Shanmuganathswami, the Talaivar of the Pillaiyar Kulam has turned into the job superviser for the new Information Center we call Minimela.

Here is the main room in the first floor, he is checking on some light fixtures that have been installed.

He is dedicated to a goal of making this as green a building as possible.

“These lights are running on solar power right now.”

“This is the transformer and battery room. We have six huge storage batteries here.”

“The batteries are fed by 18 solar panels up on the roof.”

“When our system is complete we hope to be generating 6.4 Kilowatts, enough energy to power both this building and the current offices, completely from solar power.”

“Upstairs we have what they call a ‘energy recovery’ system. It’s a bit hard to explain, but when we run the air conditioning, this system pulls in air from the outside and carefully regulates the inside air, moisture content and temperature as well. It looks big but the whole thing uses less than 150 watts and helps reduce the over-all air conditioning power consumption.”

Brad is the lead contractor on the job. Every day he consults closely with swami on the progress. The final painting of the building is scheduled for next week.

Long-time friend, renovator, builder, handy man, John Anderson, one of the most competent tradesmen we have ever known, is also in the job. He’s a multi-talented specialist. Today he’s focused on drywall installation up stairs in the second story room ceiling.

Another man on the team. He was shy to look at the camera and give us his name…