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| Permaculture Village |
| Visit a permaculture village, and find out what this alternative lifestyle is all about. |
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Permaculture (permanent agriculture) is a way of life which tries to ensure that farming is conducted in harmony with the environment. It means that each piece of land to be farmed, planted or settled, should take into consideration the surrounding landscape, its wildlife and fauna, and the effect it will have on them.
The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of thoughtful observation rather than thoughtless action. Permaculture includes caring for the Earth and its peoples, and setting realistic limits to population and consumption.
Crystal Waters is the world's first permaculture village and was established in the late '70s by Bob Sample as an alternative to mainstream living. It is situated in Conondale, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Set on about 260 hectares, Crystal Waters is a rural re-settlement with just over 60 houses and around 180 residents (120 adults, 60 kids). For residents, there are no restrictions on the architectural style of their houses or on the materials they use to build them, but they do have to agree to minimise the impact on the local area.
The slope of the land, amount of standing forest, agricultural land, proximity of natural water courses and wet areas, as well as the aspect to north have to be considered when building or planting anything. Dogs and cats are banned.
The houses vary in construction throughout the village. Some have been made using traditional rammed earth, stone, mud brick, etc, while others have opted for contemporary pole frames, timber or brick. A few houses use renewable energy sources such as solar power for their electricity and hot water, while others have installed composting toilets. All the houses take advantage of passive solar heating, and some have even integrated existing plants into the design of their home so as not to cut them down. Many use recycled materials in the construction of their homes.
Gardens are based on low maintenance principles. Self-produced fertilizers, companion planting and natural pest control are some of the gardening practices encouraged in permaculture. Some residents help others with their gardens by starting nurseries and woodlots.
Most of the residents believe that Crystal Waters creates a safe community environment where everyone lives and works with a common goal. Each resident considers the impact on the environment and on the people around them.
Parents say it's a great place for kids because they're safer as everybody knows everyone. This is probably the underlying attraction of a place like Crystal Waters where people can feel like they're a member of a true community and not part of the 'rat race'.
James Crowther's house is one example that typifies permaculture construction. It is made with rammed earth consisting of five percent concrete mix. This is compacted into form work, in 140mm layers, with a pneumatic rammer.
His home consists of rammed earth walls, recycled timber windows and doors, and an earth roof covered with a variety of grasses. Passive solar heating is achieved by using a large concrete slab (with natural pigments) as the flooring, together with large north facing windows.
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More Info
Address:
Crytal Waters Permaculture Village,
Kilcoy Lane,
Conondale,
Queensland.
Postal Address:
Crystal Waters Co-Op Ltd.,
Box 1, Crystal Waters,
MS 16 Maleny QLD 4552
Ph: (07) 5494-4620
Fax: (07) 5494 4653
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Disclaimer
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