1 green tick

Vila Jardins do Oceano, Santiago, Cape Verde
architect's impression of a villa at Vila Jardins do Oceano

NAME: Vila Jardins do Oceano

LOCATION: Santiago, Cape Verde - view in Google Earth

AGENT: Cape Verde Properties

FOR SALE: Two- and three-bedroom villas

PRICE: €255,500 (£201,300)

COMPLETION: Start: October 2007/ Completion: May 2009

The small, exclusive development of Vila Jardins do Oceano is built to the highest specifications and to incorporate eco features, such as good insulation and being entirely self sufficient for water, resulting in low running costs as well as being environmentally friendly.

  • zero-carbon

    • Backup energy is provided by an onsite electrical generator, which uses mainly wind power. UK specification copper wiring ensures the highest transfer. All homes are fully insulated.

  • zero-waste

    • Building waste is re-used as hard core to eliminate wastage. Recycling will be encouraged as part of the eco-theme to the development.

  • sustainable water

    • Grey water is recycled for irrigation, with over 80 per cent of water re-used after cleansing for onsite irrigation.

  • local and sustainable building materials

    • As the development is situated within a Unesco World Heritage Site, local materials and traditional techniques are utilised. Natural materials include stone, timber and thatch to sympathise with the environment of Cidade Velha.

  • sustainable transport

    • Traffic calming is achieved through the construction of a single lane cobbled road for access to the development.
 
no green ticks

Pezula Private Estate, Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
aerial view of Pezula Private Estate

NAME: Pezula Private Estate

LOCATION: Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa - view in Google Earth

DEVELOPER: Pezula Group

FOR SALE: Stands (plots of land) on which to build

PRICE: From ZA1.865million (£127,500) on phase 3 for a 4,035m2 stand

COMPLETION: Phase 4 has recently been released

Pezula is a luxury private nature reserve on the Eastern Head of Knysna, on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, 40 minutes' flight time from Cape Town. The Estate covers 612 hectares and is one of the lowest density build projects in the country. A huge rehabilitation programme has seen the land restored to its original habitation following a destructive period of commercial exploitation.

  • zero-carbon

    • Owners building onsite are encouraged to use solar panels to cut carbon emissions.

  • zero-waste

    • Homeowners are encouraged to recycle their household waste.

  • sustainable water

    • The sewage system comprises biological filter treatment units, enabling it to be used for irrigation. Rainwater tanks are compulsory on each property.

  • local and sustainable building materials

    • Purchasers are encouraged to use natural materials from sustainable sources and adopt environmentally sensitive building practices when constructing their homes.

  • sustainable transport

    • Existing plantation roads have been transformed into strip roads lined with indigenous vegetation; stormwater run-off is minimised by limiting hard road surfaces.