Center for Creative Ecology

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Donation form Kibbutz Lotan

Straw Bales and Mud Construction at Lotan

Straw bale construction in Lotan is becoming common placeIn its continuing efforts to find creative solutions to environmental challenges, Kibbutz Lotan has been experimenting with straw bale construction. As a means to provide super-insulation in housing and public spaces, Lotan members have adapted this ancient/new technology to their specific desert surroundings.

Led by members who have trained in Arizona and Greece, and been advised by Negev Bedouin and Golan Druze, the entire Lotan community has taken part in building imaginative, energy saving structures; strengthening the sense of community while enhancing its physical splendor and sustainability.

These beautiful, creative works are formed from agricultural by-products (straw bales) and coated with a mixture of sand, straw and local muds. The natural, non-toxic materials allow for family fun in Anyone can, everyone should!building projects, while the easy to learn techniques enable all-comers to participate.

Volunteers from around the world who have worked in "mud" often visit Lotan and share their knowledge and experience. The spirit of international cooperation is inspirational and contagious. Join us for a tour, workshop, or just come and experience a unique Kibbutz break with us.

STOP PRESS [14 February 2002]

We are proud to announce that Kibbutz Lotan Strawbale Projects have been duly listed in the International Straw Bale registry.


Kibbutz Lotan, ecotourism, birds, birdwatching, Israel, Eilat

* A big thank you to Alex Cicelsky from Design and Construction for his kind efforts.


See also our new Recycling Station, inaugurated on 14 January and sponsored by Israel Environment Ministry.

Useful Alternative Building links


Contact Lotan Center for Creative Ecology

Leah Zigmond
lotan-ecocenter@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356811; +972 8 6356935; +972 54 9799024
Toll free (while in Israel): 1800 2000 75


Copyright © 2002-2009 [Kibbutz Lotan Center for Creative Ecology]. All rights reserved.