Ecology

"Ecology has been the main concern at every step of this project. The reflection focused on four key issues."

1.     Keep the existing

The Barn is a beautiful example of the restoration work, the original elements have been conserved: the rafters and purlins , internal wall covering, the original shutters. 

Fermes de la charpente

2.    The use of  material after the decommissioning

Chevrons de la charpente déposés

The dryer is the result of the decommissioning of the barn roof: the tiles were recycled to create the cladding.

Another great idea: Autre bonne idée : the old rafters of the barn were used as trellises in the studios of thefarmhouse. These old wooden partitions give additional charm of the house, and blend perfectly with the lime hemp plaster.

The south gable of the reception is covered with cladding derived from salvaged materiel’s.

The stones collected from the demolition were reused for filling gabions baskets: these stone fences blends perfectly with the rest of the building.

3.     Choose environmentally friendly building material

The cladding has been made with larch wood or Douglas fir Class 4: their resistance to all types of weather exempts them from any kind of treatment.They will naturally,  oxidize and intoxicate on the surface which will enhance their protection against the weather.

 

The buildings insulation meets environmental specification: wood wool/shavings, cellulose wadding, cork fragments or lime-hemp plaster are all natural materials. They were selected for their performance and well being they provide.

The ecological choice can also be found in the equipment in the villas. The mattresses are 100% natural latex ( EVEA). The quilts are pure new wool with organic cotton covers, the duvet covers are also 100% organic cotton.

gabions

4.     Minimize the energy impact for the site during its activity

Poele à bois villa ponton

Everything is designed for saving energy:

  • Hot water is produced by solar panels (partners with l’ADEME)
  • Electrical appliances with high energy performances from A to A+++
  • Use of air conditioning and natural ventilation
  • Heating with a wood burner

Water management is also a priority: rainwater from the buildings is stored in a pool. The pool – we should really talk about natural pool – is heated using a heat pump.

All our plantations are local varieties and do not require watering.