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Sarasota News Leader March 8, 2013 Page 53 One such project under way is the installation A second aspect is creation of a meeting facilof pervious pavers on the southern side of the ity. Lambie is planning to enclose a north-fachouse. ing porch to provide meeting space for up to 50 people at one time, with technology incorThe individual blocks are designed to create porated to allow use of Internet streaming, small gaps (too small to catch a stiletto heel). The gaps allow rainwater to percolate into so sessions can reach much larger audiences. an under layer of crushed rock and prevent The facility would be available to local busiimmediate runoff into the storm sewer and nesses for video-conferencing and long-disSarasota Bay. Engineers call it low-impact tance learning. Rentals would support the design, and they are starting to use it along Florida House. streets and in parking lots. The Florida House "And we could take that all on the road," said is demonstrating how individual homeowners Lambie. can use it, too. The project is funded by the A third arm of the plan would be what he Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. called a "think tank." It would seek grants Lambie pointed to the pervious blocks being and contract work to expand the foundation's installed by volunteers. "That rainwater was aims. At its inception, the Florida House was headed to the bay. But soon it will stay here unique in the United States. There are now to water the roots of the plants and trees. And eight other demonstration homes across the just as important, it's freshwater that won't county built on Lambie's model. end up in the bay to displace intertidal organism like oysters," he said. "You have to decide what you want, and we can help with that," he said. "Perhaps you Another project just starting up involves a want to retrofit your home. Well, what do you demonstration for urban orchards and agriculture. "We want to show folks how to grow want to do? Age in place? Plan to give it to groceries in their backyard," said Lambie. "We your kids to raise their kids? We can help you really need to create best practices for these create a long-term plan that is more efficient things so people can understand it's easy to — conserves resources and enhances efficienmake a real difference in our community's en- cy." vironment." "I am here to help create a self-sustaining comYet another project is a shaded two-car elec- munity," said Dick Singer, a member of the tric vehicle charging station from Apollo Sun- board of directors. "People can come here to get basic information. When they don't know guard, a local company. where to turn, there is the Florida House," he The business model starts with the Florida added. House's original mission — demonstration of how to apply old and new conservation tech- The Florida House is located at 4454 Benologies. "Hands-on learning," said Lambie. neva Road. It is open by appointment; call 924-2050. % "Do-it-yourself projects."