Domus Hub is where sustainability, community and beauty thrive: a vibrant connection of structures where nature and people come together.Three spacious yurts, ecologically powered, serve as the hub for workshops, reunions, and social gatherings. Surrounding the tents, you'll find a network of living plant domes that provide sustainable shelter,a food forest where local species and fruits grow. A natural theater where music and storytelling provide a unique and immersive experience for all.
Cross-border/international
Italy
Other
world
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Mainly rural
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
As an individual in partnership with other persons
First name: Chiara Last name: Lastri Gender: Female Age: 30 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Italy Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: via aretina 255 Town: firenze Postal code: 50136 Country: Italy Direct Tel:+393389677455 E-mail:kiarina392@yahoo.it
DOMUS HUB is an environmentally-friendly concept consisting of the design and creation of traditional tents and living-architecture structures, as well as the production of autochthonous agri-foodstuffs. The project is designed to respond to the growing need to get back in touch with nature in every sense – and through the five senses – and also to the need to share and be engaged in an experience that is at once theoretical and practical, conceived to enhance both personal and social wellbeing. It is a project in which the users are involved from the very start, engaged in every phase from creation through to ongoing maintenance. The first location of Domus Hub has been identified in the park of the Rifugio Valomagna, Alpe di Catenaia, Arezzo, Italy, a mountain shelter situated in the area of the Casentino forests at a height of 1000m sml, extending over 4.5 hectares of woodland, orchards and open meadows. The plan is to build here three yurt-type structures powered by renewable energy that will be the hub of the entire project. This is where the meetings, seminars, and workshops will be held. The living-architecture structures will be designed in the areas around these tents, using selected autochthonous species of trees and plants to create beautiful living spaces that will grow and evolve over time. The food forests – planted out with traditional local fruits,vegetables, and a range of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs –will incorporate the existing vegetal speciesand provide the perfect perimeter for the living and working quarters. The project will be divided into various stages, from construction of the yurts in the first four months through to the planting out and ongoing maintenance of the living structures and the food forest over the span of a year. This will be a participative process, launched and continuously stimulated by the various seminars and workshops that will be organised from the early months through to the completion of the project.
Biodiversity
Community
Living-architecture
Nature
Green-design
The key sustainability objectives of the Domus Hub project are:
Ø low-impact environmental enhancement
Ø use of zero-miles, durable, recyclable materials
Ø use of renewable energy
Ø low-cost structures
Ø dissemination of viable, sustainable good practices
We aim to achieve these objectives by building the living architecture shelters using autochthonous, zero km plants that preserve the natural balance of the environment. The plants and trees have numerous beneficial properties and provide habitats, food, and shelter for insects and other animals (see attachment scheme). The gradual growth and ongoing maintenance of the green domes and the natural theatre is a collaboration between people and nature. All the structures, like the natural theatre, follow the natural shapes of the landscape. The yurts are old nomadic tents and can resist low temperatures and high winds thanks to their wool covering and round shape, these structures will be built using chestnut wood from the surrounding forests and will be powered by renewable energy. Several photovoltaic panels will be arranged around the area, and there will be a small hydroelectric mill powered by a spring that runs through the property, also providing water. The food forest will be made up of local plants, trees, herbs and vegetables, making it as environmentally sustainable as possible. All the structures are low-cost and low impact, and respect the environment. They also have a commercial added-value due to energy-saving strategies. This economic feasibility is a key factor in attracting new interest in the community at large. We plan to disseminate these good practices through open-days, lectures, workshops and online educational initiatives at local, national, and European level.
