
632 | with nothing more than a **Laptop Computer & Internet Connection**.
633 |
634 | Much of the "**Knowledge Economy**" work can be done _remotely_.
635 | This lowers the costs to the person doing the work
636 | because they don't have to pay _exhorbitant_ "_Metropolis_" rents/prices
637 | (_e.g. London, New York, San Jose, Oslo, Tokyo, etc._)
638 |
639 | We @dwyl have _embraced_ remote working from the beginning because we know
640 | that as long as people have a quiet place to focus on their work,
641 | it can be done from _anywhere_.
642 |
643 | Quite a few (_existing_) dwyl team members have worked remotely over the past
644 | couple of years from interesting places such as Bali, Japan, Mexico, Columbia,
645 | Spain, France, Scotland, Portugal, USA, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, etc
646 | (_the list goes on!_).
647 | But until now we haven't been able to _provide_ the destination for people
648 | to go and live & work remotely.
649 | And while "Braga" might not be a "beach in Thailand" it does have
650 | certain _other_ advantages (detailed below) which will
651 | make it attractive to DiNos.
652 |
653 |
654 | > P.S: I don't know if this is the "_right_" place/repository
655 | to include this idea/plan, so please feel free to _move it_
656 | to somewhere more appropriate. (_I won't be offended!_)
657 | please discuss in the issue `before` moving:
658 | https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/54
659 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/braga/research.md:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | ## Hostels?
2 |
3 | ### Standards
4 |
5 | http://mediafiles.thedms.co.uk/Publication/CU-CTB/cms/pdf/hostel-accom-quality-standards-docx.pdf
6 |
7 | ### Door Width for wheelchair Access
8 |
9 | Door width for wheelchair access should be not less than 32 inches / **813mm**
10 | http://www.theaccessibleplanet.com/leisure/activities/door-width-for-wheelchair-access.html
11 |
12 | ### Braga
13 |
14 | The cheapest hostel in Braga is €9/night for a dorm.
15 | We need to visit it to observe their facilities ...
16 |
17 |
18 | ### Regulations
19 |
20 | Fairly certain it will be _similar_ for Portugal.
21 | If someone knows or has time to investigate
22 |
23 | https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/toilets.htm
24 | [Portugal-Workplace-regulations-decretolei_243_86.pdf](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/files/925505/Portugal-Workplace-regulations-decretolei_243_86.pdf)
25 |
26 |
27 | ## What is a _Creative Technologist_?
28 |
29 | http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles/4242_creative_technologist
30 |
31 | Bunk Beds
32 |
33 |
34 | ### Therapy/Swim Pool Depth
35 |
36 | 
37 |
38 | Lots more detail: https://www.ewacmedical.com/files/5738jidwx.pdf
39 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/douro.md:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 |
2 |
3 | [](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1240795630)
4 |
5 | # Douro Riverside Family & Friends
Food Forest Farm School
Tiny Home/Holiday Village*
6 |
7 | * _We're going to need a shorter name_ ... **`#HelpWanted`** 💭
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 | After
12 | [***years***](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/3)
13 | of **searching** ... 🔍
14 | we think we have found an **_amazing_ spot**. 😍
15 | It ticks _all_ the boxes
16 | to build our vision: 🌱
17 |
18 | + [x] **Abundant/Unlimited Water**
19 | [**`#21`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/21) 🚰
20 | + [x] **Bonus**: access to a year-round **pristine _navegable_ river** ⛵
21 | + [x] **Excellent air quality** == longevity
22 | [**`#103`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/103) 🌬️
23 | + [x] **Unobstructed sunlight** (south-facing)
24 | for plants and solar panels
25 | [**`#7`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/7) ☀️
26 | + [x] Superb **soil fertility** for growing organic food
27 | [**`#87`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/87) 🥦
28 | [**`#90`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/90) 🫐
29 | + [x] **_Relative_ seclusion** (low noise) for a more peaceful life.
30 | [**`#2`**](https://github.com/dwyl/stars/issues/2) 🧘 🤩
31 | + [x] **Relative _proximity_** to a major international airport ✈️
32 | + [x] **51mins drive** to **`OPO` Airport**:
33 | [**`116`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1261513053)
34 | + [x] Existing/established trees (ideally a forest!)
35 | [**`#6`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/6) 🌳
36 | + [x] **Ruins to _rebuild_**;
37 | **_much_ faster** than planning permission
38 | to build from scratch
39 | and we can pick all finish/fixtures/fittings. 🏡
40 |
41 | > **Note**: Extended discussion of the land with photos
42 | > in the issue thread:
43 | > [**`#116`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116) 💬
44 |
45 | This document is meant to serve as a summary _proposal_
46 | and answer as many of our questions as possible. ❓
47 | If you have still have questions after reading it,
48 | please comment on the issue/thread:
49 | [**`#116`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116) 🙏
50 | Or if you think of something new e.g. a "gotcha" or idea,
51 | please open a
52 | [**`new`** issue](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues)
53 | to capture it. 💡
54 |
55 | Thanks! 🌻
56 |
57 |
58 | - [Douro Riverside Family \& Friends Food Forest Farm School Tiny Home/Holiday Village\*](#douro-riverside-family--friends-food-forest-farm-school--tiny-homeholiday-village)
59 | - [Why?](#why)
60 | - [1. Planning for Older Age / Retirement 🌳](#1-planning-for-older-age--retirement-)
61 | - [2. An _Awesome_ Place for Our Children to Thrive! 😍](#2-an-awesome-place-for-our-children-to-thrive-)
62 | - [3. A Great Way to Live Sustainably ♻️](#3-a-great-way-to-live-sustainably-️)
63 | - [4. Access to Water Sports! ⛵ 🛶 🏄♀️](#4-access-to-water-sports---️)
64 | - [5. Meet Like-minded People 👩🌾](#5-meet-like-minded-people-)
65 | - [Fresh Air 💨](#fresh-air-)
66 | - [Stars! ⭐](#stars-)
67 | - [Wild Life 🦉](#wild-life-)
68 | - [Abundant Water 🚰](#abundant-water-)
69 | - [3. Short-term Mental \& Physical Health](#3-short-term-mental--physical-health)
70 | - [4. Long-term Water, Food and Energy Security](#4-long-term-water-food-and-energy-security)
71 | - [Why _Now_?](#why-now)
72 | - [Trees Take Time](#trees-take-time)
73 | - [Why _Not_?](#why-not)
74 | - [Regrets?](#regrets)
75 | - [What?](#what)
76 | - [Listing](#listing)
77 | - [Fully Fenced](#fully-fenced)
78 | - [Berry Hedge 🫐](#berry-hedge-)
79 | - [_Golden_](#golden)
80 | - [UNESCO World Heritage Site 😍](#unesco-world-heritage-site-)
81 | - [Where?](#where)
82 | - [Souselo 📍](#souselo-)
83 | - [Population Density Side-note 😮](#population-density-side-note-)
84 | - [Castelo de Paiva 🏰](#castelo-de-paiva-)
85 | - [River Frontage 🏖️](#river-frontage-️)
86 | - [Crestuma–Lever Dam 🛥️](#crestumalever-dam-️)
87 | - [Atlantic Ocean _Access_ 🌍](#atlantic-ocean-access-)
88 | - [Who? 👨👩👧👦](#who-)
89 | - [Farm Manager (part-time)](#farm-manager-part-time)
90 | - [Volunteer Visitors ✋](#volunteer-visitors-)
91 | - [How? 🚧](#how-)
92 | - [How _Much_? 💰](#how-much-)
93 | - [Revenue 💵](#revenue-)
94 | - [Guest Cottage(s) 🏡](#guest-cottages-)
95 | - [Renovations? 🏗️](#renovations-️)
96 | - [Newest Building 🆕](#newest-building-)
97 | - [Renovating the 2 Smaller "Cottages" ✌️](#renovating-the-2-smaller-cottages-️)
98 | - [Caretaker Cottage](#caretaker-cottage)
99 | - [Help Wanted! 🔰](#help-wanted-)
100 | - [Part-time Paid Cleaning Person 🧹](#part-time-paid-cleaning-person-)
101 | - [`Workaway` 👩🌾](#workaway-)
102 | - [Main House 🏡](#main-house-)
103 | - [`YouTube` Channel](#youtube-channel)
104 | - [Sample topics:](#sample-topics)
105 | - [Tiny House(s) 🏠](#tiny-houses-)
106 | - [Specification 📝](#specification-)
107 | - [Beds 🛏️](#beds-️)
108 | - [Bathroom](#bathroom)
109 | - [Kitchen](#kitchen)
110 | - [Water](#water)
111 | - [Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)](#heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning-hvac)
112 | - [Electricity, Batteries and Grid Connection](#electricity-batteries-and-grid-connection)
113 | - [Space to Grow!](#space-to-grow)
114 | - [Permaculture Food Forest 🌳](#permaculture-food-forest-)
115 | - [Botanical Garden 🏡](#botanical-garden-)
116 | - [Geodesic Greenhouse 🌱](#geodesic-greenhouse-)
117 | - [Pedagogical Forest Farm _School_](#pedagogical-forest-farm-school)
118 | - [Farm Animals](#farm-animals)
119 | - [Ducks 🦆](#ducks-)
120 | - [Bees 🐝](#bees-)
121 | - [Organic Honey 🍯 and Wax 🕯️](#organic-honey--and-wax-️)
122 | - [Aquaponics 🐟 + 🌱](#aquaponics---)
123 | - [Energy / Power](#energy--power)
124 | - [Solar Panels](#solar-panels)
125 | - [Pumped-storage Hydroelectricity ⚡](#pumped-storage-hydroelectricity-)
126 | - [Relevant Reading + Research 🔍](#relevant-reading--research-)
127 | - [Hospital 🏥](#hospital-)
128 | - [On-site First Aid Center ⚕️](#on-site-first-aid-center-️)
129 | - [Douro Cruises](#douro-cruises)
130 | - [_Existing_ Local Guest Houses](#existing-local-guest-houses)
131 | - [Comparable Property in the Area](#comparable-property-in-the-area)
132 | - [Luxury Modern House on `1ha` No River Access; `850k €`](#luxury-modern-house-on-1ha-no-river-access-850k-)
133 |
134 | # Why?
135 |
136 | Top 5 Reasons:
137 |
138 | ## 1. Planning for Older Age / Retirement 🌳
139 |
140 | We aren't getting any younger.
141 | We must _proactively_ think
142 | about our own "third age"
143 | _long_ before we _need_ to
144 | and plan for the imminent retirement of our parents.
