Planning for slopes
In the two previous articles on permaculture’s energy-efficient planning, we looked at the concept of zone planning, which is concerned with managing energies within our system, and sector planning, which is concerned with elements and forces of nature that come from outside our system and pass through it.
The third and final element of efficient energy planning is slope or gradient. When sites are situated on uneven ground, such as on slopes, hills and valleys, additional design considerations need to be taken into account, as the contour of the ground has a marked effect on the flow of energy in the system.
On any inclined surface, things move from the highest point to the