The green design creates a harmonious relationship between the structures and their surroundings. The food forests, provide a source of fresh, nutritious food and create a beautiful perimeter for the living and working spaces. The focus on quality of life for those who will use the facilities is a key objective, with the goal of creating convivial places for exchange, cooperation, and support. The design takes into consideration the entire life cycle of each component, from production to transport, distribution, and final disposal, with a goal of minimizing the impact on both the environment and people. Through seminars and workshops, the participative process will allow users to be involved from the start, enhancing personal and social well-being. This prioritize involving the users in every phase, from creation to maintenance, reinforces the idea of a harmonious relationship between the people and the environment. The food forests at Domus Hub offer an immersive and multi-sensory experience, pleasing not only the taste buds with fresh, nutritious food, but also the eyes with their picturesque surroundings, the nose with the fragrant herbs, the touch with the various textures of the plants, and the ears with the peaceful sounds of nature. This harmonious blend of sensory stimulation creates a truly memorable and enriching experience for visitors. Additionally, the project aims to encourage the transfer of traditional knowledge and skills, such as those related to food production and artisanal techniques (productions of objejts of design, working tools,ancient building thecniques using wood and raw materials).
A long term objective resulted from the study of a mixed working group is the accesibility and security of the structures for the diversely-abled: creation of descents and ramps ( deadline 2 years)
The project will have the partnership of Associazione Valomagna, an association of social and cultural promotion with headquarters at the Mountain Lodge (see attachment).
Accessibility:
-homemade signage providing indications from main routes
-repair of damaged sections of road to facilitate access
-advertising campaign on social networks
-presentation of project at meetings of local authorities and other interested bodies (schools/colleges/clubs/local organisations)
-information points and stands at local events and fairs
-daily updates and posts on the digital agenda of the website
-reminder emails for appointments and activities schedule
Affordability:
-all meetings, workshops, and conferences will take place at the Mountain Lodge (and in the yurts once completed) that the Associazione Valomagna will make available free of charge.
-lower costs for participants through the use of renewable energy and local resources
-enrolment of volunteers for the events and initiatives – involving association members, and local schools, colleges and recreational centres etc.
.special offers for families who wish to take part in the events
-creation of a Valomagna welfare fund by involving institutional and private sponsors
Inclusive governing systems:
-the working groups will be democratically elected at the meetings of the association. Leaders with specific skills will be assigned assistants with less experience so as to foster learning and sharing. For example: construction leader and team; agronomy plan leader and team; renewable energy leader and team etc. Team roles will also be regularly revolved so that everyone who wants to can take part.
-transparency: a written report will be drawn up at the end of each meeting and published on the website, with the invitation for comments and suggestions which will be discussed at the following meeting;
-all investments from funds, donations and membership fees will be reported in the annual financial state.
Citizens benefit:
· the repair and conservation of local roads
· the recovery/maintenance of footpaths, mountain bike, and hiking trails
· accommodation, facilities and refreshment offered initially inside the Mountain Shelter and, later, in the yurts and living shelters/domes
· a location for: artistic/cultural/sports gatherings, events, music festivals etc.
· a perfect educational and recreational site for children and young people, where they can learn more about the natural world and experience living in the midst of nature
· attraction of people to the project site, which will have positive repercussions for the economic activities of the surrounding areas
In addition to the above reasons, citizens will also be affected by the concept because:
· the collaborative nature means that absolutely everyone can be involved and contribute, ensuring global social inclusion
· as well as being involved in the practical day-to-day project activities of building/planting/maintaining/harvesting, everyone will also be encouraged to take an active part in the meetings
· collaboration triggers a virtuous circle: the more people feel involved, the keener they are to help and also to publicise the initiative
The impact of the citizens’ involvement on the concept will be:
· the project will benefit from continuous feedback from the participants, and by listening to their suggestions can pilot the project to meet their demands
· in this way the concept will be a permeable, evolving, self-generating experience, the results of which can be shared through online platforms with similar initiatives, and to inspire new ventures
-Local residents and community members: who may be affected by the development of the eco village and may also have an interest in participating in the project (A.S.B.U.C Catenaia, Pro loco Falciano)
-Environmental organizations and activists: WWF, genuino clandestino, Ministero dell'ambiente
-Local government and regulatory bodies: C.A.I(Club Alpino Italiano), Unione comune montana
-Investors and financial institutions,who may be interested in investing in the eco village and its sustainable initiatives.