145 |
146 | ## 2. An _Awesome_ Place for Our Children to Thrive! 😍
147 |
148 | Having grown up in major cities
149 | but with friends who lived on farms in the countryside,
150 | I know which I would have preferred for myself;
151 | **unquestionably _nature_**!
152 |
153 | > **Note**: We aren't "_sacrificing_" living in the city.
154 | As outlined below I'm proposing a "hybrid lifestyle".
155 | We would still spend enough time in the city.
156 | And the land is 10 mins from a town
157 | with all the major supermarkets and amenities.
158 |
159 |
160 | ## 3. A Great Way to Live Sustainably ♻️
161 |
162 | With space to grow **80%+** of our own food organically,
163 | our own on-site composting and mini-recycling
164 | we can live a zero-waste lifestyle.
165 |
166 |
167 | ## 4. Access to Water Sports! ⛵ 🛶 🏄♀️
168 |
169 | With 200m+ of river frontage
170 | and plenty of space for both
171 | a private river beach
172 | and dock for boats
173 | we can have a water sports paradise!
174 |
175 |
176 |
177 | ## 5. Meet Like-minded People 👩🌾
178 |
179 | Having a place that _curious_ people
180 | can _apply_ to visit and stay at,
181 | means we will _attract_ interesting
182 | people we can _learn_ with/from.
183 |
184 |
185 |
186 | ### Fresh Air 💨
187 |
188 | It's widely known that
189 | vehicle pollution
190 | shortens lifespan,
191 | [decreases intelligence](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/27/air-pollution-causes-huge-reduction-in-intelligence-study-reveals)
192 | and reduces quality of life.
193 |
194 |
195 |
196 | ### Stars! ⭐
197 |
198 | Living in the city with
199 | [light pollution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_pollution)
200 | you barely see the moon never mind the stars!
201 | Out in the countryside
202 | far enough from the nearest low-density town
203 | on a clear night,
204 |
205 | 
206 |
207 | See:
208 | https://www.space.com/dark-sky-schist-villages-starlight-tourist-destination.html
209 |
210 | ### Wild Life 🦉
211 |
212 | Living in a city,
213 | when was the last time you saw a bird of prey
214 | other than in a zoo or sanctuary?
215 |
216 | The land we are considering has owls in the forest!
217 | And given that the pristine river bordering the land
218 | is _teaming_ with fish,
219 | there are also kingfishers,
220 | eagles and hawks!
221 |
222 | See:
223 | [wikipedia.org/wiki/**List**_of_**birds**_of_**Portugal**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Portugal)
224 |
225 |
226 |
227 | ### Abundant Water 🚰
228 |
229 | Bordering a year-round river
230 | and with 2 streams and 3 wells on the property,
231 | there is no shortage of water.
232 |
240 |
241 |
242 |
243 | ## 3. Short-term Mental & Physical Health
244 |
245 | [Thoreau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau)
246 | had
247 | [Walden](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walden),
248 | [Jung](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Jung)
249 | had
250 | [Bollingen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollingen_Tower)
251 | [Monet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Monet)
252 | spent 46 years painting in his garden and surrounding
253 | area of
254 | [Giverney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giverny).
255 |
256 | As a teenager,
257 | I had the privilege of visiting Monet's gardens
258 | and the memory persists today;
259 | it's ***epic***!
260 |
261 | If we are able to purchase the land,
262 | we will make the entrance and top terrace
263 | (where the houses will be)
264 | an _epic_ garden with Koi ponds,
265 | integrated trees,
266 | wheelchair accessible path / walkway
267 | perfect for people of all ages and mobility to enjoy.
268 |
269 |
270 |
271 | ## 4. Long-term Water, Food and Energy Security
272 |
273 |
274 |
275 |
276 |
277 | ## Why _Now_?
278 |
279 | Having recently been blessed with a **child** 👶
280 | and expecting another soon,
281 | we are acutely aware of our time pressures.
282 |
283 | Living in the
284 | [**city**](https://www.idealista.pt/en/news/lifestyle-in-portugal/2020/11/05/782-braga-portugals-happiest-city-and-one-of-the-best-cities-in-europe-to-live-in)
285 | is convenient for shops,
286 | healthcare,
287 | "safe" parks
288 | and all amenities.
289 | However the road noise,
290 | pollution,
291 | litter _everywhere_
292 | limited access to [real] nature
293 | and near-zero food growing space
294 | has us re-considering our options. 💭
295 |
296 | There will _never_ be a "good time"
297 | to buy a farm or small piece of land
298 | to plant trees, grow our own food
299 | and build a "country" lifestyle.
300 |
301 | If we keep putting it off
302 | until the "**_right_ time**",
303 | we will all be too old
304 | to do the work
305 | or worse
306 | **_too old_ to _enjoy_ it**!
307 |
308 | ### Trees Take Time
309 |
310 | Trees take 10+ years to mature and bare fruit.
311 | If we want the abundant fruits in our **50's`**,
312 | we need to plant them _now_!
313 |
314 |
315 | ## Why _Not_?
316 |
317 | For me, the _only_ reason _not_ to do this _now_
318 | is the _huge_ sums of **cash** required
319 | and the investment of **time**
320 | when we have so many other things to do ...
321 |
322 | Thankfully,
323 | having worked for a few years consulting
324 | for a couple of well-funded FinTech Startups,
325 | saving/investing diligently
326 | and living frugally,
327 | we have accumulated enough savings
328 | to _consider_ this project.
329 |
330 | 
331 |
332 | As for the **time**,
333 | again, we all need to come to terms
334 | with the fact that there will _never_ be a
335 | time in our lives where we have "spare" time.
336 | We're _always_ going to be
337 | [time-poor](https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220201-the-time-poverty-that-robs-parents-of-success).
338 | That's why we are building an
339 | [**`App`**](https://github.com/dwyl/app)
340 | that helps us **_maximize_** our **available time**
341 | and not squander any of it.
342 |
343 |
344 | ## Regrets?
345 |
346 | By _far_ my biggest regret in life
347 | is not being born into a wealthy family
348 | with _inherited_ land. 🙄
349 |
350 | Why couldn't I just be _born_ into the
351 | [**1%**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distribution_of_wealth#Wealth_inequality)
352 | instead of having to work **20 years** to get there? 🤷♂️
353 |
354 | I intend to _fix_ that for my children
355 | by buying them a farm they can grow up on. 🧑🌾
356 |
357 | All joking aside,
358 | having river (or beach) access
359 | land is what I always dreamed of as a child. 💭
360 | $$
361 | The STEM, creativity
362 | and _life_ skills learning opportunities
363 | of living on land are _significantly_
364 | greater than living in a city. 🧑🔬
365 |
366 | What better way
367 | to learn about ecosystems
368 | than _living_ in one?
369 |
370 | In 20 years time I want to look back on
371 | today and thank myself
372 | for investing this effort. ⏳
373 |
374 | i.e. _not_ have regrets!
375 |
376 | # What?
377 |
378 | The idea is to purchase
379 | a very _specific_ piece of land
380 | in the Douro Region of northern Portugal
381 | and transform it into something _magical_!
382 |
383 | ## Listing
384 |
385 | Details of the listing are captured in the issue:
386 | [**`#116`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116)
387 |
388 | But these are the highlights:
389 |
390 | 1. **2.3 Hectares** of fertile terraced land in the Douro region of Portugal; 🌳
391 | a UNESCO World Heritage site of "outstanding beauty". 😍
392 | 2. **150 metres** of [navegable] river frontage teaming with fish 🎣
393 | The property has two accesses to the river one ramp one stairs. 2️⃣
394 | The **Paiva** river feeds into the **Douro** **`800m`** downstream;
395 | We could _easily_ have kayaks, paddle boards and eventually our own
396 | [boat](https://github.com/dwyl/tiny-house/issues/34)! ⛵
397 | There is _already_ a **mini `private` beach**;
398 | we could make an _epic_ one! 🏖️
399 | 3. **4 Ruins** to rebuild.
400 | These could be:
401 | a "main house",
402 | a "caretaker flat"
403 | and **2 guest cottages**. 🏡 `#SustainableRevenue`
404 | 4. **50 minute** drive from
405 | [**`OPO`** Porto International Airport](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1261513053) 🛩️
406 | 5. **`€270k`** asking price. 💰
407 |
408 |
409 | ### Fully Fenced
410 |
411 | This is the view of the land from the main road:
412 |
413 | 
414 |
415 | The land is fully fenced but the fence is only shoulder-height.
416 | This is more of an animal barrier than a human security fence.
417 | But it's a good starting point.
418 |
419 | #### Berry Hedge 🫐
420 |
421 | If we are able to buy the land,
422 | we will plant a barrier hedge
423 | that will serve as both privacy
424 | and fruit e.g: Blackberries, Elderberries, Juneberry or Hazelnut!
425 | See:
426 | [**`#20`**](https://github.com/dwyl/learn-permaculture/issues/20)
427 |
428 | 
429 |
430 |
431 | The land already has more Blackberries than we could ever hope to eat:
432 | [**116**#issuecomment-1233583894](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1233583894)
433 |
434 | 
435 |
436 | The idea of planting them as a hedge along the road
437 | is that we **_share_ the abundance** with passers-by.
438 |
439 | 
440 |
441 |
442 | We would prep the land (including irrigation system)
443 | and plant these _immediately_
444 | so that they have plenty of time to grow
445 | in the next few years.
446 |
447 |
448 |
449 |
450 |
454 |
455 |
456 | ## _Golden_
457 |
458 | The Portuguese word **douro**
459 | translates to ***golden***:
460 |
461 | [translate.google.com/?text=douro](https://translate.google.com/?sl=pt&tl=en&text=douro%0A&op=translate)
462 |
463 | 
464 |
465 | We think it's a fitting name for the area;
466 | it really is golden. 😍
467 | Gold bullion [coins, bars, etc.]
468 | is widely regarded as a safe store of wealth.
469 | Land similarly has not been know to _devalue_ over time.
470 | However, unlike **gold** that we cannot _eat_
471 | if we're hungry,
472 | fertile land
473 | with abundant water
474 | and sunshine
475 | _can_ produce food
476 | we can eat
477 | for the rest of our lives.
478 | I would argue that the ROI on land
479 | is _considerably_ better than Gold
480 | as it has an "**annual dividend**" of **fresh produce**
481 | while still benefiting from capital appreciation.
482 |
483 |
484 |
485 |
486 | ## UNESCO World Heritage Site 😍
487 |
488 | The surrounding area where the land
489 | is a World Heritage Site;
490 | a "cultural landscape of outstanding beauty".
