This is my concept design for a site of approximately 2,500 sq m on Cabilao Island, in the Philippines. The design aims to maximise food production while also providing each of the elements desired by the client, responding to the strengths, opportunities, challenges and weaknesses of the specific site and delivering plenty of options for nature-connection.
Permaculture Design Goals
The design provides for the basic needs of shelter, water self-sufficiency, food, and sanitation, while also creating a space that those who will live on the site and guests who will visit it love to spend time, and where the wildlife will be welcome.
Understanding how we, as humans, can react and interact with the natural environment in more harmonious ways is of course central to our permaculture ethos of care for people and planet and fair share.
Designing for Nature Connection
This project, with its large bamboo-built dome for events, yoga and meditation space, walking paths, quiet seating areas, outdoor kitchen and recreation area, and wild-swimming spot is built around the importance of nature connection.
Wherever we live in the world, we surely all share the desire to spend time in and appreciating beautiful natural environments. So while permaculture design is also very much rooted in practicality and obtaining a yield, the right design can also help us create environments around us that allow for many tranquil moments of nature connection.
One of the key goals for any permaculture designer, therefore, is to find the balance between purely yield-driven design, and design for people’s simple recreation and enjoyment. We should always remember to consider the intangible yields possible from the world around us – joy, or stress-relief, for example – as well as tangible ones when we are working out how best to use any land or space available to us.
If you want to find ways to connect with nature more where you live, I can help you create a design that facilitates this while also meeting other design goals. So please do get in touch to discuss your requirements and wishes.
EWSP Consultancy 