When planning your holiday this year why not consider an eco-lodge?  They are less harmful to the environment than most holiday homes and they are beautiful in their simplicity.  After writing a blog on the Pembrokeshire eco village I was interested to look at other buildings and projects catering for environmentally aware people.  During my search I came across news of a set of eco lodges which have been constructed in Spain and was delighted to discover that these idyllic buildings had little impact on the environment.  The building materials used most in the construction is European oak, which makes up the walls, floors and ceiling.  The oak, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, is tougher and more resistant than soft wood timber and was chosen because of the high levels of insulation offered to shelter inhabitants from the harsh winter weather.  Due to the remote location of the building, the timber was carried by hand down existing paths on the hillside. 

 Additionally, the lodge is not connected to mains and is run on solar power alone with a back up generator for emergencies.  The water is gained through water catchment and a purification system and there is a composting toilet.  Even the interior was designed around specifications to remain as sustainable as possible.  Simon Payne, director of the company Blue Forest who designed and constructed the lodge, has said that “The owner specifically wanted to minimise environmental impact by renewable power and rainwater rather than mains supplies.”

 Great attention was paid in order to cause no distress to the surrounding trees, the location itself was chosen so that no trees would have to be felled to make way for the building and when it came to supporting the freestanding building, cement was poured into hand dug holes for the support posts, preventing any roots of nearby trees being damaged.

The lodges themselves look out from the Andalucian Hills with spectacular views across the Straight of Gibraltor.  The natural surroundings coupled with simple yet beautiful buildings make these eco lodges the perfect holiday destination, not to mention their small impact on the environment.  It is safe to say the BuilderScrap team have found their next location for a relaxing and sustainable retreat!

I’m sure that many of the Eco-Warriors out there have been following news of the eco-villages popping up in the world.  I for one find it fascinating to watch how plans become reality when it comes to sustainable living.  It is important to recognise the environmental issues and problems caused by existing dwellings and try to overcome these in eco-friendly ways.  However it is also important to develop the way new buildings are constructed.  BuilderScrap promote the reuse of building materials and this in itself is one big step toward a more sustainable future, but what else can be done?  I have been following the progression of the Lammas project in Pembrokeshire and am excited that this month sees the first tours of the project.  The site will be open for viewing to local people on the 5^th of May and 6^th June and to any others on 8^th of May and 5^th June. 

There are currently seven families working on their plots on the Lammas project, you can read their bios and interests in sustainable living on the official website.  Each family has their own plans to lead a sustainable and self sufficient life in Pembrokeshire providing much of their own food and products whilst also selling their stock and produce to the local community.  These plans stretch from selling willow products grown on their land to selling cured meats at local farmers markets.  The families will each be working in jobs they love and feel passionate about whilst also living in a sustainable and beautiful environment, how many people in the big cities can say that? 

All of the houses are designed using low-impact architecture which uses a combination of recycled and natural materials.  The different dwellings will use diverse building styles including straw bale, earth sheltered, timber frame and cob and each will blend into the local landscape.  The Ecovillage will be separated from mains services meaning they will have to source their own electricity and water, something that has already been planned.  Using renewables the inhabitants of the village will be provided with electricity and there is an existing spring for drinking water, additionally there is a water turbine system already on the site and this is going to be restored and renovated, all this alongside rainwater harvesting on the roofs of buildings will mean the village will have plenty of water!  Compost toilets, wormeries and compost heaps will be used to compost all organic waste and finally, elephant grass and coppiced willow grown on site will act as fuel for those living in this sustainable village. 

I think it’s great that more “eco-villages” are being planned and on some occasions, developed and I both hope and look forward to seeing more in the future.  The village in Pembrokeshire is set to be an idyllic and eco-friendly place for the dedicated families who are developing their land there and, once completed, will hopefully persuade more people to follow their example and start looking to similar buildings for their own homes.