491 | https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1046/
492 |
493 | Read the Wiki page for more info:
494 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douro_DOC
495 |
496 | Everywhere you look is a postcard of epic landscapes:
497 |
498 | 
499 |
500 |
501 | 
502 |
503 | # Where?
504 |
505 | Having recently been blessed with **_two_ children**,
506 | it's brought the question
507 | "_**where** to spend our time?_"
508 | into sharp focus.
509 |
510 | Living in the city
511 | is _good_ for all the modern conveniences
512 | like easy access to shops,
513 | healthcare, government services
514 | and (city) leisure activities
515 | like parks, swimming pools & tennis courts.
516 | Braga is a fantastic small city
517 | with _most_ of the things
518 | a young family
519 | or older folks
520 | can wish for;
521 | good schools,
522 | organic food shops,
523 | great restaurants,
524 | and leisure activities.
525 | However it's still a city.
526 | Even though it has comparatively
527 | _good_ air quality,
528 | there is road noise/pollution,
529 | limited access to nature
530 | and little space for growing our own organic food.
531 |
532 | We need _space_ to grow our own food and imaginations! 💭
533 |
534 |
535 | ## Souselo 📍
536 |
537 | The land we are considering is based in **`Souselo`**:
538 | [wikipedia.org/wiki/Souselo](https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Souselo)
539 |
540 | [google.com/maps/@41.0600253,-8.2457732](https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0600253,-8.2457732,283a,35y,3.29t/data=!3m1!1e3)
541 |
542 | 
543 |
544 |
545 | We had never _heard_ of Souselo
546 | before we started researching it.
547 | So don't feel bad
548 | if it's not familiar to you either.
549 | It's a **_tiny_ village** in northern Portugal
550 | that borders the Douro and Paiva rivers
551 | and has _fewer_ than **200 registered inhabitants**;
552 | corresponding to a density of 349,2 hab/km².
553 | By comparison, our neighborhood in Braga
554 | has 32,876 inhabitants;
555 | 8 057,8 hab./km²!
556 | Yes, that's not a typo.
557 | _8 thousand_ people per square kilometer
558 | in our neighborhood in Braga.
559 | https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A3o_Victor_(Braga)
560 | For reference, the average population density
561 | in
562 | [London](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London)
563 | is 5,598/km2
564 | and
565 | [New York City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City)
566 | is
567 | 11,313.81/km2.
568 |
569 | ### Population Density Side-note 😮
570 |
571 | Just for fun, here are the mega-cities
572 | with the highest population density
573 | in the world:
574 | https://www.statista.com/statistics/1237290/cities-highest-population-density/
575 | 
576 |
577 | Not many of these are on my "must see" list
578 | much less "must live there" list. 😜
579 | No offense intended to anyone that lives
580 | in any of these places.
581 | I just (_strongly_) prefer the country-side
582 | to _any_ urban area.
583 |
584 |
585 | ### Castelo de Paiva 🏰
586 |
587 | The nearest town is is Castelo de Paiva:
588 | [wikipedia.org/Castelo_de_Paiva](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelo_de_Paiva)
589 |
590 | 
591 |
592 | It's tiny but has
593 | A map of the area
594 | featuring several sightseeing stops
595 | and existing accommodation:
596 |
597 | 
598 |
599 | Recommended reading:
600 | [vagamundos.pt/visitar-castelo-de-paiva-roteiro](https://www.vagamundos.pt/visitar-castelo-de-paiva-roteiro/)
601 |
602 |
603 | ### River Frontage 🏖️
604 |
605 | This rotated view allows you to see how wide the river is:
606 |
607 | 
608 |
609 | The _width_ of the river is roughly **`~20m`**
610 | at the point on the edge of the property
611 | where there is a ramp down to the water.
612 |
613 | 
614 |
615 | The _depth_ is **`~5m`** directly in front of the land.
616 | While we were viewing the land,
617 | a pleasure tour boat
618 | from the local **5 Star hotel**
619 | passed by:
620 |
621 | 
622 |
623 | Useful for visualizing the relative width of the river
624 | and a reminder that people _want_ to visit this area.
625 |
626 | It's difficult to see in the photos above,
627 | because the water is quite deep,
628 | but the water is crystal clear in the shallows:
629 |
630 | 
631 |
632 | The `Paiva` river is considered
633 | one of the cleanest/purest in Europe.
634 |
635 | ### Crestuma–Lever Dam 🛥️
636 |
637 | The river **`Paiva`** flows into the **`Douro`**
638 | a few hundred metres downstream.
639 | The `Douro` is dammed down-stream by the Crestuma–Lever Dam,
640 | which creates a **strategic water reservoir**
641 | for the region:
642 | [wikipedia.org/wiki/Crestuma-Lever_Dam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crestuma%E2%80%93Lever_Dam)
643 |
644 |
645 | 
646 |
647 | There is a hydroelectric power plant that **generates energy**
648 | for the **Porto district**
649 | and therefore having the water level
650 | reasonably constant is required.
651 |
652 | There are many river cruise boats on this area
653 | so it is _highly_ unlikely that navigability will be lost
654 | any time soon;
655 | that would _significantly_ impact local tourism/jobs!
656 |
657 | ### Atlantic Ocean _Access_ 🌍
658 |
659 | The dam has a lock system
660 | that allows boats (up to `83m` length!)
661 |
662 | 
663 |
664 | to descend from the reservoir to Douro River estuary
665 | and then on to the Atlantic Ocean. ⛵
666 |
667 | Passage through the lock must be booked the day before
668 | and costs **`€30`**.
669 | This is the final dam/lock before
670 | reaching the Atlantic so pretty straightforward.
671 |
672 | One of the biggest issues with owning a sail boat
673 | are the year-round docking/marina fees
674 | (e.g. €500/month! )
675 |
676 | Given the (minimum) **5 meter** water depth directly in front of the land,
677 | we could build a simple dock for a
678 | [sail boat]((https://github.com/dwyl/tiny-house/issues/34))
679 | and use it as the base for Atlantic - and eventually round-the-world - sailing! 💭
680 |
681 |
682 |
683 |
684 | # Who? 👨👩👧👦
685 |
686 | The land will be run as a
687 | Food Forest Farm for "Family & Friends".
688 |
689 | Both our direct family and our **`@dwyl`** "family".
690 | That is anyone who _currently_ (_or previously_)
691 | worked for **`@dwyl`**
692 | and _future_ members of the community.
693 |
694 | The Main House will be renovated
695 | and serve as a Family home.
696 | But rather than having a _personal_ "weekend home"
697 | that we use a handful of times per year,
698 | it will be listed on booking.com, AirBnb, etc.
699 | Thus families up to 10 people
700 | from both PT and abroad
701 | will be able to rent it
702 | and enjoy the organic permaculture lifestyle.
703 |
704 | One of the smaller cottages will be renovated
705 | and serve as the "**Caretaker Cottage**" (see below)
706 | so the person who manages the farm/business
707 | has a 2-bed residence as part of their "deal".
708 |
709 | ## Farm Manager (part-time)
710 |
711 | [**`@carolrmc`**](https://github.com/carolrmc)
712 | will take on the part-time role (**`2 hours / day`**)
713 | of Farm Manager.
714 | Carol will be responsible
715 | for managing/tracking the work that needs to be done
716 | according to our **`Plan`**.
717 |
718 | Luckily, Carol grew up on a farm (of similar size)
719 | and has performed all the jobs that need to be done.
720 | This is the **_perfect_ retirement activity** for her
721 | as their is a _lot_ to be explored!
722 |
723 | > **Note**: Full list of manager tasks TBD.
724 | > There will be good digital systems
725 | > to help keep track of everything.
726 |
727 |
728 | ## Volunteer Visitors ✋
729 |
730 | We intend to list the farm on several
731 | work-for-room+board websites
732 | so that people who want to visit
733 | the farm and do **`4h/day`** of work
734 | in exchange for room & board.
735 | They will learn Portugese (or English!)
736 | and lots about permaculture and sustainable living.
737 |
738 | See [Workaway](#workaway) section below. 🔗
739 |
740 |
741 | # How? 🚧
742 |
743 | The first step in determining the feasibility
744 | of this project is to look at the finances/projections.
745 |
746 | ## How _Much_? 💰
747 |
748 | The up-front cost of the land is **`€270,000`**
749 | [**`£234,495`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1240250648).
750 | There will be additional legal fees
751 | and paperwork from the council [tbd].
752 | We estimate that will be another **`€2k`**.
753 | So all-in the cost to purchase will be **`€272k`**.
754 |
755 | That is where the costs _start_! 💸
756 |
757 | Even though we are well aware of the fact
758 | that this project is going to require
759 | _large_ sums of cash,
760 | we also know that we don't need it all _up-front_.
761 | We only need enough to get _started_.
762 |
763 |
764 | # Revenue 💵
765 |
766 | There are **_multiple_ streams** of **revenue**
767 | for a small holding farm.
768 | The most effective/lucrative one
769 | is _temporary_ guest accommodation.
770 |
771 |
772 | ## Guest Cottage(s) 🏡
773 |
774 | Our research suggests
775 | a guest cottage in the Douro Region
776 | rents for a _minimum_ of **`€120/night`**.
777 | We will charge a "***market-clearing***" lower price of **`€80/night`**
778 | while we are establishing the rest of the business.
779 |
780 | These are our _draft_ calculations:
781 | https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ma5LOmK_vrSrYULjT0_WIHblgy6OU1VThYixeTUivCc
782 |
783 | 
785 |
786 | > **Note**: very happy to discuss/break-down in more detail.
787 | **Please _ask_ any questions** you have.
788 |
789 | Attempted to round-up all the costs
790 | and conservative on the occupancy of the cottages.
791 | Honestly think that in the "peak" months (May - September)
792 | we can get **_full_ occupancy**
793 | and **_waiting_ list**
794 | with a good **marketing plan**.
795 |
796 |
797 |
798 | ### Renovations? 🏗️
799 |
800 | The land has 4 "urban" buildings
801 | that can be renovated (or re-built).
802 |
803 | #### Newest Building 🆕
804 |
805 | The newest building as it currently stands is a granite walled shell
806 | with a concrete slab poured on top:
807 |
808 | 
809 |
810 | The internal dimensions are decent:
811 | 
812 |
813 | I don't think we would "finish" this building
814 | as the windows are all weird;
815 | the "face" of the front of the house is this:
816 |
817 | 
818 |
819 |
820 | and the basement, currently occupied by chickens:
821 |
822 | 
823 | 
825 |
826 | It's a no-go for me.
