Earthship Belgium vzw

April 18, 2010 - We took part on request from the organisation 'province Antwerp for grand prize of the future' with our project 'Aardark Diamant'.

We still believe in this project and the collaboration with architect Frans de Medts (Earthresidence) has shed some new light on it.

Candidate File - Provincial Grand Prize for Future Generations 2010

Describe the 'initiative' in 20 lines max. This could involve a specific project, or the whole of the organisation. If necessary, please mention the web adress.

Through this environmental art project, we try to bring the connection between all elements of nature at the attention of as many people as possible.

In its initial stage, this project encapsulates two ecological artistic structures:
Earthresidence' and 'Aardark Diamant' which are both inspired on the principle of an earthship.

Earthships function through use of passive and active energy. They also use a so-called hydrological cycle. ( collecting rainwater and through consuming and cleaning by use of plants, it goes back into nature) Earthships use waste- and sustainable materials, preferably throughout the surrounding areas. The concept is based on an autonomous and self-reliant life, therefore an earthship provides in water, energy, warmth and even food.

The philosophy behind an Earthship is that of finding the right balance between what is available in the nearby environment and what is needed for the occupant. It's not just the occupant but also its immediate surroundings that are being looked at. The occupant and his earthship should adapt a positive contribution to the biodiversity throughout the immediate surroundings.

Artist Francesco Fransera (Frans De Medts), creates 'Earthresidence' on grounds of the Verbeke Foundation Kemzeke. It is an ecological haven for artists using traditional materials to build earthships ( earthresidence.blogspot.com).

At the same time, on private grounds, 'Aardark Diamant' will be build. This is also based on the principle of an earthship, but with use of different materials. 'Aardark Diamant' will be part of a permaculture based landscape. Frans de Medts will also collaborate on this.