By Ross Brooks, Source: Inhabitat

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When Michael Huffman decided he wanted to open his very own eco-villa, he turned to beautiful Bali, Indonesia for the perfect site. Using only natural materials from within a 50-mile radius, along with local talent, Huffman bucked the trend of creating an energy- and material-hungry vacation villa that’s as demanding to build as it is to maintain. The hotspot he’s created is now one of the most unique spots in the Bali, and not only does it provide an area for respite, but also sets an example for green building in Southeast Asia. Keep reading for more design details!
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Hand-designed rammed earth walls mimic the interior of The Grand Canyon, using only 5-8% cement, limestone, pigments and soil from the job site – which also eliminated the need for soil to be trucked in. The structure uses design to maximize airflow and ventilation, with air-conditioning only in the master bedroom.
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The bamboo-reinforced roof is combined with a hand-woven metal mesh covered in a thin layer of cement – reducing the weight, and volume of cement required. Local bamboo was also used for structural columns, walls, shelving, cabinets, and furniture.
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Rainwater harvesting supplies two ponds within the complex, and ensures the already depleted water table isn’t put under any more pressure. Grease traps in the kitchen are fed through recycled plastic bags filled with coconut fiber to act as a pre-filter before reaching the pond. Bathroom water is also passed into the surrounding ponds where fish scour the water for nutrients.
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Huffman built the property with a local saying in mind, “Tri Hati Karana,” which means “do no harm to each other, to the Earth, or to God”. Apart from upholding the principles of this saying, his goal was to infuse the villa with a sense of modern design, and use the surrounding water to make the home feel like a “private retreat”.
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