827 | I would keep it as a support building
828 | for storing supplies during our _actual_ build
829 | and then dismantle it and re-use the stones
830 | for something better.
831 |
832 | The dimensions are good and currently stores all their agricultural machines:
833 |
834 | 
836 |
837 |
838 | Yes, it's a "shame" to waste the effort/money someone has put into building it,
839 | but there's no point being "suck" with someone else's poor design choices.
840 | It will cost us €3k to "un-do" this structure.
841 | We will put off the work (and expense!) until all other buildings are _finished_.
842 |
843 |
844 |
845 | ## Renovating the 2 Smaller "Cottages" ✌️
846 |
847 | The two smaller dwellings on the first terrace
848 | appear to be agricultural buildings:
849 |
850 | 
852 |
853 |
854 | Instead of attempting to refurbish these structures
855 | we would contract a local architect/firm
856 | to draw up plans to expand each one by (up to) 30% (that's the law).
857 | We would build 2 compact cottages
858 | that would sleep up to **6 people**.
859 | We would get full planning permission
860 | for the cottages.
861 |
862 | The _internal_ space of the cottages
863 | will be _maximized_ by
864 | having _extra_-tall ceilings
865 | and then "loft" style furniture.
866 |
867 | Here's an example for inspiration, care of Zoku hotel, Amsterdam:
868 | [livezoku.com](https://livezoku.com/)
869 |
870 | 
871 |
872 | See:
873 | https://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/end-hotel-room-we-know-it
874 |
875 | We can do _much, much better_.
876 |
877 |
878 | ### Caretaker Cottage
879 |
880 | The caretaker cottage will be
881 | one of the permanent "urban" structures.
882 | The configuration will be:
883 | + Ground Floor: reduced mobility studio flat with
884 | + Discrete fold-away ("murphy") bed
885 | + Small kitchenette with
886 | + Sink
887 | + Kettle
888 | + Nespresso machine
889 | + Compact dishwasher
890 | + Compact 2-zone induction hob
891 | + Mini-fridge - just for essentials
892 | + Compact but accessible toilet and walk-in shower.
893 | + Second Floor: spacious bedroom with:
894 | + Large windows that maximize natural light
895 | + Double Bed
896 | + Built-in wardrobe
897 | + Comfortable chair & desk
898 |
899 | The design of the caretaker cottage
900 | will integrate into the landscaping
901 | such that the second floor will be wheelchair accessible
902 | via the "upper walkway".
903 | Therefore the cottage will have **_two_ external doors**
904 | and be prepared for _comprehensive_ access.
905 |
906 |
907 |
908 |
909 | ## Help Wanted! 🔰
910 |
911 | ### Part-time Paid Cleaning Person 🧹
912 |
913 | The cleaning person will be hired
914 | from the local area; **`#JobCreation`**
915 | We expect to pay **`€7/h`**
916 | and for them to work **`3h/day`**
917 | i.e. 3h x 5 days x €7 x 52 weeks = **`€5,460/year`**
918 |
919 | Task will include:
920 | + [x] Cleaning the main house & cottages
921 | + [x] Laundry and linen changes
922 | + [x] Turning over the Tiny Homes as we build them
923 | + [x] Food prep e.g. retrieving ingredients from the veg garden or fruit trees
924 | + [x] General light yard work such as collecting fallen leaves
925 |
926 | Once we ramp up the number of Tiny Homes in the Village,
927 | we will employ cleaning people **_full_-time year-round**.
928 |
929 |
930 |
931 | ### `Workaway` 👩🌾
932 |
933 | `Workaway` is a community + website
934 | that allows "hosts" to list their
935 | place to stay.
936 | Hosts describe the expected work to be done
937 | in exchange for room and board.
938 |
939 | Guests or "workawayers"
940 | are people that want to travel, explore and learn
941 | on a limited budget.
942 | Workawayers typically do **`25 hours`**
943 | of light work per week
944 | in exchange for a bed and meals.
945 |
946 | See:
947 | [**`#119`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/119)
948 |
949 | We will list our project on `Workaway`
950 | [and other relevant/similar sites]
951 | as soon as we have our plan clearly layed out
952 | and somewhere for the people to stay.
953 |
954 | We feel this will be an _exceptionally_
955 | mutually-beneficial arrangement.
956 | People that want to
957 | (a) visit Portugal,
958 | (b) experience permaculture with awesome leisure activities and
959 | (c) eliminate their living costs
960 | will _jump_ at this opportunity!
961 |
962 |
963 | ## Main House 🏡
964 |
965 | The main house will be built
966 | on the site of the current half-finished building.
967 |
968 | Similar to the cottages,
969 | it will have high ceilings
970 | and "loft" style beds and furniture.
971 |
972 | _Initially_ we will rent out the "main house"
973 | whenever we are not there
974 | to bring as much startup revenue as possible
975 | and start to prove the concept.
976 |
977 | Once we have established the rest of the plan,
978 | and can _afford_ to not rent the main house
979 | we will keep it just for "Friends & Family" guests.
980 | i.e. not listed _publicly_ on the website
981 | (or 3rd party booking sites).
982 |
983 |
984 | ## `YouTube` Channel
985 |
986 | We need to create/publish _regular_ videos.
987 | These will serve both as educational videos for _ourselves_,
988 | our guests and the wider community.
989 |
990 | ### Sample topics:
991 |
992 | + **Permaculture**: from seed to producing plant/tree.
993 | There are at least **500 videos** just here! (1 per week for 10 years)
994 | + Seed -> Tree -> Pruning -> Pests -> Fruit for each variety of
995 | [tree](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/6) we have planned.
996 | This is "evergreen" content that,
997 | if we have good production quality,
998 | will last for ever!
999 | + **_Healthy_ Food**: Cooking with the ingredients we grow.
1000 | + **Off-grid STEM**: Solar/Hydro Power, irrigation systems, outdoor cooking.
1001 | + **Tiny Homes**: research, planning, construction, pricing, maintenance, integrating guest feedback.
1002 | + **Local tours**: tours of the surrounding area; if we go somewhere, capture it!
1003 | + **Mental Health**: ASMR "day in the life" videos e.g:
1004 | + walks through the food forest in the various seasons; just the sound of nature.
1005 | captions/subtitles for detail where required.
1006 | + **Making Stuff**: making useful things using materials from the land e.g. wood, bamboo, grasses, stone, etc.
1007 | + **Arts & Crafts**: more traditional arts & crafts such as painting, tapestry.
1008 |
1009 | This list is by no means exhaustive.
1010 | Feel free to add to it.
1011 | Point is: there are **_many_ topics** we can cover.
1012 | There is easily enough for **_daily_ update videos**!
1013 | But we will start with just "regular updates" (e.g. monthly)
1014 | to not overwhelm ourselves and set unrealistic expectations.
1015 | Video will be our single best form of "marketing"
1016 | and will be the source of people for our _next_ stream of revenue.
1017 |
1018 | ## Tiny House(s) 🏠
1019 |
1020 | The (_hopefully_) main source of _non-virtual_ revenue
1021 | will be hiring Tiny Houses to families
1022 | and couples
1023 | who want a _taste_ of "**The Good Life™**".
1024 | People who love the _idea_ of
1025 | self-sufficiency living off the land,
1026 | but either don't have the resources or _time_
1027 | to build something themselves.
1028 |
1029 | We have done _considerable_
1030 | research into Tiny Houses over the years.
1031 |
1032 | There is _ample_ space on the land
1033 | for 20+ tiny houses
1034 | with plenty of privacy around each one.
1035 |
1036 | 
1037 |
1038 | We will start out with 1 tiny house
1039 | and build up to 6 on the terrace.
1040 |
1041 |
1042 |
1043 | ### Specification 📝
1044 |
1045 | Our Tiny Houses will have a standard spec
1046 | which will make them easy to clean/maintain
1047 | and very re-sellable if we need to unlock funds.
1048 |
1049 | See:
1050 | [dwyl/**tiny-house**](https://github.com/dwyl/tiny-house/)
1051 |
1052 |
1053 | #### Beds 🛏️
1054 |
1055 | Each Tiny House will be purpose-built to accommodate
1056 | **`2 adults`** and up to **4 children**.
1057 | We know that the _average_ number
1058 | of children per family in Europe
1059 | is
1060 | [**`1.6`**](https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Fertility_statistics)
1061 | but we are working with the edge-case.
1062 | And will _encourage_ families
1063 | to bring their child's friend(s)
1064 | for the week/weekend.
1065 |
1066 | + [x] 1 Double bed (loft)
1067 | + [x] 2 fold-down beds
1068 | + [x] 1 _comfortable_ sofa bed (sleeps 2)
1069 |
1070 | Both the sofa bed and fold-down beds
1071 | will be **`80cm`** wide and **`190cm`** long;
1072 | so perfectly big enough for 98% of adults.
1073 | So if a group of adult friends
1074 | wanted to rent the cabin for a week/weekend
1075 | they could squeeze in.
1076 |
1077 | #### Bathroom
1078 |
1079 | The bathroom will be deliberately "basic"
1080 | but fully functional with a _flushing_ toilet and shower
1081 | with grey water capture.
1082 |
1083 | > **Note**: each parking spot on the land will have
1084 | > a mini water storage and treatment plant.
1085 | > This will add ~ €500 to the setup cost but will
1086 | > allow for "modern luxury" [flushing]
1087 | > instead of composting toilets.
1088 |
1089 |
1090 | #### Kitchen
1091 |
1092 | Rather than having a "_full_" kitchen
1093 | each Tiny House will have a "mini" kitchen
1094 | with basic amenities:
1095 |
1096 | + Kettle
1097 | + Nespresso machine
1098 | + Mini-fridge
1099 | + IKEA 1-zone Induction Hob
1100 | + Sink for _manual_ dish-washing
1101 | (unless we can find a reasonably priced
1102 | [mini dishwasher](https://github.com/dwyl/tiny-house/issues/35) ...)
1103 |
1104 |
1105 | #### Water
1106 |
1107 | The Tiny House will have a _removable_
1108 | **`200 litre`** tank for drinking water.
1109 |
1110 | A grey water [Kitchen Sink, Dishwasher & Shower]
1111 | tank will collect all re-useable water.
1112 |
1113 | #### Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
1114 |
1115 | Each tiny home will have heat pump AirCon system
1116 | with a mini-split for ultimate comfort in all weather conditions.
