The housing being provided in this programme uses straw bale and mud-straw technology which is low-cost, low-energy usage and easily and quickly built. The first demonstration house built by Chernobyl settlers in 1996, was 72 m2 in area and cost $50 per m2. The support of the government was obtained for a further twelve demonstration houses, two in each region of Belarus. A further demonstration house is to be built using a solar water heater and permaculture landscaping. A series of seminars have been held in order to promote the approach and considerable support has been received. Proposals have been drawn up for an Ecovillage 2000 where there will be a variety of house types using straw-bale construction methods.

Partnership

NGO, national government