On Sunday September 12th 2010, between 1-4pm, Down to Earth Project in Murton is opening its doors to the public for the Swansea Open House event, part of Wales’s biggest celebration of architecture and heritage - *Open Doors.
The ‘architecture’ on view at Down to Earth Project consists of an array of eco-built structures made from locally sourced natural materials, such as timber from Gower, Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot, stone from Pontarddulais and cob (earth) from the site – all built using traditional and sustainable methods. Director Mark McKenna says “all of the structures have a low carbon footprint; they are built from local materials that have not been through industrial processes; and they are biodegradable. The site itself is carbon negative in terms of electricity use, as we have our own PV solar electric array which generates more power than we need - and we have our own solar hot water.”
Perhaps most interesting about the Down to Earth Project site is that all of the structures have been built by the people who learn there, ensuring that the specialist skills, taught by experienced craftspeople, are passed on and that the site is developed by the very people who use it.
Down to Earth Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise working with “hard to reach” groups from all over South Wales. As well as site-based programmes for groups, the company provides school grounds projects and training in traditional and sustainable building skills, wilderness therapy, adventurous activities and Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship. Mark says “we often have requests from the public about coming to visit the site and - because of the nature of our work - it’s not often possible…..so we’re really pleased to be part of Swansea Open House.”
Down to Earth Project will have its doors open between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday September 12th. If you would like to book for a guided tours at 2pm or 3pm, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01792 346566. Further information about the *Open House event is at www.swanseaopenhouse.com. You can find out more about Down to Earth Project from www.downtoearthproject.org.uk.
*Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales.
Information produced and supplied by: Teresa Walters, Down to Earth Development Officer.
Commonly referred to "The Gower" - Gower is a geographical location situated within The City and County of Swansea. In 1956, parts of Gower were designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) - the first area in Britain to be given this accolade. Gower is probably most famous for its narrow peninsula situated to the west of Swansea, which is referred to and know as "the Gower Peninsula."
Currently home to some 10,000 inhabitants, people have lived on Gower for over 26,000 years, signs of which remain all over Gower today. People come to Gower for many reasons; whatever your reason, be sure to take some time to soak up a little of Gower's fascinating historical past.
Gower has something for everyone: stunning award-winning beaches, coves and bays along the Gower coastline; quality visitor and tourist attractions; a range of places to eat and drink including... restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops; a selection of accommodation from...hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast, to cottages, holiday lets and camping and caravanning sites; Gower has a diverse history with at least 1200 archaeological sites including caves, prehistoric burial mounds, Iron Age forts, medieval castles and churches.