1117 |
1118 |
1119 | To comply with weight restrictions for road legality,
1120 | the AirCon unit will be removable.
1121 |
1122 |
1123 | #### Electricity, Batteries and Grid Connection
1124 |
1125 | Each tiny house will have a
1126 | [battery bank]()
1127 | which will kick in at night
1128 | when solar is unavailable.
1129 |
1130 | But will also be connected to the "mains"
1131 | electricity [generated by the nearby Hydro dam]
1132 | for when the sun isn't shining.
1133 |
1134 |
1135 |
1136 |
1137 |
1138 |
1159 |
1160 | ## Space to Grow!
1161 |
1162 | As noted in the
1163 | [issues](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues)
1164 | we plan to grow a _wide_ variety of fruit trees.
1165 | Our [**`list of fruit trees`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/6)
1166 | currently has **`37`** fruits
1167 | and we plan to plant **several _varieties_** in each type.
1168 | So we won't just have _one_ Apple Tree,
1169 | we'll have at **_least_ 10**.
1170 |
1171 | We plan to grow a wide variety of annual edible plants;
1172 | fruits, vegetables, flowers and other ground cover.
1173 | see:
1174 | [**`#87`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/87)
1175 | (please add to the list!)
1176 |
1177 | The **`2.3ha`** of land
1178 | is _more_ than enough space
1179 | to plant 500+ fruiting trees
1180 | around the periphery
1181 | and then grow ample annual crops.
1182 |
1183 | ## Permaculture Food Forest 🌳
1184 |
1185 | We will follow the
1186 | [permaculture food forest](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/77#issuecomment-1239168081)
1187 | method to foster a lush wilderness
1188 | with _hundreds_ of edible plant spices
1189 | water capture/storage,
1190 | and biodiversity (friendly insects).
1191 |
1192 | > **Note**: the reason we will focus on _edible_ plants
1193 | > is that we want the garden/forest to be friendly
1194 | > to children who are just starting to walk
1195 | > and still exploring by putting _everything_ in their mouthes.
1196 |
1197 | ## Botanical Garden 🏡
1198 |
1199 | We plan to create labels/plaques
1200 | with botanical name and other relevant info
1201 | and a QR Code for all the major species.
1202 | These will be laser/CNC-cut so that
1203 | our food forrest will be a
1204 | [Botanical Garden](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/95)
1205 |
1206 | We will welcome children/students from the local schools
1207 | to visit and learn about the plants and ecosystems.
1208 |
1209 | ### Geodesic Greenhouse 🌱
1210 |
1211 | In addition to the open-air food forest,
1212 | we will have a decent size
1213 | [tbd](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/122)
1214 | geodesic dome greenhouse structure
1215 | that will allow us to grow tropical plants
1216 | that need specific temperatures to thrive.
1217 | This will be an especially great place to be
1218 | during the winter months.
1219 |
1220 | 
1221 |
1222 | See:
1223 | [**`#122`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/122)
1224 |
1225 | ## Pedagogical Forest Farm _School_
1226 |
1227 | We are _huge_ fans of the idea
1228 | of outdoor learning for our children.
1229 | This concept is well-established
1230 | in the Nordic countries:
1231 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_school_(learning_style)
1232 |
1233 | Children as young as 3 spend _most_ of their day
1234 | outdoors learning in nature.
1235 | They explore their surroundings,
1236 | discover flora, fauna and how to make things.
1237 |
1238 | There are already a couple of forest(ish) schools in Portugal
1239 | but none of the come _close_
1240 | to what is _possible_ with the land we are considering.
1241 |
1242 | ### Farm Animals
1243 |
1244 | One of our son's favorite places to visit in Braga
1245 | is the **Braga Pedagogical Farm**:
1246 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Braga_Pedagogical_Farm
1247 |
1248 | 
1249 |
1250 | They have several farm animals
1251 | kept in relatively small enclosures.
1252 | The visitors are not allowed to feed or touch the animals
1253 | (_for obvious reasons,
1254 | most children would hit the lamb
1255 | if it tried to nibble their hand while feeding ..._).
1256 |
1257 | We will allow our kids (under supervision)
1258 | to _interact_ with the animals.
1259 |
1260 | We think that having contact with animals
1261 | will help our children (and farm friends)
1262 | better understand the animals
1263 | and think harder about _eating_ them. 💭
1264 |
1265 | ### Ducks 🦆
1266 |
1267 | Being water-front property,
1268 | it's _ideal_ for keeping ducks.
1269 | We've done a decent amount of research into this:
1270 | [**`#109`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/109)
1271 |
1272 |
1273 | ### Bees 🐝
1274 |
1275 | Sadly, one person in Inês' family is allergic to bee stings,
1276 | so having a bee hive is out-of-the-question on their family-owned land.
1277 | It's a total misconception that bees sting people without good reason.
1278 | I did a bee-keeping course
1279 | and have been around hives a lot without ever being stung.
1280 |
1281 | We will 100% be installing
1282 | [**_transparent_ bee hives**](https://youtu.be/9ItlOFLTUAs)
1283 | on _our_ land
1284 | at the furthest edge from the main house.
1285 | There will be prominent warning signs
1286 | and we will have a first aid station
1287 | with the necessary treatment options.
1288 |
1289 | #### Organic Honey 🍯 and Wax 🕯️
1290 |
1291 | For maximizing crop yields keeping bees is a no-brainer.
1292 | And since most of us also like honey,
1293 | and there will be plenty of wax,
1294 | we will have two _useful_ and "free" byproducts.
1295 |
1296 | There are _many_ applications for both honey and wax
1297 | that aren't consuming it in tea or making candles.
1298 | See:
1299 | [**`#89`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/89#issuecomment-1239227456)
1300 |
1301 | ### Aquaponics 🐟 + 🌱
1302 |
1303 | We plan to build our own water tanks at the highest point
1304 | on the land to store water for gravity-fed irrigation.
1305 | In those tanks we will place several species of fish.
1306 | The fish will eat organic feed and bugs.
1307 | Their waste, full of nitrates will be used to irrigate the trees/vines.
1308 |
1309 | ## Energy / Power
1310 |
1311 | The land is already connected to the grid for electricity.
1312 | Since it has been used for agriculture,
1313 | the tariff is considerably lower than urban per KW/h.
1314 |
1315 | ### Solar Panels
1316 |
1317 | Much like we have in our Braga House:
1318 | [**`home#20`**](https://github.com/dwyl/home/issues/20)
1319 | We will install enough solar panels
1320 | on the property to meet _all_ our energy needs.
1321 |
1322 | In addition to the solar panels,
1323 | inverter and other circuitry,
1324 | we will buy
1325 | enough
1326 | [**`LiFePO4`** batteries](https://github.com/dwyl/tiny-house/issues/31)
1327 | to run all our essential appliances.
1328 |
1329 | If battery storage is prohibitively expensive
1330 | because of global supply chain restrictions,
1331 | we have a _backup_-backup option.
1332 |
1333 | ### Pumped-storage Hydroelectricity ⚡
1334 |
1335 | We plan to build a large water tank that
1336 | can be used for pumped storage hydro,
1337 | see:
1338 | [**`#124`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/124)
1339 | With unlimited water from the river
1340 | and excess energy from Solar Panels,
1341 | we can have energy when it's dark.
1342 |
1343 |
1344 |
1345 |
1346 | # Relevant Reading + Research 🔍
1347 |
1348 | One of the obvious considerations/concerns
1349 |
1350 | ## Hospital 🏥
1351 |
1352 | The nearest hospital with full-service
1353 | (Radiology, Operating Theatre, etc.)
1354 | is **`23km`** away.
1355 | The estimated journey time is
1356 | **`28 minutes`**:
1357 |
1358 | 
1359 |
1360 | In an emergency we would drive our
1361 | [TimeMachine]()
1362 | and cut this journey time down while having safety in-mind.
1363 |
1364 | Coincidentally,
1365 | when we visited the land,
1366 | a local ambulance drove past.
1367 | We see this as reassuring
1368 | that the land is accessible
1369 | to emergency services.
1370 |
1371 |
1372 | ### On-site First Aid Center ⚕️
1373 |
1374 | We will do everything we can to minimize risk to health & safety,
1375 | by having well-defined systems,
1376 | but we know accidents happen
1377 | and they need to be addressed swiftly.
1378 | Having a dedicated first aid center (adjoining the reception)
1379 | at the entrance/exit of the property will be a high priority.
1380 |
1381 | All staff will be first-aid trained
1382 | and we will have well-defined
1383 | protocols for how to triage, log and escalate injuries.-
1384 |
1385 |
1386 | ## Douro Cruises
1387 |
1388 | There is _thriving_ river cruise, vinyard tour and culinary experience tourism industry in the Douro area:
1389 | https://www.cruzeiros-douro.pt
1390 | 
1391 |
1392 |
1393 | 
1394 |
1395 | Portugal's Douro River flows like liquid gold:
1396 | https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/portugal-douro/index.html
1397 |
1398 | 
1399 |
1400 | ## _Existing_ Local Guest Houses
1401 |
1402 | There are already 15 guest houses
1403 | in the local area within a 1 km radius
1404 | listed on Booking.com:
1405 | [https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html](https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?label=gen173nr-1FCAsouwFCHWNhc2EtZGEtaWxoYS1jYXN0ZWxvLWRlLXBhaXZhSDNYBGi7AYgBAZgBCbgBB8gBDNgBAegBAfgBC4gCAagCA7gCgsPmmAbAAgHSAiQ1YjVhZmNkMi0wNjlhLTQ1NTEtYjg3NS1mODkwNzZmZDI1MDHYAgbgAgE&sid=7b47415b9fa49b9dbd60ee24312ebc86&aid=304142&sb=1&src_elem=sb&error_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fpt%2Fcasa-da-ilha-castelo-de-paiva.en-gb.html%3Flabel%3Dgen173nr-1FCAsouwFCHWNhc2EtZGEtaWxoYS1jYXN0ZWxvLWRlLXBhaXZhSDNYBGi7AYgBAZgBCbgBB8gBDNgBAegBAfgBC4gCAagCA7gCgsPmmAbAAgHSAiQ1YjVhZmNkMi0wNjlhLTQ1NTEtYjg3NS1mODkwNzZmZDI1MDHYAgbgAgE%26sid%3D7b47415b9fa49b9dbd60ee24312ebc86%26room1%3DA%252CA%3Bsb_price_type%3Dtotal%3Btype%3Dtotal%26%26&highlighted_hotels=5014883&hp_sbox=1&dest_id=900050875&dest_type=city&origin=hp&hp_avform=1&do_availability_check=on&no_redirect_check=1&checkin_year=2022&checkin_month=9&checkin_monthday=30&checkout_year=2022&checkout_month=10&checkout_monthday=2&group_adults=2&group_children=1&no_rooms=1&age=1&b_h4u_keep_filters=&from_sf=1&order=review_score_and_price)
1406 |
1407 | 
1408 |
1409 | We've gone through each one
1410 | and taken screenshots [`#116`](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1240391427)
1411 |
1412 | The _cheapest_ option in the area
1413 | is **`€120/night`** for 2 adults and 1 child:
1414 | **Solar Guesthouse Olival da Vinha**: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/solar-guest-house-olival-da-vinha.en-gb.html
1415 |
1416 | 
1417 |
1418 | It has nice decor and a good location
1419 | **`400m`** from the centre of Castelo de Paiva.
