What is the best way to define an Ecolodge in France.
An Ecolodge is a construction that takes account of the natural environment surrounding it so that minimum impact is made on it, by using materials that are sympathetic to it and to its inhabitants.
Above all, dedicated to tourism, the construction must be ecological, must integrate with its environment and be eco-responsible to provide tourism that is sustainable.
So what are the principle characteristics of an eco-lodge in Auvergne?
Firstly, it must reflect the concept of the eco-lodge: weather conditions are of utmost importance, and define the type of windows and doors (for example, the large glazed French windows are south facing, to capture the warmth), as such the orientation is as important as its style.
Once you understand this concept, you can see how your eco-lodge will be oriented and its design. Eco-Lodges in France, and particularly in Auvergne, face due south (doors and windows) to take full advantage of the sun; they have a steep roof to ensure that any snow slips off easily (although it can provide good insulation).
What materials are used to build this eco-lodge?
One of the most ecological building products is still wood. I am a firm believer in the use of wood as a frame which together with its walls makes for a solid structure, and provides good insulation.
We have even made chalets without foundations, sitting on wooden piles, and they work very well.
Now that our site has been transformed to accommodate our new project, our chalets have been carefully taken down and rebuilt in a different place thanks to the technique of these wooden frames with no environmental impact.
In France, eco-lodges must be insulated, this is one of the principal points which distinguishes an eco-lodge from a normal construction.
Materials used are numerous and each has its own characteristics : wood fibre, sheep wool, wadding, with the object being to obtain a good thermal coefficient according to thematerials chosen.
Why insulate an eco-lodge?
There are two reasons to insulate an eco-lodge: so as not to lose heat (in winter), but also to keep it cool (in the summer).
It’s for this reason that, even in the south of France, an eco-lodge must be insulated; the temperature will be more easily controlled.
Today, I think it is inconceivable, at least in Auvergne, to call a building ecological but have air conditioning installed.
In effect, good management of openings (windows and doors), good insulation, natural ventilation coupled with the cool nights in Auvergne (even in a heat-wave) mean that an eco-lodge in Auvergne has no need for air conditioning.
To sum up, an eco-lodge can be characterised as a construction made of ecological materials and with respect for the environment; it is generally made of wood, faces due south and has good insulation.
In the next article, I will reveal the steps involved in the creation of the eco-lodges of écolodges Écrin d’Auvergne.
Recommendations:
Suppliers of ecological material in Auvergne: https://www.kenzai.fr/118-isolation-thermique-ecologique-iti
