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Project

Eco-Development Is All-Natural (Latvia)

Credits: ©2010 Amata

A Latvian billionaire created a housing development in Cēsis, Latvia, where he purchased over 3000 hectares of wild forest, a terrain rich in hills and water. The resulting residential community is comprised of three-story houses that are made of environmentally friendly materials constructed with the topography. The design of the houses makes the windows of each house not visible to other houses, and each design is unique. Near each of the 300 homes is a small lake and forest, all of it included in cost of land. All houses are equipped with central sewer that is laid under the roots of pine and fir trees, high-speed Internet, and electricity. The homes use geothermal heat pumps that convert the warmth of the earth into heat for the house; the geothermal wells have boreholes 90-100m deep, and the amount of heat produced is enough to heat the house and water all year round. Wood heat is provided as a backup for severe winter, with fireplaces in every home. In this unique forest development, fences are prohibited and dogs are allowed only in the houses. This is to allow roe deer and other wild animals to roam freely across the acreage. Sun City is about 80 km from Riga, the Latvian capital city.

 

Sun City Latvia Aerial Water

Eco-development, Latvia. ©2010 Amata

Community Rules
The whole community is devoted to residential buildings made of natural materials such as wood frame, log or brick for siding; roofing from cane, jagged wood chips, clay tiles or cement, or thatch; and additional decorative materials including paving stone, decorative wood paneling, painted plaster, and glass.

Conservation and tree preservation
All development must be careful to preserve trees and native plants such as moss, lichens, heather, and forest animals are protected as well. Noise is controlled so that the community remains peaceful and quiet, with only the sounds of nature. Fireworks are prohibited due to noise and because many homes have thatched or cane roofs. No motorized water vehicles are allowed on the lakes and streams, to both protect the fish and other aquatic wildlife, and to prevent loud noise.