1420 | But it's quite far from the river (no access),
1421 | doesn't have a pool or other amenities.
1422 |
1423 | This is the view from the guest house:
1424 |
1425 | 
1426 |
1427 | A bit "meh" IMO ...
1428 |
1429 | Then they have a bunch of pictures of the surrounding area:
1430 |
1431 | 
1432 |
1433 | 
1434 |
1435 | Again, we think this is a _really_ good sign.
1436 | It shows that there is demand at the higher price point.
1437 |
1438 |
1439 |
1440 | ## Comparable Property in the Area
1441 |
1442 | Through our _extensive_ research we determined
1443 | that the Souselo land we are considering
1444 | with its'
1445 | **4 ruins** to rebuild,
1446 | **_navegable_ river access**,
1447 | virtually **_perfect_ sun exposure**,x§
1448 | existing access to mains [EDP] electricity & telecoms
1449 | and _prepared_ terraced land
1450 | is a great deal at **`€270k`**!
1451 |
1452 | We captured a _subset_ of our research in:
1453 | [**`116#issuecomment-1272643614`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1272643614)
1454 |
1455 |
1456 | ### Luxury Modern House on `1ha` No River Access; `850k €`
1457 |
1458 | This listing for a **`1ha`** piece of land
1459 | with a **modern** designed **`152.9m²`** house
1460 | with **_small_ pool** (zero child protection!)
1461 | _without_ river access, but with a good view of the river.
1462 | It is _further_ from the city of Porto and `OPO` airport
1463 | and yet is on the market for `850k €`.
1464 |
1465 | https://www.imovirtual.com/pt/anuncio/quinta-para-venda-ID195Ci.html
1466 |
1467 | 
1468 |
1469 | More images captured in:
1470 | [`#116`](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/116#issuecomment-1272652476)
1471 |
1472 | Point is this: the _luxury_ "second home" market appears to be alive and well.
1473 | So our _worst_ case scenario with the Souselo land is:
1474 | 1. Transform the main building into a luxury weekend house with:
1475 | + infinity pool overlooking the land
1476 | + indoor-outdoor alfresco kitchen
1477 | [**`#129`**](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/129)
1478 | + Covered parking spaces for 4 cars with solar panels and electric chargers ⚡
1479 | 2. Prepare the land for "leisure" activities including:
1480 | + mini football field with high quality lawn, goal posts and painted lines ⚽
1481 | + **`private`** river beach 🏖️
1482 | + small boat dock with electricity for speed boats 🚤
1483 | 3. Develop the smaller ruins as guest cottages for friends & family 🏡
1484 | 3. Market it to absurdly overpaid **`FCP`** footballers
1485 | who want privacy and a spot in the fresh air for their families.
1486 |
1487 | With this "business plan" I feel we can spend **`€300k`** on the development
1488 | and sell it on for north of **`€1M`** for a **`€400k` profit**. 💰
1489 |
1490 | Again, I consider this the "last resort" option.
1491 | But whenever we consider a potential investment,
1492 | we need to know what the fallback is.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/finance.md:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | # Financial Freedom / Independence
2 |
3 | > If **financial security/sustainability** interests you,
4 | > please let us know by commenting on the issue:
5 | > https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/42
6 | > (_we can easily expand this post and create a video if there is interest!_)
7 |
8 | ## Why?
9 |
10 | Being "_bound_" to a **Job** in order to
11 | earn enough ***money*** to _live_ (_pay rent/bills_)
12 | is what keeps _most_ people from doing something
13 | _meaninigful/fulfilling_ with their lives.
14 |
15 | If you find yourself doing work you don't _love_
16 | (_measured by how excited you are to go/get to work each day_!)
17 | then _maybe_ we can help ...
18 |
19 | > "_Life is good cause **everything is awesome**.
20 | **lost** my **job**, there's a **new opportunity**,
21 | **more free time** for my awesome **community**_!"
22 | ~ The Lego Movie https://youtu.be/StTqXEQ2l-Y?t=49s
23 |
24 |
25 | ## What?
26 |
27 | Financial literacy in general and freedom _specifically_
28 | is a not taught in school.
29 | Some "_conspiracy theorists_" claim that this is a _deliberate_ attempt
30 | to "_keep the masses ignorant_" so that the "_elites_" can continue
31 | to dominate and live off the labour of the financially illiterate.
32 |
33 | I _personally_ don't think there is any "_nafarious_" _reason_
34 | that financial literacy is not taught in (_most_) schools;
35 | there just isn't enough time to cover the _existing_ curriculum as it is!
36 | Also, it doesn't _help_ that most teachers are "_wage slaves_"
37 | (_apologies if that's "offensive" to anyone,
38 | but it's an **accurate** description_)
39 | so they don't know the _first_ thing about finance
40 | so cannot _possibly_ teach it to their students!
41 |
42 |
43 | > http://www.richdad.com/Resources/Rich-Dad-Financial-Education-Blog/January-2012/what-is-financial-freedom.aspx
44 |
45 | ## _How_?
46 |
47 | There are two ways to achieve financial freedom:
48 |
49 | 1. ***Increase*** your (_positive_) **cashflow** to **_exceed_ expenses**.
50 | 2. ***Lower*** your **expenses** so you don't need as much income.
51 |
52 | Let's address each of these in turn:
53 |
54 | ### 1. Increasing Cashflow
55 |
56 | As an _individual_ in creasing your cashflow can be done in _several_ ways.
57 |
58 | ### 2. Lowering Expenses
59 |
60 | Expenses are _usually_ the easiest thing to control for an _individual_,
61 | but often people focus _too_ much on their expenses instead of
62 | simply making more money ...
63 |
64 |
65 | ### Critical (_Personal_) Questions
66 |
67 | There a few questions you have to ask/answer yourself:
68 | + Do I earn more than minimum wage?
69 | + Can I earn incremental income if I work more hours?
70 | + Can I pay someone else (_less than what I am paid_)
71 | to do work I don't want to do?
72 |
73 |
74 | ## Further Reading
75 |
76 | + Five Reasons to Ignore the Advice to Do What You Love: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robasghar/2013/04/12/five-reasons-to-ignore-the-advice-to-do-what-you-love
77 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/goal.md:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | # Goal [](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues)
2 |
3 |
4 | 
5 |
6 | ## The goal is: to live in `nature` with our `loved ones`, `fresh air`, `water` & `sunshine`. A `safe`, `stimulating` and `sustainable` environment with `interesting` people. A `#HappyPlace` where we are `inspired`, `creative`, and `engaged` in `activities` that are `meaningful` to us.
7 |
8 | (_if that sounds too "hippie-ish",
9 | then this repository/idea
10 | is probably not going interest you,
11 | so please ignore just it...!
12 | but if you like the idea,
13 | please :star: the repo
14 | & discuss the issues!!_)
15 |
16 | ## **Location**/**Land** ***Requirements*** for "`#HappyPlace`"
17 |
18 | + _Access to Abundant_ ***Water*** (_preferably from a spring_):
19 | [#21](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/21)
20 | + _Fertile_ ***Land***:
21 | See:
22 | [#3](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/3),
23 | [#25](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/25)
24 | and
25 | [#116](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/116)
26 | + **Sunshine** (_a good annual average sunshine index both for vitamin D and Solar Power_):
27 | [#26](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/26)
28 | + **_Existing_ Trees** (for fresh air and habitat for wildlife):
29 | [#6](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/6)
30 | + Proximity to **Transport Network**
31 | (_ideally public transport e.g: rail/bus_)
32 | + No existing negative environmental factors
33 | (_e.g: pollution from nearby industry_)
34 | + Proximity to **Medical Services**
35 | (_ideally a full-service hospital; not just a medical outpost_)
36 | + Quietness/Tranquility
37 | (_this may be seen as "at odds"
38 | with "proximity" to useful infrastructure,
39 | but it's a balance...!_)
40 | + (_Reasonable_) Proximity to Urban areas
41 | so we can _sell_ our organic fresh produce!
42 | (_one of our income streams_...)
43 | + Stable average temperature - "Not too hot" in the summer
44 | and "not too cold" in the winter (_snow is fine but not "minus 40"...!_)
45 | mostly because as we _age_ extreme temperatures make bones ache!
46 |
47 |
48 | ## **Learning Center** Requirements
49 |
50 | + Quiet + Well-lit and temperature controlled rooms
51 | + Electricity (_for information technology learning_)
52 | + Wireless Internet
53 |
54 | ## "_Nice-to-Have_" List
55 |
56 | + Raised (Bed) Gardens
57 | (_waist height. to ensure
58 | everyone can interact with plants
59 | and/or grow their own food!_)
60 | + Swimming Pool for exercise purposes just above waist height & heated (indoor)
61 | + Exercise Coach (_at least twice a week_);
62 | MVP can be using Free YouTube Videos,
63 | but having a person present is better for participation.
64 | + Handcrafts person
65 | (painting, embroidery, puzzle making ...
66 | mental/motor skills)
67 | + Free **golf cart** system
68 | so people are required to leave their house every day
69 | (_preferably this would be autonomous so anyone
70 | can use it regardless of ability/capacity to drive_)
71 | + Central/Accessible Multi-purpose "Community Area"
72 | + Rails everywhere; every pathway has a rail so people can walk.
73 | (this can be made from bamboo and espalier trees to blend with nature)
74 | + Corridors should have a Good width (1.5m)
75 | to allow two wheelchairs to pass side-by-side.
76 |
77 | ### Family Retreat
78 |
79 | + Learning environment for all types of useful knowledge.
80 | + Healthy eating and learning to make food
81 | + Biological (_organic_) farming
82 | with a wide variety of plants
83 | that aren't available in regular supermarkets.
