Build the foundation of an ecovillage in the Estonian Countryside near Vahenurme, Estonia

Details

• 

  Description

  Help Build the Foundation of an Ecovillage in the Estonian Countryside
  
  Hello! My name is Rihard, and I’m excited to invite you to join me on an inspiring journey to build not just a sustainable home, but the first steps toward an ecovillage in the serene Estonian countryside. This project is all about combining traditional techniques and modern eco-friendly practices to create a harmonious space that respects nature and fosters community.
  
  Surrounded by peaceful forests and a refreshing pond where you can cool off after a day's work, the land also features a sauna to relax and rejuvenate. This is more than a building project—it's the start of a vision for a sustainable lifestyle hub where people can connect with nature, share skills, and grow together.
  
  About Me
  
  I’m 24 years old, a creative and nature-loving adventurer who’s spent the last five years exploring the world, participating in workaway projects, and learning about life. Now, I’m channeling that knowledge and passion into creating a place where sustainability and community come together.
  
  Hosting travelers is a chance for me to share this journey, learn from others, and co-create something meaningful. If you’re passionate about sustainable living, cultural exchange, or just learning and teaching new skills, you’ll fit right in here.
  
  About the Project
  
  This is the beginning of a single-story straw bale house that will serve as a prototype for future builds in this budding ecovillage. With a total area of 60 m², it features:
  
  Straw bale walls for natural insulation.
  
  A wooden frame for structural support.
  
  Granite sourced from the property for the stove and other features.
  
  Eco-friendly systems like water filtration and efficient heating.
  
  
  In addition to the house, I plan to plant fruit trees, berry bushes, and other crops to kickstart a sustainable food system for the ecovillage.
  
  What You’ll Be Doing
  
  You’ll help with:
  
  Setting up the foundation and building the house.
  
  Stacking and plastering straw bale walls.
  
  Installing floors, windows, and adding finishing touches.
  
  Creating pathways, landscaping, and planting trees or bushes.
  
  
  If you’re interested, there’s also room for artistic and creative projects to enhance the space.
  
  Who Can Join
  
  No experience? No problem! All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. If you do have skills in carpentry, construction, permaculture, or sustainable living, they’ll be highly valued as we take steps toward turning this vision into reality.
  
  Join me in building a home and planting the seeds of a future ecovillage!

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  General Maintenance
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Depending on the length of stay you'll get to see more or less of the Estonian countryside life, making Black bread "leib" and other estonian traditional foods and can show surrounding local nature...

• 

  Help

  We’ll be working on tasks such as:
  
  Setting up the foundation and framing the structure.
  
  Stacking and plastering the straw bale walls.
  
  Installing floors, and other finishing touches.
  
  If you’re interested, you can also help with related projects, like improving the land or building pathways using street blocks.
  
  No previous experience is necessary, but if you have skills in carpentry, construction, or sustainable agriculture/building, they’ll be put into great use:)

• 

  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Estonian: Fluent
  Russian: Intermediate
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
• 

  Accommodation

  Sleeping Accommodations
  
  As part of this eco-building adventure, the accommodations reflect the simple and natural lifestyle of the project. You’ll have two options for sleeping:
  
  1. Tent Accommodation:
  
  A spacious and sturdy tent will be provided, set up in a quiet and scenic area of the property.
  
  Inside, you’ll find a comfortable sleeping mat or inflatable mattress, along with warm blankets and pillows for a cozy night’s sleep.
  
  The tent is ideal for those who enjoy being immersed in nature, with the soothing sounds of the countryside and the nearby pond.
  
  
  2. Shed Accommodation:
  
  If you prefer more shelter, you can stay in a simple, rustic shed on the property.
  
  The shed includes a basic bed or cot with clean bedding, offering privacy and a cozy retreat after a day’s work.
  
  there's also ample space for caravans, campers, vans...
  
  Both options come with access to shared facilities, including:
  
  Compost Toilet: An eco-friendly toilet that aligns with the sustainable ethos of the project.
  
  Outdoor Shower: A simple yet refreshing setup to wash off after a day of work.
  
  Sauna: A traditional wood-fired sauna built just two years ago, perfect for relaxing and unwinding. It’s a great way to connect with Estonian culture and warm up on cooler days (there's also an opportunity to get a traditional estonian beating in the sauna we call it "vihtlemine";)
  
  Outdoor Kitchen: A communal space for preparing meals, enjoying tea, coffee,mate... and connecting with fellow volunteers.
  
  Food and Meals
  
  You’ll have access to the outdoor kitchen for preparing your own meals. Basic food ingredients like potatoes, rice, buckwheat etc will be provided as well as we'll sporadically prepare some traditional Estonian dishes together and may go foraging in the nearby forest or swamps for natures food, adding a unique experience to your stay. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with local food traditions and nature.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  there's many good spots around the pond to settle in, under trees or on a grassland

• 

  Can possibly accept pets

  This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

Website Safety