Straw-bale Housing in the Sieben Linden Ecovillage

Sieben Linden is an eco-village in rural Altmark, eastern Germany, designed to house 300 people when complete. Founded in 1997, it promotes self-sufficiency, sustainable living, and community decision-making. Residents build their homes with straw, timber, and clay, including Strohpolis, Europe’s largest straw-bale building and Germany’s first multi-storey straw home with full regulatory approval.
The village runs on its own water, waste, and heating systems, using solar and wood energy. Homes are low-energy, cutting heating use by 90% and per-person CO₂ emissions by 72% compared to the German average. Straw-bale construction also supports the local economy by using local materials and labour.
About 100 adults and children currently live there in small “neighbourhoods” with different lifestyles, from shared vegan economies to practical childcare co-ops. Residents share communal facilities, grow food, and learn building skills. Social life is active, and members participate in local politics, helping retain public services and opposing genetically modified crops.
The project is financially self-sustaining. Land and building costs were low, and residents invest labour and funds into cooperative ownership. Construction has created local jobs and markets for farmers’ straw.
Sieben Linden demonstrates that low-impact housing and community living can reduce environmental footprints, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life. It has inspired interest in straw-bale construction across Germany and abroad.