Tlholego Ecovillage:

A Sustainable Development Project in Rural South Africa

Housing

   

Page 7

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Water Harvesting

Harvesting of water is a key element of any sustainable housing system.  The general idea is to build-up the water harvesting capacity around our house over time.  The more water a household is able to harvest in this way, the greater the level of food and water security.  This strategy can be applied equally well at the household level as it can at the village scale or wider catchment level.

The first level of water catchment takes place on the rooftop through a gutter system into a storage tank, which is then available as a high-quality water source for drinking or irrigation.  If there is insufficient funding for water tanks and guttering in the initial stages of construction, water flowing off the roof during the rainy season can be directed along the ground into tree plantings, or to food gardens around the house.  Excess water can be directed into below-ground storages and used for irrigation during the dry times of the year.

Wastewater is another available source of water at the household level.  The TBS incorporates a grey water filtration, which cleans wastewater, so that bathroom and kitchen waster water can be used for irrigation purposes.

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Grey water filtration transforms waste water from the Institute kitchen safely into gardens

 

  
   
Permaculture Food Security

There is a natural integration between the TBS and permaculture food security gardens that have been established in the immediate vicinity of the house.  Permaculture is a system of producing food that integrates traditional systems of knowledge and modern science with common sense.  This provides a complete food production system incorporating annual and perennial plants, small animals and useful trees.  It relies on low external energy inputs.  The beauty of this system is that, in addition to establishing a valuable source of healthy food, it increases the size of a family homestead's living environment, and adds a tangible dimension of quality to a rural or urban lifestyle.

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Reference Materials

The following Publications on the TBS are available on request: 

  • Mudbrick Notes: useful background information on building with earth. (Price: R65)

  • Tlholego Building System: construction details for the TBS, from foundations to roofs. (Price: R65)

  • Earthways Composting Toilet: construction and operating manual for compost toilet. (Price: R65)

  • Construction Plans for Prototype 1, 2 and 3. (Price: R150 each)

To order, please email Tlholego Development Project.   We can give you price equivalents in your local currency.  There is an additional charge for shipping and handling.

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