Green Features

Ekogaia Farm Cottages were from the outset planned carefully in order to minimise their ecological footprint in both the construction and operational phases.

These cottages have been designed using environmentally sound planning concepts. Through the use of modern and recycled materials, as well as and wood and reeds from invasive alien plants, we have created energy efficient buildings.

The alignment and aspect of the buildings was carefully chosen. The roof overhang was calculated so that the summer sun is excluded from shining into the interior through the large, north facing sliding doors. In winter the sun shines directly into the cottage and warms them by shining onto the raised wooden floors.

The upstairs loft spaces in both cottages are lit by skylights built into the pitched roof. Blinds keep the summer sun out while the windows can be kept open to maximise ventilation through the longitudinally running seasonal breeze. In winter the blinds are drawn allowing the sun to warm the space cozily.

Natural light permeates the cottages during the day and at night time the low energy lighting has been designed to maximize the ambience. We use both CFL bulbs in warm white (not the familiar cold white fluorescent lights) as well as the latest, most energy efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights.

There are also state of the art solar hot water systems on the roof, servicing each cottages hot water system. If the sun does not shine the electrical backup ensures sufficient hot water is supplied.

The roof insulation, a material called isotherm, is made from recycled cooldrink bottles or PET. It is highly efficient and has a long lifespan.

The waste water system is designed so that all bath, shower and basin water is re-used in the garden.

We also recycle all waste from the cottages as part of our integrated management plan. We provide composting facilities, and ask that waste be separated accordingly into wet (compost materials) and dry (paper, glass, tins, plastic, cardboard).