84 |
85 | ### Other Services (_described as "really good to have"_):
86 |
87 | + Physiotherapist/chiropractor/shiatsu/massage-therapist
88 | to help people repair/recover their bodies.
89 | + Hair dresser (_for those who are lucky enough to still have hair!_)
90 |
91 | > "**Loja da Avó**" - shop to help older people remain independent.
92 |
93 | ## Questions/Topics to Discuss (_in the issues!_):
94 |
95 | + All flat vs. mountainous/terraced?
96 | It can be very difficult for [older people](https://youtu.be/0dsS6Znhw5M)
97 | to walk hills, though we can have
98 | [_solar-powered_](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/7)
99 | electric scooters/carts for the steeper bits,
100 | and having an incline makes building terraced houses/growing a thing.
101 | + Should we allow/accommodate (_and encourage people to bring their_) **pets**?
102 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/land.md:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 | # Land
2 |
3 | The decision of where to buy our land
4 | for "_Phase Three_" requires _careful consideration_.
5 |
6 | While _all_ of us would _love_ to live near the **ocean**,
7 | there is an important consideration
8 | if we plan to use the land as our "_base_"
9 | for a decent stretch of time
10 | e.g. 30+ years.
11 |
12 | Sea level rise is no longer a debate:
13 |
14 | 
15 |
16 | > See:
17 | > [climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/](https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/),
18 | > [skepticalscience.com/sea-level-rise.htm](https://www.skepticalscience.com/sea-level-rise.htm)
19 | > and [q=islands+disappearing](https://duckduckgo.com/?q=islands+disappearing)
20 |
21 | It's easy to make fun of this issue ...
22 | ["_We didn't listen_..."](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=we+didn%27t+listen)
23 | and even _easier_ to feel
24 | ["_powerless_"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learned_helplessness)
25 | and thus _do nothing_ about it.
26 |
27 | 
28 |
29 | But I _urge_ you to watch the
30 | **National Geographic Documentary**
31 | [***Before the Flood***](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=before+the+flood)
32 |
33 | [](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=before+the+flood)
34 |
35 | How did you _feel_ after watching the Documentary?
36 | Share your thoughts:
37 | [issues/16](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-three/issues/16)
38 |
39 | > The documentary is very well-made.
40 | > Try to look past the fact that Leo Di Caprio
41 | > (well-known jet-set mega-yacht mansion "player")
42 | > used the film to green-wash his image ...
43 | > The facts are the same.
44 | > Humans are burning billions of barrels of oil,
45 | > tons of coal and "natural" gas,
46 | > filling the atmosphere with the CO2
47 | > and many other harmful compounds
48 | > that nature spent _millions_ of years
49 | > storing in the ground.
50 | > Simultaneously devastating natural habitats
51 | > for a double-whammy acceleration of climate change.
52 |
53 | Are you _beginning_ to think that _maybe_ a
54 | [mountain-top](https://thetrek.co/10-appalachian-trail-photos/)
55 | **_way_ above sea level** is a **_good_ idea**...? 😉
56 |
57 | As the global temperature continues to rise,
58 | both the sea levels will rise
59 | and hurricanes will intensify.
60 | Higher ground, sheltered from extreme weather events
61 | and access to abundant fresh drinking water
62 | will increasingly become _essential_.
63 |
64 |
65 | 
66 |
67 | We are using issues so that we can _discuss_ our requirements
68 | further and eventually reach a consensus on what our "_perfect_"
69 | land will be!
70 | please get share your thoughts by commenting on the issues!!
71 | See:
72 | [#3](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/3),
73 | [#25](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/25)
74 | and
75 | [#116](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues/116)
76 |
77 |
78 |
79 |
80 |
81 |
82 |
83 | [](https://hits.dwyl.com/dwyl/phase-three-land)
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/network.md:
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1 | # The (dwyl) NetWork [_Work-in-Progress_]
2 |
3 | A network of creative technology people engaged
4 | in learning, fulfilling/innovative work
5 | with a socially beneficial outcome.
6 |
7 | ## _Why_?
8 |
9 | There is no shortage of "professional networks",
10 | LinkedIn being the most prominent one.
11 | On LinkedIn people _pay_ for "Premium"
12 | which is $10/month and allows ...
13 | > Please summarize the list of Premium "features". `help wanted`
14 |
15 | LinkedIn could do a _whole_ lot more with the community,
16 | but because they have steady revenues they have all but stopped innovating
17 | (_we don't count occasional UI changes as "innovation"..._).
18 |
19 | > _See below for "**The Problem with LinkedIn**"_.
20 |
21 | ## _What_?
22 |
23 | The Creative Technology Rapid Learning Community.
24 | Connect and learn with people who are experienced/knowledgeable
25 | in the field you are interested in.
26 |
27 | ### Content Will _Always_ Be Free
28 |
29 | All _recorded_ content is (_and always will be_) free.
30 | This is essential for ensuring ***accessibility***
31 | to people who cannot (_yet_) afford to pay for learning.
32 |
33 | >_The **last** thing we want is to create a "pay wall"
34 | like FrontEnd Masters or TreeHouse
35 | which are **way** out of reach for unemployed
36 | people in low-income countries!_
37 |
38 | Once people feel a bit more confident with their knowledge/skills,
39 | and are getting _income_ from their chosen skill they will
40 | naturally want to "_support the network_" with a _nominal_
41 | payment. The payment will grant them _considerable_ additional value/benefit.
42 |
43 | ### Paid Value-Added Services (_Which Cost Money to Provide_)
44 |
45 | + Connect with fellow creative technology professionals
46 | without fear of being spammed by recruiters.
47 | + Live-streams learning workshops and meetups.
48 | + Access to ask questions of the highly experienced/skilled people
49 | delivering the workshop in real-time.
50 | + Request personal advice from industry insiders.
51 | + Get notified of potential work by NetWork Members.
52 | + Meet and interact with other creative people online and in-person.
53 |
54 |
55 |
56 | ## _Who_?
57 |
58 | People who want to learn and do
59 | creative technology work professionally.
60 |
61 |
62 | # _How_?
63 |
64 | ## Membership
65 |
66 | How does someone _become_ a member?
67 | People can either _apply_ in which case they need to submit
68 |
69 |
70 | ## Membership Fees?
71 |
72 | If we charge $10/month it might sound "_reasonable_"
73 | to most people in G20 ("_developed_") countries where average earnings are
74 | comparatively _high_ by international standards.
75 | But if your _income_ is $100/month (_e.g: in Manila or Mobassa)
76 | then $10 is prohibitively expensive
77 | (_even if you get a 10x the value of the membership fee it's still a lot
78 | in the beginning for someone on a lower income..!_)
79 |
80 | ### 1% of Minimum Wage?
81 |
82 | > _**1% of National Minimum Wage** for the country you are based in_.
83 |
84 | If **Minimum Wage** is **€650**/month (_e.g. Portugal_)
85 | then your membership fee is €6.50/month.
86 |
87 | On reflection this is a pretty good deal given what's included.
88 |
89 | ### Free Tier?
90 |
91 | We think _everyone_ should be able to benefit
92 | from the _content_ (_learning materials_)
93 | regardless of their ability to pay.
94 | But to avoid "_spam_" and "_noise_"
95 | the "real-time" community features should be invite-only and paid.
96 |
97 |
98 | ### Hyper Transparency
99 |
100 | We will maintain ***100% Transparency*** in the "dwyl NetWork"
101 | it will be _clear_ to all members _exactly_ where their membership fee
102 | is being spent (_mostly content creation, infrastructure/servers and admin_).
103 |
104 |
105 |
106 |
107 |
108 |
109 | ## tl;dr
110 |
111 | I used to be _very_ active on LinkedIn in the _early_ days.
112 | I saw it as a great way to stay in touch with people I knew
113 | and/or had worked with professionally.
114 | I considered it to be the best "online CV".
115 | We used to joke "Jenny just updated her LinkedIn,
116 | she must be getting ready to move jobs".
117 | As soon as the HR/Recruiter people started _actively_ using it,
118 | they spoiled it.
119 |
120 |
121 | ### The Problem with LinkedIn
122 |
123 | The _problem_ with LinkedIn is: _recruiters_!
124 | LinkedIn started out as a professional network,
125 | but rapidly became a tool for recruiters to "_source_" talented people.
126 | If you are _any_ good at what you do and you make it known on LinkedIn
127 | you will get a _flood_ of unsolicited messages, emails and phone calls!
128 | And if you happen to _connect_ with a recruiter, they will _spam_ all
129 | _your_ connections! :sad:
130 |
131 | ### Recruiters
132 |
133 | _Most_ recruiters are ***sales people*** without any _real_ skills
134 | other than persuasion techniques and sales tactics.
135 |
136 | Their job is to fill positions as quickly as possible
137 | in order to maximize their commission.
138 | Recruiters are _seldom_ paid on
139 |
140 | ### Spam on LinkedIn
141 |
142 | > Todo: upload screenshot of spam on LinkedIn.
143 |
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/plan.md:
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1 | # The Plan [](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two/issues)
2 |
3 |
4 | ## Why?
5 |
6 | ### “_If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!_” ~ Benjamin Franklin
7 |
8 |
9 | ## What?
10 |
11 | If you've been around here for a while,
12 | you may have noticed that dwyl does many things:
13 | we build open source
14 | [Apps](https://github.com/dwyl/app),
15 | websites and
16 | [modules](https://github.com/dwyl/auth).
17 | We build for ourselves
18 | and for many clients.
19 | We write tutorials,
20 | promote open source,
21 | provide technology training,
22 | and get involved in accessibility
23 | & women in tech initiatives.
24 |
25 | It didn't start out like this.
26 |
27 | We began with
28 | [a product MVP](https://github.com/dwyl/mvp),
29 | then in order to support
30 | [Founders & Coders](foundersandcoders.com)
31 | and ensure the lights
32 | could be kept on at this organization
33 | that dwyl's co-founders were heavily involved
34 | in building,
35 | we
36 | [started to take on client projects](https://github.com/dwyl/ateam-proposal)
37 | (again)
38 | whilst building our learning community
39 | by sharing the knowledge as we went.
40 |
41 |
42 |
43 | ## Context
44 |
45 | 
46 |
47 | 2017 is the year of **formalising the various types of work we do into their
48 | own, neat groupings of activities**, the various _branches_ of dwyl.
49 |
50 | > Each **branch** will have it's own mission, detailed goals and timelines,
51 | feeding directly into dwyl's overall goal.
