The following three buildings are part of O.U.R. Ecovillage, a sustainable learning community and demonstration site located in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
The Healing Sanctuary
is a hybrid building featuring dry stone foundation, cob and straw bale exterior walls, light clay interior walls, earthen floors and natural plasters. The post and beam structure supports the living roof. This building was designed with community input to serve as multiple use facility for ecovillagers: as gathering space, for meditation, birthing room, bodywork sessions, counseling, and more.
—————————————————————————————-
The Art Studio
is a hybrid building featuring cob and light clay walls, a log frame structure natural plasters and a living roof. Recycled materials compliment the natural choices: reclaimed 2×6 T&G boards for the floors, 1×6 ceiling boards and galvanized metal siding. The Art Studio has three distinct components:
- The North lower studio space for use as pottery or other Art space with windows to the North looking into the woodland.
- The Front, Southern living space for Guest teachers, Artist in residence , approximately 300 square feet with sleeping alcove, small kitchen, desk space and sitting area.
- The upstairs gallery/classroom/library , a quiet space with separate access; bright and sunny with views of the gardens.
—————————————————————————————-
The Chillage
was a design collaboration with Natural Building students. This is a covered outdoor space serving the ecovillage summer population as hang-out space with wireless internet access, as covered dining area and outdoor classroom. The Chillage features a Rumford Fireplace, sculpted cob walls, stabilized earth floor, natural plasters and a living roof.
—————————————————————————————-
Brocklehurst Residence
on Gabriola Island. Owner Sara Jane Brocklehurst built her house over a few years and documented the process :
Gabriola Island Natural House- click on image
Hidden form the road, this home is situated on a steep south facing slope which became key to the design. Two distinct living areas: low open to the garden, the living space and kitchen. Higher, following the slope up to the North the quiet part: sleeping rooms and bathrooms with a connection onto the living roof on the South side. Materials include Straw Bale walls, lightclay infill, and natural plasters. This home was featured on the Green skyline tours organized by the Nanaimo Regional district .
