This innovative South African building system was developed specifically for the upgrading of squatter camps. The simple yet sturdy system of sandbags and Ecobeams is easy for unskilled workers. Our eco-cottages were built by the community who took immense pride in being able to build their own houses.

Building Eco-beam and sandbag houses uses no electricity, and practically no water; they are fireproof, bullet proof and very well insulated.

We are combining natural, sustainable energy systems in our buildings which means free electricity from abundant sunshine and wind power. Some sewerage waste is processed in a biogas digester which will provide free gas to cook on in the kitchen and other dry composting toilets produce fertiliser for the food garden as a by product.

Furthermore, conventional new housing procedures result in the relocation of families piece-meal to undesirable concrete boxes in far off developments, with the resultant break-down of otherwise vibrant socially healthy communities. However, by building eco-cottages in place of each shack the community protects its social structure!