design, build, operate

At naked Home, instead of falling into conventional technologies of building, we were guided by a different approach and way of thinking. Low tech strategies such as day-lighting, natural ventilation, passive solar heating and thermal mass are simple and effective. Adaptive reuse of old structures, conservation of water resources, taking advantage of solar power and use of local materials are other measures we take to lower our carbon footprint.



design

Heating and Cooling

In the winter, we opt for efficient wood fire ovens that use no electricity. Radiators are connected by pipes to these wood fire oven so when these ovens are in use, heat is transferred within a closed circuit to the radiators, which then distribute radiant heat into the bedrooms.

SolarHot Water Heating

We use solar hot water heaters to avoid the harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity production. Even in the winter months, when the sun is not as strong, the solar heater can bring up the temperature from 0 degree Celsius up to 15 degrees Celsius before it is heated in a conventional hot water heater.

Lighting

At naked Home Village we only use compact florescent energy saving light bulbs, which reduce energy usage by up to 75% and last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Natural day lighting is used whenever possible, as we believe the quality and ambiance of natural lighting is unsurpassed.

Water

At naked Home Village, uncontaminated groundwater from the depths of the mountain provides clean and safe water for drinking, cooking and bathing.In order to reduce the consumption of precious fresh water, we have built grey water reclamation and plumbing systems. Grey water is composed of wash water from the kitchens, bathroom sinks, showers and laundry sinks. The water recycling process uses this grey water in activities that do not require potable water, such as toilets, gardening and landscaping.

Additional water management strategies include:
• Recycling shower, sink water and rain water to our grey water tank for irrigation and toilet flushing.
• Dual flush water closets.
• Signs in bathrooms to encourage guests to save water.
• Signs around the property to raise awareness in protecting water resources.

build

The effect a building has on the environment can be substantially minimized with the efficient use and disposal of building materials. At naked Home Village:

• We preserve old farmhouses and reuse most existing walls, floors, and roof structures.
• We recycle many of the original building materials such as wood, windows and doors, roof tiles, bricks and rubble (to raise site levels).
• We use local and natural building materials, and minimize the use of products that require considerable embodied energy for their manufacture or transportation. These materials include, wood, bamboo, stone, clay bricks, clay tiles and mud. 
• To reduce decorative architectural finishes, we use raw building materials such as exposed brick, mud brick walls, terrazzo and clay tiles. 
• We use low and non-VOC products and paints. 
• We design and make our own furniture and lighting fixtures using scrap materials like wood, bamboo, recycled wheels, pots, etc.

operate

The most energy used in a building occurs during the lifetime – from heating to lighting – rather than in construction. Hence we operate and maintain naked Home Village with the same rigor as the design and construction, applying the same sustainable concepts. 
The role of our facility operation is to maintain quality guest experiences while promoting environmental awareness. We believe a good example should be set in all facets of operation.

Think Local

• Provide employment opportunity to the local village community (maintenance, cleaning and cooking staff).
• Foster local pride and visitor exposure to traditional culture and techniques, such as tea picking, bamboo harvesting etc.
• Emphasize fresh, locally available food products that minimize transportation, processing and refrigeration.
• Serve village style cooking (nong jia cai) that features local, healthy food. 
• Grow vegetables and herbs in our village garden.Promote a sense of awareness and responsibility among our staff
• Provide training of local work force and educate staff about sustainability.
• Follow operation guidelines for staff regarding sustainability practices.

Promote a sense of awareness and responsibility among our guests

• Encourage guests to use public transportation or carpool to the retreat.
• Supply visible, participatory systems and signs for energy and water conservation, as well as recycling programs for guests.

Materials and indoor quality

• Buy second hand and old furniture from antique markets and junkyards.
• Buy bamboo furniture, bamboo towels, etc.
• Use kitchen utensils, books, and artwork donated by friends. 
• Use VOC-free cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar and borax.
• Forbid smoking indoors.

Protection of the natural environment

• Post anti-littering signs and provide hand made garbage bins around the grounds
• Organize litter picks and local cleanup efforts.

Waste management

• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging materials.
• Use refillable shampoo and soap containers in all houses.
• Recycle glass, plastic, and aluminum and give proceeds to local ayi.
• Offer excess food to local dogs.