Interesting, but I'm curious about water supply. It sits on a hilltop yet seems to have no water tanks. I expected to see underfloor tanks. And with no mains supply how can it pump up from a stream?

Also our neighbour had a composting toilet and found it a continuing nuisance, particularly for untrained visitors. I wonder how practical it will be in a holiday house.

Excellent point made about the ensuite. I wonder how many new houses are built with little thought of environmental building design but have 2 or 3 toilets for 2-4 bedrooms. Unless you have more than 4 or 5 people in your house, more than 1 loo is an unnecessary luxury that could be spent in much better ways.

It seems amazing that people would spend ~20k on installing a second bathroom but would get upset spending 8k-10k on a solar hot water system that could dramatically reduce energy bills each year.

I also wonder where they get their water from? I couldn't find a mention of it on their website either.

sounds great, but now for the important bit of info that was left out, Price tag for this set up please? I will then put it through my NZPVA calulations to attain pay back time periods. Also do they live off the land somewhat? as the site looks rather isolated, do the commute to work anywhere? on or in what? car?, bike?

All this info is important to get a realistic piture of this lifestyle for all of us

Justice, I think you'll find it's a pretty reasonable price. My guess is around 350k??? Do you know Matt or Nat? This is a holiday accommodation, Lawrence and Antje live in the Hippy house over the winter and camp on their property over the summer in order to rent the Hippy house. They have a portable garden (set up on pallets that Lawrence picks up with the digger when it's time to move). Lawrence's job is the property - no need to travel and Antje works 5 mins walk away. How you do it is up to you. This is an example of how we could be living in a different, more sustainable dwelling. Alan the composting toilet is Lawrence's adaptation of the Aussie made Bio-loo (I think). Knowing Lawrence, it will work better than your flush toilet. My advice is to check it out by staying there over the winter! Then you'll see for yourself and can be informed in your skepticism.

Hi Anna. Thanks for the comments but what about the water?

After spending half my life in Chch winters I prefer to vacation further north in that season - Rarotonga appeals much more!

Time (and guests) will tell on the toilet. Report back in a couple of years.

Interesting, but given this is located in Golden Bay (which has very moderate temperatures and high sunshine) it is hardly an option for everyone. Not sure the huge glass frontage would be much good in Southland or Central Otago would it?

"Justice, I think you'll find it's a pretty reasonable price. My guess is around 350k??? Do you know Matt or Nat?"

No Anna, should i know them? So this guess of 350K, is that freehold or mortgaged? I would appreciate some actual facts before giving it the 2 thumbs up. Plus lets be alittle realistic, it's not everyone cup of tea nor all that practical for everyone to live this way whether a holiday home or not.

Yeah, need an authoritative per-sq-m cost to run any numbers. The loo is Biolytix, agency here in Chch. Runs about $AUD7-9K.

Devils' in the details....

So, who's turning off the lights etc tonight to prove some lame point when in reality everyday should & is Earth Day? Much like that other lame event called Race Unity day, The day i see some skinhead or radical maori turn up to the event well then maybe i will take it seriously, until then it's just lame PC as those that go already to these events believe in the cause, ie, pointless. Just because 100 thousand people go to a U2 concert hardly makes me want to, your either in or out from the get go

I'll agree with you on that, Justice. International reef fish hour for those who need someone else to think for them and hope everyone else is the same.