BOSG Project Summary
The Binghamton Octave Sanctuary & Garden (BOSG) is envisioned as a transformative public architectural landmark that directly addresses public safety, urban blight, and community well-being by revitalizing underutilized city land into a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive public space.
The project provides free, year-round access to a tranquil, contemplative environment while serving as a hub for education on open-source, regenerative building techniques. The core structure is an acoustically optimized Octave FiberForm Dome, set within a signature eight-petal garden, with integrated public amenities such as ADA-compliant pathways, public restrooms, and performance areas.
The nonprofit BOSG is responsible for long-term stewardship, asset management, and ensuring all activities comply with local permitting, building codes, and fiscal sponsorship requirements, supporting both economic and cultural revitalization in the community.
I. Funding Strategy and Financial Firewall
Seed Capital ($150,000)
This initial funding is allocated to secure professional services—including a licensed structural engineer, consulting project manager, and legal oversight—as well as a contingency reserve to mitigate risks. All services will be procured in compliance with nonprofit procurement standards and local regulations, retained under formal written contracts with clear deliverables.
Construction and Maintenance Endowment ($500,000)
The long-term sustainability of BOSG is guaranteed through a legally structured financial firewall. The for-profit Octave Builders Academy (OBA) operates under an exclusive, arms-length licensing agreement with BOSG (the nonprofit), paying a contractual 40% royalty on net revenue from workshops and educational products.
These royalties are designated solely for the BOSG Maintenance and Endowment Fund, managed with independent board oversight and public reporting to ensure perpetual financial independence and compliance.
II. Legal Structure and Compliance
The financial firewall is underpinned by a robust licensing agreement that defines the scope of intellectual property use, royalty calculation, and payment schedule, ensuring the nonprofit retains control over its assets and that all payments are properly documented and used exclusively for the endowment.
- Includes provisions for audit rights, dispute resolution, and revocation for cause, in compliance with IRS regulations governing nonprofit/for-profit relationships.
- Is overseen by an independent board, with transparent reporting and strict separation of nonprofit and for-profit activities to avoid private inurement or excess benefit transactions.
- The project team includes the founder (with technical expertise in sustainable construction and CalEarth methodologies), a consulting project manager, a licensed structural engineer, and specialized legal counsel.
Project Abstract: Purpose and Design
BOSG’s primary mission is to provide free, year-round access to a tranquil, contemplative space, while serving as a hub for education on open-source, regenerative building techniques. The site features a signature eight-petal flower layout, with integrated elements:
- The Octave FiberForm Dome (Central Structure).
- Two Integrated Leaves housing public restrooms.
- A Mini Amphitheater (“Bud”) for performances.
- A Canal and eight Arch Bridges.
- A Sculpture Garden with human-tree hybrid sculptures and living trees.
- All pathways and amenities are ADA-compliant.
BOSG directly addresses urban blight and public safety, transforming neglected land into a safe, accessible, and beautiful community asset, designed to stimulate cultural tourism and economic growth.
Detailed Design & Technical Specifications
Site Plan Components
- The Path (Stem): A 6 ft wide, 75 ft long accessible pathway designed for full ADA compliance.
- The Leaves (Public Bathrooms): Two 15 ft x 25 ft restrooms, combining rainwater harvesting and city water.
- The Bud (Mini Amphitheater): A circular 24 ft diameter amphitheater with three rows of seating.
- The 8 Bridges: Eight 5 ft wide arch bridges crossing the canal, built using the Roman keystone concept for structural integrity.
- The Flower Center (Interfaith Dome): A 25 ft diameter dome constructed using CalEarth earthbag techniques, with eight sculpted stone alcoves for spiritual texts and candles.
Sustainability & Safety
The design incorporates passive solar elements, rainwater harvesting, recycled/low-carbon materials, and piezoelectric lighting. Durable, vandal-resistant materials and strategic lighting are used throughout, with construction methods reviewed and stamped by a licensed structural engineer to ensure compliance with local building codes.
Work Sample: Technical Case Study
This case study substantiates the founder’s capability to execute complex, sustainable construction at scale, demonstrating successful adaptation of CalEarth's SuperAdobe technology.
SuperAdobe Foundation & CalEarth Training
The dome is based on SuperAdobe earth-building technology, emphasizing mastery of tensile forces and compression arches. The founder has scheduled apprenticeship training with CalEarth Institute in Spring 2026 to ensure technical proficiency.
Recycled Fabric Earthbags Innovation
This innovation addresses the challenge of poor plaster adhesion on synthetic bags. Recycled, natural fabrics (from old clothing) are sewn into long coils, chemically treated for pest resistance, and then filled with a soil-cement mixture to enhance structural integrity and cement-friendly surfaces.
Large-Scale Prototypes
The founder has produced three large, unfinished Human-Tree Hybrid Sculptures (out of eight planned) as direct prototypes. These integrate internal metal and plastic armatures and are finished with cement and strategically placed stones to validate multi-material integration and durability for the garden elements.
Project Team and Management Plan
Team Structure
- Project Founder (Vision & Technical Expertise)
- Consulting Project Manager (Execution & QA)
- Licensed Structural Engineer (Code Compliance)
- Legal and Permitting Oversight (Compliance)
Oversight and Risk Mitigation
All professional services are governed by written contracts and competitive bidding where appropriate.
- Governance: Independent board oversight of all financial transactions and compliance.
- Stewardship: Formation of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and fiscal sponsorship.
- Transparency: Annual public reporting of financial status and compliance milestones.
Licensing Agreement & Financial Projections (OBA)
Agreement Structure
BOSG grants OBA an exclusive, arms-length license to use its IP (courses, workshops). The arrangement is governed by strict compliance measures to avoid private inurement and is subject to audit rights and board approval.
Royalty Target
OBA will remit a contractual 40% royalty on Net Revenue to BOSG, designated solely for the Maintenance and Endowment Fund. Projections anticipate generating $1,250,000 in net revenue over five years, dedicating the $500,000 endowment goal entirely through royalties.
Transparency
OBA provides BOSG with detailed monthly statements. The BOSG board conducts regular (at least annual) reviews of royalty payments, endowment progress, and financial statements, with results reported to stakeholders and made available for public inspection.
Project Documentation Index
1. BOSG Project Summary
The transformative vision, community impact, and fundamental structure of the BOSG nonprofit entity.
2. Project Abstract
Concise statement of the mission, $150,000 seed capital goal, and the self-funding Endowment strategy.
3. BOSG Grant Application Narrative
Detailed explanation of the need for seed funding, the allocation breakdown, and risk mitigation strategy.
4. Licensing Agreement Framework
Legal structure of the Financial Firewall, defining the Exclusive License and the contractual 40% Royalty.
5. OBA Financial Projections
Quantifiable sales forecast demonstrating how the OBA will meet the $500,000 Endowment funding goal.
6. Project Team and Management Plan
Structure of the core team and how professional oversight (Engineer, PM) is secured by the seed capital.
7. Appendix A: Detailed Project Design
In-depth specifications of all physical components (Dome, Leaves, Bridges) and the "Color-by-Day" concept.
8. Work Sample: Technical Case Study
Proof of concept for material adaptation and large-scale sculpture prototyping (Human-Tree Hybrids).
9. Conceptual Ideation and Diagrammatic Notes (PDF Substitute)
Textual descriptions of site plan, dome interior, and sculpture concepts typically provided via visual diagrams.