-Local farmers and food producers,who may be able to benefit from the food forest and other agricultural initiatives in the eco village: Pecora nera SNC
-Researchers and academics studying on sustainable living permaculture, plant building, and renewable energy who may be interested in the eco village as a case study or research site: University of Agraria, University of architettura
-Tourists: who may be interested in visiting the eco village to learn about sustainable living and renewable energy.
This project has been developed thanks also to an heterogeneous group of: friends, professionals, experts and enthusiasts in different disciplines, that through informal meetings and brainstorming activities have contributed to the concept as it is.
The Domus Hub project involves various fields of knowledge and disciplines, including agrotechnicians, geologists, builders, architects, renewable energy engineers, and designers.
The first collaboration between artists,geologists and builders answered the question on where to build the natural open-air theatre and where to build it to have the best acustic and light exposure.
The renewable-energy engeineers and the builders have come to the conclusion of where to settle the photovoltaic systems and the hydroelectric mill.
Designers and agrotechnicians are studing the best landscape solutions to replicate the best naturalistic shapes and colours in harmony with the environment.
Using living plants (such as willow, wisteria, field maple and woodbine) to create shelters and domes is a unique and sustainable building method that diverges from traditional, resource-intensive construction practices.
These fast-growing plants will be extraordinarily beautiful in the landscape and as living spaces: the plants have also numerous interesting properties, from curative to melliferous.
The use of renewable energy to power the yurts sets this project apart from mainstream communities that rely solely on fossil fuels.
The incorporation of a forest garden and natural theater into the design of the village highlights a commitment to integrating nature and community in a holistic way rather than treating them as separate entities.
The emphasis on natural design and quality of life in the village's operations sets it apart from mainstream developments that prioritize profit over social and environmental wellbeing.
All of these elements together make Domus Hub a unique and innovative dimension of sustainable living and community.
The entire project is not only replicable in various regions globally but it will also expand as it can be customized with local plants, trees, and tents. As a result, many distinct DH villages with unique shapes and materials can be created.
The knowledge, the resources and the methods gained from the first Domus Hub project will be shared freely and openly through various platforms, such as workshops, online resources, and collaboration with local organizations providing suggestions and guidelines for anyone interested in building their own community Domus Hub or their simple small natural spot in their own garden.
The use of yurts in this eco-village project is a strategic choice due to their traditional ease of construction and lightweight nature. Yurts can be quickly assembled and disassembled, allowing for flexibility in terms of location and accommodation changes.
The groups in need of a DH may include:
Enviromental Activists that want to reduce their carbon footprint and live in harmony with nature.
Remote communities that want to live off the grid and reduce their reliance on traditional energy resources.
Natural disaster victims in need of a temporay low-impact housing solution.
Indigenous communities who are seeking to peserve their traditional way of life and connection with the natural environment.
The eco-village project responds to global challenges by adopting sustainable practices in the following areas:
1. Circular economy - Implementing rainwater harvesting for cultivation, promoting alternative methods of exchange for autoproduced products, reusing forest materials for construction, and utilizing phytodepuration for waste management.
2. Power generation - Adopting renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels and solar panels, using a hydroelectric turbine during winter months when the river is full, and utilizing wood stoves and boilers for heating.
3. Biodiversity - Incorporating living architectures and protecting native plants, with a focus on preserving honeybee populations.
4. Agriculture - Supporting small-scale, local agricultural activities by incorporating them into the project, prioritizing the cultivation of local crops and ancient strains.
5. Innovation - Offering alternative educational methods outside of traditional classrooms, including outdoor classes, workshops on essential skills, and classes on wild herb recognition and their medicinal properties.
6. Reduction of emissions - Promoting electric transportation, installing photovoltaic-powered charging stations, and prioritizing zero-distance products. By adopting these alternatives, the project contributes to reducing stress from excessive transportation and promotes a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle
7. Occupation and growth - The positive impact of the eco-village project will create job opportunities, attracting people, participants, and tourists to the area, thereby stimulating local economic growth.
