low impact

Nova is a low impact building. It teaches us how much can be done with little energy so that we touch lightly on the earth. The aim is that when you come to Moon woods you stay in harmony with nature.

To do this Nova has some key features:

  • It bear weight down posts so the land and tree roots are undisturbed.
  • It uses 12v energy throughout which is run exclusively by solar and wind power. There is a battery which sotires charge.
  • Rain water is harvested for bathing, and drinking water is carried in.
  • There is a composting toilet
  • Heating is via a stove fueled by reclaimed wood fromt Moon Woods.
  • Washing is via a fire-bath. Primitive nowadays, it would be an amazing convenience to even our more recent ancestors 100 years ago, and still millions of people living around the world today.

The hut is not connected to the mains water or electric grid. Spring water and rain water are collected in 1000 litre tanks for washing and cooking; solar and wind generated electricity is stored in batteries and powers LED lights, USB charging sockets and a 12v water pump. A wood burning stove, with oven heats the fully insulated 30m2 space with ease, and – as a concession to convenience – an lpg gas hob will boil a kettle in a few minutes. 25 litre containers of carried in mains water provides water for cooking and drinking.

Off grid systems are dependent on weather and seasonal variations; at times supplies and stores are plentiful and at other times in order to maintain the essentials, they need conservation.

Beyond the environmental benefits of reducing fossil fuel use, many people find they thrive from time surrounded by trees, living closer to the rhythms of nature.

Nova is set in a natural woodland with attendant risks you need to be aware of; particularly uneven ground, many trip hazards and low tree branches. Additionally the sleeping mezzanine is reached by a steep ladder. There’s a locked gate to a private access road and the hut is 300metres uphill along the single track road. It has a good tarmac surface but in certain winter conditions, ie ice or snow, it may not be possible to drive all the way to the cabin. As such it may not be suitable if you have physical mobility issues. Please message if in doubt.

global considerations

For decades now stories have been emerging in the media, ever thicker and faster, on humanity’s impact on the planet and the environmental systems that support us and other species. We need to slow this impact down.

Countries can negotiate deals and trade agreements, but negotiation doesn’t work with Nature. The apocryphal story of King Canute’s failure 1000 years ago to stop the tide resonates today.

The experience of feeling alive is fundamental. Spending time living more slowly, tuning into Nature, and distracted by nothing other than what’s happening around can, make you feel tuely alive.

Pathmaker, your footsteps are the path. There is no path, you make the path by walking.

Antonio Machado

Think Outside. No Box Required.