Themes
By working with five concrete themes, we would like to make visible what we rely on to live a fulfilled life and how we can share this with others.
This is done by:
- Creating and/or maintaining the right natural balance in the area where you live, so that there remains sufficient space for locally adjusted flora and fauna, an essential part of the more overall complex ecosystem
- By following logic, common knowledge and by learning lessons from ancient history and from different cultures, in the broadest sense.
- By preventing depletion of the earth and learning how to sustainably live from the abundance mother earth provides us with.
- By respecting natural and ecological processes and enhance these with creative thoughts and through physical work.
- Living from the forest
About 40 to 45 ha of the domain consists of forest vegetations. Of this, 15 ha is spruce forest, 20 ha deciduous forest and 10 ha young or to be planted forest, that can be slightly managed. A diverse forest is a healthy forest! Here, you are able to experience the differences between managed forests and natural forests. Managed forests from the planting of trees to the end product and the natural development from young- to climax forest, with all we find there to feed ourselves.
- Living from agriculture
In front of the house there is a beautiful south facing vegetable garden that can provide a large production of vegetables and fruit. The garden also serves as a learning environment for a self sufficient lifestyle. Visitors discover which vegetables are easy to grow and which ones can also be cultivated in an urban environment on a balcony or in containers. We explore how to extend the harvest season for as long as possible. We also focus on sowing and cultivation techniques, composting, what you eat fresh and what can be preserved, and how to do so. Our approach is based on permaculture principles that maintain and enhance the existing ecosystem and make optimal and sustainable use of the natural surroundings.
Behind the house there are about four hectares of meadowland with a greenhouse, a field and an animal pasture. Crops are grown here on a somewhat larger scale. Topics include how to spread risks in cultivation and which plant combinations work best together. A crop rotation system has been set up with larger crops such as grain, corn and sunflower.
3. living with animals
Since ancient times, animals have been part of human life as a source of support, food and companionship. The way humans relate to animals within this relationship has varied greatly over time and across cultures. In contemporary society this relationship has often become blurred, as large scale industries largely determine our food supply instead of individuals or small communities.
At La Resse there is space for a diverse range of livestock that is kept and cared for with respect. The wellbeing of the animals and the meaningful role they play hold a central place within the project. In this way we aim to demonstrate how people and animals can live together in mutual respect as part of a sustainable way of life.
4. Sustainable construction
In recent decades there has been significant progress in new, efficient building materials and construction methods. Yet the cheapest options from other parts of the world are often chosen, while local natural resources and energy sources are frequently overlooked.
There is much to gain by focusing more on locally available materials. By using regional resources and by creating local systems for water harvesting and energy production, we can reduce environmental impact and build a more resilient living environment.
5. The magic of life
n this context, personal growth, compassion, inner freedom, the way we experience reality, our happiness and our sense of life fulfilment are central. We are happy to offer a platform where visions can be shared and where these themes are explored from creative, philosophical, scientific, metaphysical and spiritual disciplines.
