Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
We believe that ecological awareness and response starts with the intimate knowledge of a place. We had a clear brief for our architect to design a modest family house in favourable climate conditions which we found on a former vineyard site in Waldrach. Our aim was to build a non-toxic and cosy home relying heavily on energy saving design and alternative building materials to reduce environmental impacts. We settled for an engineered wooden post and beam construction, incorporating day light design strategies throughout.
The slaty soil plot made it necessary to build a stone foundation where we used 30 cm thick Ytong stones, a mineral building material made from chalk, sand, cement and water. The entire house is insulated with sheep’s wool and the Certified Energy Saving Standard has been exceeded by using more than the prescribed minimum reducing energy consumption from an average of 400kwh/m2 per annum to 150kwh/m2 per annum. Floors throughout the house are made from natural materials including wooden parquet, granite and cork. The environmental theme was carried through to the interior decoration where natural materials have been used for wall and floor coverings.
We work very closely with the local producers and the wines which will be on offer during the visit are all carefully selected. Our guests are encouraged to buy local and we supply them with a list of local producers which includes organic food and wine. We only employ local people and encourage visitors to visit local attractions. We provide our guests with maps of the area and a well researched list of ‘things to do’.
The accommodation has a grey water system where the rain water is collected and stored. This is then filtered and supplied to the toilets for flushing and the washing machine. This reduces mains water consumption by up to 40%.
Lighting in non-living areas such as the entrance hall, stairs and landing are fitted with PIR sensors for both safety and energy reduction. The lights will automatically switch on when movement is detected and then switch off after a short time. This prevents lights from being left on. Energy saving light bulbs are fitted in all appropriate locations.
All garden waste and appropriate kitchen waste is composted in the garden. All other household waste is separated into recyclable and non-recyclable waste prior to collection. All visitors are given explanatory notes on how to separate the waste and dispose of it in the correct way.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
