# Key Points from IRC Discussion

• Participants explored DIY housing options for lab construction, comparing hexayurts, earthbag domes, and clearspan structures, with detailed cost analysis ranging from $10/sq ft to $21,300 for larger structures, though concerns were raised about structural integrity in extreme weather conditions.

• Practical construction techniques were shared, including a lightweight cement mixing setup using Home Depot buckets with a plywood holder and stucco paddle mixer attached to a drill, and methods for earthbag building using polypropylene bags with soil-cement mixtures.

• The group discussed emerging solar technologies, particularly nanoantenna solar cells with potential 90% efficiency that could work at night by capturing infrared radiation, though challenges remain in converting the high-frequency AC current to usable DC.

• Alternative energy solutions for seaborne living platforms were evaluated, including conventional solar panels, wind turbines, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), with debates about the economic viability of current solar technology.

• Technical discussions covered computing hardware benchmarks, multi-core processor utilization by operating systems, and the limitations of civilian GPS receivers (capped at 500m/s) to prevent military applications.

• Maker resources were shared, including Seeed Studio and Liquidware, which provide tools and platforms for DIY electronics projects, supporting the group's interest in self-sufficient technology development.