52 |
53 | **`dwylers`** will work within one area
54 | for at least 50% of their time,
55 | but _will contribute to more than one_
56 | depending on personal preferences
57 | and dwyl's priorities.
58 | For example, an engineer working mostly on product
59 | could spend some time doing QA
60 | on a _services_ project
61 | and also produce an introductory video tutorial
62 | for a new technology they've learned.
63 |
64 | ## Branches
65 |
66 | All branches **must contribute to our fixed overheads** and/or contribute to our
67 | credibility as experts in a given field.
68 |
69 | Each branch will have **its own set of goals**, derived from [dwyl's guiding principles](github.com/dwyl/phase-two#guiding-principles)
70 | which will be refined over time to serve as it's _decision making framework_.
71 |
72 |
73 | ### Product
74 |
75 | Building products is how we serve the _most_ people.
76 |
77 | Our intention has always been to be a 'products company'.
78 | Building tools that make *our* lives easier and more effective as an
79 | organisation means that we will be start by solving a problem we not only already
80 | intimately familiar with, but are passionate about solving.
81 |
82 | Market research will be carried out and a business case will be put together for
83 | the creation of each of our products.
84 |
85 | #### Goals
86 |
87 | + Do we use/reach for the product _every day_?
88 | + Further goals to be set:
89 | + Date for MVP
90 | + Number of _active_ people by the end of the calendar year (based on repeated interaction with the app, [not time spent on it](https://github.com/dwyl/hq/issues/149#issuecomment-269154087))
91 |
92 | #### What?
93 |
94 | #### First product
95 |
96 | > Our **first product** will be [time](github.com/dwyl/time)
97 |
98 | To _support_ this and help our people know what to prioritise we are building [tudo](github.com/dwyl/tudo) and CRM.
99 |
100 | Built with a modular architecture, this application will be a cross between a
101 | to-do list and a time tracking application.
102 |
103 | Time will benefit from a positive [network effect](https://medium.com/evergreen-business-weekly/the-power-of-network-effects-why-they-make-such-valuable-companies-and-how-to-harness-them-5d3fbc3659f8#.6w6z2hjew) where increased usage of the product leads to it being a more valuable product for everyone (plays into open source).
104 |
105 | #### Key aims:
106 | + Effortlessness (e.g. one-click timer start)
107 | + Minimum friction (e.g. If a GitHub URL is added as a task, all of the data is pulled from GitHub and filled in automatically)
108 | + Improved focussed time
109 | + Effective time management (understand where your time is going & how to improve)
110 | + Improved team communication
111 | + Focus on the individual's potential/productivity first
112 | + Ability to share with the team built in from the beginning so people know
113 | when they would be interrupting ("I'm on fire" one-click warning to others
114 | :wink:) - key is to do a lot of research around what people _want_ to share
115 | and what they want to be shared _with them_
116 |
117 | #### CRM
118 | We have outgrown our 'spreadsheet' customer relationship management (CRM) system
119 | and need a place where we can **securely and accessibly** store all our client
120 | communications so that the *whole team* can see and contribute to these.
121 |
122 | Our CRM *code* will be **fully open source**, following our [guiding principles](https://github.com/dwyl/phase-two#guiding-principles) and
123 | removing as many barriers to entry/use as possible for small businesses with a
124 | social impact. The data however, will not be accessible to anyone outside of the
125 | organisation or sold to 3rd parties (a la [LinkedIn](https://www.forbes.com/sites/georgeanders/2012/06/27/how-linkedin-strategy/#c4e2c1fdf82c)).
126 |
127 | Value lies in:
128 | + Linking all of the branches of our business together
129 | + Excellent low risk learning project for learning our new stack
130 | + Modular architecture which is easy to extend *without* becoming super patchy
131 | + Modules re-used across multiple products and services projects
132 | + Transparency on business development for all of our team
133 | + Central location where data can easily be entered as our business development
134 | efforts expand with [Services](#services) and [Training](#training) offerings
135 | + 50% of all charitable organisations we have spoken to have told us that their
136 | current CRM is not fit for purpose, we could easily begin to provide a solution
137 | to this problem if we desired
138 |
139 | > There are many 'small' enhancements we will be making to increase the effectiveness
140 | of our own workflow. **Each should be evaluated as a potential product.**
141 |
142 |
143 | ### Services
144 |
145 | Our Services arm is how we help other organisations serve _their_ communities and achieve their social goals.
146 |
147 | We *already* do far more than just 'web development' for our services clients
148 | and this should be formalised into our offering.
149 |
150 | #### ATM Workshops
151 | Deeply understanding the problem and helping organisations to arrive at a
152 | solution with actionable metrics is where dwyl adds the most value.
153 |
154 | Our 1 to 5 day workshops will be the cornerstone of the Services offering,
155 | providing clients with:
156 | + Understanding the "success drivers" i.e. "ATMs"
157 | + Proposed technical path forward - what technology can the client use to be more effective at reaching their organisational goals
158 | + Simple prototype
159 | + Effective [agile collaboration and user testing training](#training)
160 |
161 | These workshops will be our largest 'per man hour' contributor to fixed overheads
162 | from our Services branch by the end of 2017.
163 |
164 | #### Product Development
165 | _Everything_ we build must have a social impact or reusable open source components.
166 |
167 | Our [processes](https://github.com/dwyl/contributing) for the delivery of product
168 | development and [working with services clients](https://github.com/dwyl/ateam-master-reference) are already highly
169 | developed. These will remain in flux and be [continuously improved]((https://github.com/dwyl/dwylbot)
170 | as we build our own [products](#product).
171 |
172 | #### Focus
173 | + Delighting our existing customers
174 | + Writing out the structure for our ATM workshops
175 | + Building sales through delivering great work and sharing "success stories" (case studies)
176 | + Creating a simple way for people to share our services
177 |
178 |
179 | #### Metrics to Track in Services
180 |
181 | + Did we get a good case study quote from the client/project?
182 | + Quantitative feedback from clients (particularly if they would work with us again)
183 | + Sources of new leads (using Google Analytics and conversations, recording
184 | this in our CRM)
185 | + Number of new leads from recommendations of existing clients
186 | + Effectiveness of and time spent on individual marketing channels
187 | (particularly social media)
188 | + Cost of new client acquisition
189 | + Net promoter score (NPS)
190 |
191 |
192 |
193 | ### Training
194 |
195 | Training is how we share our knowledge with individuals and organisations in our team and community, building them up.
196 |
197 | #### Why?
198 | **Internally**, we want to ensure dwylers continue to learn and grow; facilitating
199 | that process by fostering the sharing of knowledge is essential to us as an
200 | organisation and the learning culture we want to encourage.
201 |
202 | **Externally**, we have identified a clear need for user-centric technical training
203 | both based on requests from our immediately local community (particularly in the
204 | social good sector) and the engagement with our [existing online tutorials](https://github.com/dwyl/the-book/issues/69) and
205 | as evidenced by the number of training platforms and companies appearing weekly.
206 |
207 | #### How?
208 |
209 | We will use **our own products** across all of our training, demonstrating that
210 | we have successfully implemented what we are teaching consistently.
211 |
212 | As we do now, we will continue to evaluate each part our product and services
213 | cycle as a potential candidate for a learning resource and workshop.
214 |
215 | ##### Workshops
216 | Workshops will be run *internally* in QuietSpace to share our knowledge with our
217 | team and with [QuietSpace](#co-working) members as well as for our [services
218 | clients](#services).
219 |
220 | They will be captured on video and edited so they can be shared with our remote
221 | community.
222 |
223 | Current workshop topics:
224 | + HTML/CSS for designers
225 | + User testing
226 | + [New stack](https://github.com/dwyl/technology-stack)
227 | + Automated testing
228 | + Pragmatic Agile development
229 |
230 | > Each workshop will have a defined structure and proposed audience.
231 |
232 | Initial incarnations of the 'HTML/CSS for designers', 'Pragmatic Agile
233 | Development' and 'Automated Testing' workshops have already been held and will
234 | be reviewed and iterated on.
235 |
236 |
237 | ##### Video
238 | Whilst text-based tutorials have been our current way of disseminating knowledge,
239 | these are not great for visual learners and limit our audience to people who are
240 | comfortable using and navigating GitHub, which a lot of beginners are not.
241 |
242 | Expanding into video content will allow us to:
243 | + Establish a new channel of learning for our community (especially for visual learners)
244 | + Uphold our values of creating a learning community
245 | + Enhance our credibility as subject experts
246 | + Create in-bound links to our other content, products and services, in turn
247 | improving their SEO and exposure
248 |
249 | The **first step** is to create a **five minute introductory** video to each of
250 | our [learn tutorials](https://github.com/dwyl/video/issues/17#issuecomment-275573939)
251 | so that we can determine _what people are interested in learning more of_ and
252 | define which subjects to invest our time in developing content for.
253 |
254 | ##### Metrics to track
255 | + Number of hours spent creating content
256 | + Number of click-throughs to other dwyl content
257 | + Number of click-throughs to dwyl websites
258 |
259 |
260 | ### Co-working
261 |
262 | Running our own co-working space is how we create the best working environment
263 | for our London-based team members and for London-based organisations looking
264 | for a productive and creative workspace.
265 |
266 | > Currently, this is set up and known as QuietSpace.
267 |
268 | ##### Why?
269 | Having influence over the decision making in the place where we work means that we can feel like
270 | it embodies our values, we can dictate the conditions in which we want to work
271 | and we have a space which we can adapt to our goals and objectives.
272 |
273 | #### What do we gain from running this ourselves?
274 | + Set our own rules to ensure a productive but fun workspace, mixing focussed
275 | time with camaraderie
276 | + Surround ourselves with a community of like-minded people, not limited to our
277 | own team's views and skillset
278 | + Prototype our remote-first mindset by creating a space that is perfect for
279 | digital nomads (which we can learn from to help others unlock their potential in
280 | [Phase Two](../phase-two-goal.md))
281 | + Freedom to transform our office to fit any one of our endeavours, particularly
282 | [running workshops, filming training videos](#training) and improving the wellbeing
283 | of our team
284 | + Having a space which we can provide to social impact organisations in need of
285 | a place to hold events
286 | + Take the unnecessary financial burden off [Founders & Coders'](https://www.foundersandcoders.com/) hands
287 | (prototype of our remote-first working culture, offering a space).
288 |
289 | #### How?
290 | https://github.com/dwyl/quietspace/pull/26
291 |
292 |
293 |
294 |
295 |
296 |
297 |
298 | More to come, but these are the most immediate!
299 |
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