Gaby and Hans
LMN44
INSPIRATION
When and why did you buy the property?
We bought in 1987, because we loved the location, saw potential for renovating and also got land with the property.
What was your inspiration for your home/build/restoration/extension?
Simplicity, affordability, sustainability
What were your initial plans / intentions?
Initially we wanted to renovate the cottage, but then decided to build extension as well, which included a cheese kitchen for commercial production.
How important was the eco-factor in these original intentions?
Very important, although the extension was built with concrete blocks.
How important was the design?
The design nearly created itself through common sense.
Important was sunlight in the living and working quarters, cool in the larder
TYPE OF HOUSE
Renovated stone cottage with extension and conservatory
POINT OF INTEREST
Our house is at the centre of our organic farm, we used to produce cheeses, breads and vegetables for the local market and were fairly self-sufficient regards food for more than 25 years. Recently we have cease commercial production and now concentrate on teaching courses at our Neantog Kitchen Garden School.
ECO ELEMENTS
siting, internal fittings, conservatory, passive heating
CREATIVE ELEMENTS
ARCHITECT/DESIGN BY
Wolf Fischer (a friend)
BUILDER
Gilmartin
MATERIALS
Foundation: Concrete
Walls: blocks
Roof: tiles
Insulation: cork
Finishings: timber and organic paints
HEAT SOURCE
For the water: gas and solid fuel
For the building: gas and solid fuel
WATER SOURCE
Mains
WASTE
Septic tank, Composting, Recycling
GARDEN
The organic farm sourounds the house
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Time scale of build: over 10 years
Satisfaction rating: Happy!