By Nikolas Bardis

In Nessona Larissa, about 16 kilometers from the city center, we find an ecological village-estate, which has natural structures, passive energy systems, sustainable technologies, proper water management, crops, as well as a united human structure that supports all these facilities. It is a unique space in the Greek territory, which tries through its operation to promote a more ecological way of life.
Clay houses

In the area of ​​the farm we find a total of seven buildings and several constructions, some utilitarian and some others made purely for educational reasons or for experimentation. The first house on the farm was built 25 years ago, in 2000, using the stacked clay (cob) method. It is now used for educational purposes in ecotourism programs. The second house was built several years later, with the help of friends and primary school children using the thatch method, which is now used to house the farm managers. The cellar of the house is a product of excavated soil for masonry.

The third house in a row was built in 2010, also with thatched clay, exclusively with the help of volunteers and for the permanent residence of the team members. Currently it is used for hospitality and ecotourism. The fourth was erected in 2016 as a proposal for housing vulnerable population groups. Its frame is wooden and is covered with rags dipped in lime, while its cost is only 300 euros. This was followed by two above-ground geodesic domes and a cave that were constructed during a workshop. These constructions have one thing in common: they are created with the soil of the area and do not burden the environment.

Energy systems

But apart from these green structures, the farm has a single and autonomous energy system, powered by a system of solar panels. In addition, the lamps located in the estate are completely self-contained, with separate panels each.

The design of the buildings we see today on the farm is based on the principles of bioclimatic architecture, passively harnessing sunlight. The large openings are towards the south, letting sunlight into the house. The light in turn hits the walls and floors during the day, keeping them warm at night. Entering these buildings you can feel the difference in temperature, especially in the hot summer months when the mercury outside reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius.

In addition to the energy systems, the estate also has various technological solutions that offer quality of life, but without harming the environment. The greenhouse, which is made from recycled materials and frames, enables growers to increase the chance of success of their seeds through the establishment of seedlings. It also allows them to extend the growing season into the Winter.

Water resources management

Undoubtedly, one of the main issues for the estate to be self-sufficient is water management, and for this there has been planning and provision. The water that falls on the roofs of the houses is collected in barrels, and used for irrigation or for other uses where deionized water is needed. In addition, the estate also has a fog barrier, in the form of a liopan, where the fog stops, liquefies and is led to a chute. And the gray water, that is, that which comes from the sink, the wash basin, the bathroom, etc., passes through successive cleaning filters, until it reaches the point where it can be used again. In all these cases, the water ends up in two large reservoirs from which the vegetable garden and the forest are irrigated.

Excess water ends up in a pond in the center of the field, where water lilies, oxygenators and mosquito fish keep the water clean and clear. The lake acts as a microclimate regulator, significantly reducing the air temperature in the area, but also as a wildlife hostel, hosting insects, birds and amphibians that come there to nest. This increases the biodiversity of the ecosystem on the estate and consequently its resilience over time. It is, therefore, a rare ecological project that has a lot to teach us, especially in our time, where climate change shows its harsh face in all aspects of our lives. Really, how ecologically do you live?