Kibbutz Lotan

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Kibbutz Lotan is an intentional community in Israel. It is an eco village where people can come to bird watch or learn about ecological approaches to community development. The buildings are geodesic domes made of straw bales covered in earth plaster. I think most of the buildings were built by people while they were participating in the Kibbutz's workshops. Originally they were intended to be passively cooled and heated, but it turns out the Negev Desert's heat was just too much to deal with. The kibbutz now uses electricity produced by alternative energy sources to heat and cool the dwellings.

Permaculture and recycling are other major parts of the the Kibbutz. I'm just now learning what permaculture is, but so far I think it is about making buildings, communities, and farms that are modeled after natural ecosystems.

There is also a spiritual or religious component to the Kibbutz, but I don't really know too much about it. I think it may have something to do with Reform Judaism.

Here is the link to the kibbutz's website:

http://www.kibbutzlotan.com/