Construction of an ecological, strawbale-earthen house in Belloc, France

  • Favourited 128 times
  • Last activity: 25 Sep 2023

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello,

    We are Hans, Suzanne and our little daughter Feline (2 years) from Holland and we have found a magnificent piece of land in the south of France where we work on our dream: a small ecological tourist project. In total, we build 4 little houses of strawbales and earth. We are looking for positive people who would like to help wih our project and who would like to learn how to constuct a house with little money and ecological materials.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help with Eco Projects
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    In the first place, people can have a nice time here. You can enjoy the very beautiful situation of our land on the foothills of the Pyrenees. It is situated right in the pays Cathares (Cathares land), where you can visit castles, ruins, the mountains, pristine forrests, a big lake at 4 km, the beautiful small town of Mirepoix...

    Moreover, we are happy to explain how we prepared and realized our project and how to do all the different aspects of building an ecological house. This might inspire you to execute your own plans or dreams and may help you to learn the skills needed for these goals.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    At this moment, our first house is finished. We are very pIeased with the result. (see the photo's) At this moment, we are working on the second house. This is a short overview of what we will be doing the next months:

    - Applying an earthen plaster
    - Applying lime plaster
    - Installing the electical system
    - Installing the water system
    - Making a beautiful garden
    - Installing teh bathroom
    - Installing the kitchen
    - Building a retainer wall
    - etc etc

    Because of the small surface of the house (60m2), the results show quickly and the activities change relatively fast. Apart from the actual activities, we are also very willing to explain how we realised to:

    - find a beautiful building plot
    - how to cope with all the legal stuff (permits, rules, codes, etc)
    - how to build a house for 15.000 euro of materials and where to find these materials

    Working on an ecological house is a very pleasing activity to do and is relatively easy to do. You need no experience, although it will surely help. We are patient people and we like to explain everything that is needed. You do need to know that most of the work is outside and includes mostly physical work.

    The project is a 'positive' project: positive vibes, eat well, music, drinks, the incredible view on the Pyrenees..

  • Languages spoken

    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Dutch: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    For our guests, we have a lovely caravan at their disposition. It is well equiped: a comfortable 2 persons bed, kitchen, heating system, water, electricity, etc.. Of course we also have a warm shower, toilet and internet. You can also put your tent our your van in our garden, there is plenty of space!

    We offer you all the meals of the day. We both love cooking and we eat well and healthy. We don't expect a minimum or maximum of help from you, we rather believe in common sense. That also means that everybody shares in doing the household (preparing the meals, groceries, sometimes looking after our daughter)

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We are really situated in a really natural environment. You can go for beautiful walks, take a bike, swim in the lake or river, rock climbing, etc etc. Culturally, we are in what used to be the 'Pays Cathares'. You can visit castles, caves and some lovely little villages and even ski or snowboard (30 min drive) from januari - april!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 162774581984

Feedback (7)



Photos

Feedback