The new Crystal Waters EcoCentre — as you will see on the drawing — has a direct orientation to north, this being the best solar aspect in our hemisphere. Rammed earth walls will help to maintain a fairly even temperature inside. We aim to use as much local timber and recycled material as possible. Wide verandahs and a covered outdoor space will be ideal for teaching and project work.

The toilet system (to be donated by Dowmus Resource Recovery) will be the latest wet-composting system available, and the waste water from toilets will be recycled and used to water/feed trees.

We will use natural stains and oils to preserve timber. Photovoltaic panels will be incorporated into the roof (becoming insulators as well as power generators) and the electricity will be fed into the mains power grid (thus avoiding the need to use polluting batteries).

The construction will try to be a `best practice' example of what is possible today in healthy building technology, but at the same time needs to be realistic in its aims so that it is relevant to the mainstream. I am sure that we will find the outcome as rewarding as we find the process challenging and absorbing.

The old farmhouse we have been using as a classroom for many years is a good example of innovative recycling. Sadly, the materials used in its construction were never of a very high quality. It is a cold space in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer. No amount of insulation will change this.