architecture 4 us

South Africa’s Environmentally Friendly Housing by EcoZa

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 08:15 PM PST

360° Kransberg Highlands International Green Estate is an environmentally friendly housing project by EcoZa in South Africa. This project takes place is a beautiful site, surrounded by 360 degrees of the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve’s stunning pink-hued beauty. This sustainable dwelling has a lot sustainable features, providing a great experience for wild nature lovers.

The 360° is designed not only to fit with the beautiful surroundings, but also the nature’s never ending cycles, the seasons, planetary movements and their trajectory within the universe, and human’s cyclical relationship with the earth. It is designed to be net zero energy, and becoming the first of its kind in South Africa. By this green home building, the residents are reintroduced with the nature, the native fauna and flora, the wildlife, etc.

This sustainable house was built with green home design concepts adopted. The materials used were chosen from local materials. The timber materials are FSC-certified and from invasive species. The walls are constructed from natural materials such as rammed earth, and compressed soil bricks. Double glazed windows and oversized glass door are also used. Also, the building adopts the passive house concept, such as north facing roof windows to provide more solar gain.

The other sustainable point is the green roof, which was developed by some scientific researches to provide good insulation and water catchment. Photovoltaic panels are also included as the energy sources to achieve net energy concept. These panels provide both water heating’s energy and also the electricity. For cooking fuel source, the existing of human / organic waste digester to produce biogas is an important point. Some environmentally friendly products are also used, such as LED for lighting.

The outside landscaping was created to keep the cycles. The soil is kept porous to allow natural drainage. Any excess waste water is channeled to an outside constructed wetland.

This sustainable home design provides a proof on having harmonization between wild life and sustainability.