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In total some 114 mixed residential homes and 16 live-work units will be constructed in the ecovillage using a wide variety of materials. All homes will be built according to the Village Ecological Charter, a ground-breaking document setting out the necessary standards in green building and energy efficiency. With a helping hand from our Construction Management Team, site-holders are taking a strong role in designing and constructing their own homes. On site we have self-builders, members taking on a subcontracting role, and larger contractors delivering a turn-key home. Design The design of the ecovillage emerged from a collaborative process involving the ecovillage residents and master architect Brian O'Brien of Solearth. In this process, residents looked at how to plan their future community by using the 'Planning for Real' process of community collaboration. Ecovillage sites are laid out on an east to west axis to ensure that houses enjoy the benefits of passive solar heating. Many of the designs reflect this solar advantage by including considerable glazing to the south and minimising windows to the north. The design of houses involves residents working together to create a coherent style within each area or cluster. There's more design flexibility for detached sites, a few of which are still available. The ecovillage has also commissioned various ecological architects to design some homes to full planning permission and some of these are still available for sale. Build Methods Each member decides on the material composition of their home, in line with planning permission and the Village Ecological Charter.
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