Lawford, Apricot Centre

The Apricot Centre has been operating for 9 years and is the home of Mark and Marina O Connell.

The Apricot Centre is a demonstration permaculture site - LAND and includes a Training Centre offering courses on Sustainable living and provides a meeting point for Transition Stour Valley. For full details check out the website www.apricotcentre.co.uk

Insulation: wall insulation including breathing wall extension filled with recycled newspaper in 2002. Loft, hot water tank and water pipe insulation.

Glazing: windows are double glazed and draught proofed.

Renewables: The property is not on mains gas and heating is provided by an Air Source Heat Pump and Wood Fuelled heat system. Thermostatic radiator valves are used to regulate heat.

Lighting: Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) are used.

Electrical Appliances: Some appliances are energy efficient and some use no energy. A smart meter is installed.

Water Management: Consists of Low/Dual Flush toilet, water efficient appliances and rainwater harvesting including use of water butts.

Sustainable Building Materials: The Apricot centre includes a Training Centre and office made out of recycled shipping containers installed in 2006. A Straw Bale Building installed in 2002 and a breathing wall extension installed in 2002.

The centre has a large land area which is well worth a look and is a permaculture site. Obviously this means it is used to grow food in a wildlife friendly manner, using home compost and utilising water management.