Take tour of Grand Earth Homes
Some call it alternative house design. Others say they’re homes of the future now.
Either way, if you’re keen to view some inspiring homes then mark your calendar for Saturday, November 26 and join Transition Matamata on what they dub their ‘‘Grand Earth House Tour’’.
The road trip will take in four homes, with a chance to tour each one and hear from their owners what they have done and why.
A rammed earth house is on the list. This one is set in an old quarry planted out with trees, including an olive grove. Then there’s a cob house. Cob is an old building technique using clay and straw and constructed by hand. This one is now run as a B&B.
The third house, a straw bale effort, is also a B&B. It’s a beautiful house with thick bale walls and lime plaster finish.
An ‘‘earth ship’’ house completes the list.
Earth ships are made from waste materials (tyres mainly) and often feature design elements that make the house selfsustaining in food production, water collection and waste management.
The day tour leaves Matamata at 8.30am in mini vans generously provided by Baigent Motors.
Cost for the tour is $20 per person.
For details and to book your spot, ring Caroline Mason on 888 6647 or email caroline@techmason.co.nz
‘‘The road trip will take in four homes, with a chance to tour each one and hear from their owners what they have done and why.’’