Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ECO
of a model eco-centre
at Crystal Waters
Permaculture Village,
CENTRICITY Queensland.
I
n Crystal Waters, the teaching space has always been appropriate. The Crystal Waters Community Co-operative
rather basic – an old farmhouse that had its internal (the owners of the commercial land in Crystal Waters) were
walls removed. Other than an example of recycling, enthusiastic in their support.
the building was not a good example of environmental We see the building itself as an educational experience
building. We had wanted to build an environmentally sound for us and for those using it, comfortable to learn in and
education building for many years, but simply never had an example of environmental technology in building, water,
the funds. However, by 2000 we felt it was time to ‘bite the waste water and energy. We also planned that the building
bullet’ and to build such a centre – somehow! We had would serve some social function in the community, and
been putting aside funds (earned from our courses and be an attractive venue for movies, talks, discussions and
overseas consultancy work) for five years and so we had performances of many kinds.
accumulated much of what we would need. Assured by This article aims to provide some detail about the Main:
various government representatives that it was an excellent techniques, materials and decisions (including the Overflow from
project, worthy of government or institutional funding, we compromises!) of the construction process that we hope will the EcoCentre’s
were encouraged to go ahead. be useful for others who may be considering constructing rainwater
In early 2000, we chose a building designer (a past an ecological building. storage tank
student of ours!) who specialises in environmental design keeps the ponds
and asked him to create a building that was energy efficient, LOCATION topped up.
would use the best environmental practices and also remain The EcoCentre is situated in Crystal Waters Permaculture
affordable. We wanted the building to be an achievable Village, the UN Habitat Award winning ecovillage. We have Above:
example that others could replicate. We spent some time in placed the building in the commercial area of Crystal Waters, Max
community consultation and incorporated suggestions when on land that is owned by the community co-operative. We Lindegger.