Designed with nature, not against it.

Practical measures suited to Vavuniya’s dry-zone climate — from solar power and rainwater to compost, native trees and low-impact buildings.

Illustration of an elevated thatched cottage with the sun, a water drop and a leaf

These are planned practices and design intentions, not achievements. We will report on what we actually achieve once the estate is operating — and we will avoid claims such as “zero carbon”, “100% organic” or “fully self-sufficient” that we cannot verify.

Solar-first energy

Powered by the sun, wherever practical.

Vavuniya’s strong sunshine makes solar power the natural first choice. The concept plan includes a solar array and water pump on the estate, with solar power intended to supply as much of the estate’s energy as is practical.

A solar array, with battery storage to be assessed
Solar water heating on cottage roofs
Efficient fans and LED lighting throughout
Energy use monitored so that we can report honestly

Artist’s impression of the concept plan showing the fish pond

Water

Treating water as precious.

Rain in Vavuniya falls mainly in a distinct wet season from around October to December. The plan is to capture, store and use it carefully.

Rainwater harvesting from roofs, with storage for drier months
The fish pond planned as a water reserve for the farm
Drip irrigation for vegetable beds to reduce evaporation and waste
Deep mulching under trees to keep moisture in the soil
Treated greywater reuse for irrigation, where appropriate and permitted

Artist’s impression of planted garden beds

Soil & compost

Feeding the soil that feeds us.

Healthy soil is the foundation of the farm. We plan to build it up year after year.

Composting kitchen scraps, manure and garden trimmings instead of burning them
Worm composting for a rich, natural fertiliser
Cover crops in the off-season to protect against erosion
Organic mulch on beds
Minimising synthetic fertilisers and pesticides

Artist’s impression of a shaded path between fruit trees

Native dry-zone planting

Plants that belong here.

Landscaping will favour species suited to the dry zone, for shade, windbreaks, food and wildlife. Species under consideration include:

Shade trees such as palu (Manilkara hexandra) and neem (kohomba)
Gliricidia hedges, which fix nitrogen and break the wind
Flowering trees and shrubs that support butterflies and bees
Ground covers such as gotukola
A firm rule against introducing invasive species

Artist’s impression of an elevated eco-cottage on timber stilts

Low-impact construction

Building lightly on the land.

The cottages and pavilion are designed to tread lightly, using local materials and craft skills wherever possible.

Stilt construction, needing less ground disturbance than conventional foundations
Local timber, bamboo and thatch, sourced nearby where possible
Traditional crafts such as cadjan weaving and timber joinery
Permeable gravel and laterite paths rather than concrete
Natural finishes such as lime wash, clay and plant-based oils

Climate-responsive design

Comfort from shade, height and breeze.

Orientation

Buildings oriented to reduce exposure to the low east and west sun.

Deep eaves

Wide roof overhangs to shade walls and windows.

Raised & open

Stilts and open plans to catch the breeze and encourage cross-ventilation.

Thatch insulation

High, thatched roofs that help keep interiors cooler.

Artist’s impression of a lush garden path among herbs and flowering plants

Biodiversity

Room for wildlife.

Butterfly gardenNative flowering plants and host plants for caterpillars, near the herb garden.
Wild bird habitatNative tree corridors and nest boxes along the estate boundary.
Pond marginsPlanted pond edges for frogs, dragonflies and water birds.

Reporting

Sustainability reporting — coming soon

We will measure, then report.

Once the estate is operating, we intend to publish simple, honest information on energy, water, waste and planting — based on real measurements.

See how the farm fits together