Incredible Self-Sustaining Home Communities
From Lynn on February 1st, 2010 in Green Remodeling
These circular-designed Tolou homes in China are a brilliant example of sustainable building. Faced with internal war and conflict since the 17th century, the Hakka people of the Fujian province built these massive structures for protection from invaders. They’ve since become quite remarkable micro-communities.
The fortified “city” holds their weapons and livestock, as well as community resources, such as places of worship. The citizens were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 2008 for their uniqueness. “Among the 35 Chinese properties on the World Heritage List, there are 25 cultural, 6 natural and 4 mixed sites,” states UNESCO’s website, recognizing the importance of this site.
As you can see from the photos, the multistory apartments surround a shared courtyard. Built from natural resources, some Tolou can hold up to 800 individuals. Construction began in the 12th century and continued to the 1900s.
Story & Photo Credit: CleanTechnica
