Clay bricks last forever. Plus, our bricks were made by a company that fires the bricks using industrial waste instead of coal.

Wood for the poles, doors and windows come from FSC approved, sustainably managed timber plantations.

Thatch was chosen for the roofs because it isa renewable resource and for its insulating and visual properties.

The interior paint is low VOC, no volatile organic components to breathe in.

Shower heads give a refreshing shower while minimising water use.

Toilets have optional high and low volume flushing mechanisms.

Outdoor furniture is made from recycled packing cases used in the motor industry, and from roof timbers recycled from demolished buildings.

The drinking water is rainwater collected from the roof of the main house, and stored in an underground tank. We are completely self sufficient in drinking and cooking water.

Bathing water is sourced from the irrigation dams, and purified on site before being pumped into the system. This system is designed to rely mainly on natural sedimentation, with a minimal use of chemicals.

Hot water for showers is provided by solar geysers, with electrical backup if we have cloudy weather.

Grey water from bathing and other uses goes to French drains, which irrigate our windbreak trees.

Brown water is passed through an anaerobic digester, and then into French drains, which lead to our windbreak trees.

Lighting is with low wattage energy saving lamps indoors and solar-powered lamps on the outdoor pathways.

Hand wash and shampoo are made from the mildest ingredients, organically certified, as are our cleaning products, so as not to destroy the bacteria in the anaerobic digesters.

We recycle as much waste as possible. Food waste is composted, and metal, glass and paper are recycled. We are involved in a project to establish a recycling depot in the valley that will take in plastic as well as create jobs for the unemployed.