Chateau de Belet, 15th Century SW France Private Country Estate Restored With A Sustainable Twist скачать в хорошем качестве

Chateau de Belet, 15th Century SW France Private Country Estate Restored With A Sustainable Twist

In the heart of the French countryside, nestled amidst the rolling hills and rich history of the region, lies Chateau de Belet, a majestic castle with centuries of tales woven into its stones. As sustainability and commercial real estate redevelopment experts, Don and Jennifer Macdonald, originally from USA, have had the privilege of spearheading a transformative project that goes beyond restoring the 15th century chateau to its former glory. Is not merely a restoration project; it is a commitment to the future, blending heritage preservation with cutting-edge sustainable practices, partnering with a number of Europe’s premier technology, building materials, control system companies. Chateau de Belet stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of bygone eras, a living Roman relic that whispers stories of its past. The Green Renaissance initiative aims to preserve and elevate this historical gem by incorporating sustainable practices, ensuring that it not only survives the passage of time but thrives in an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, leading in many cases the EU and specifically the hospitality industry. Before delving into the sustainability aspect, it's crucial to understand the historical significance of Chateau de Belet. Dating back to the 15th century, the chateau has witnessed the shifting tides of history – from medieval battles to the Renaissance, 100 years war, destruction. Preserving its integrity has been at the forefront of our restoration efforts in a 110 acre private country estate. One of the pillars of the project is adapting new technology and sustainable operations into ancient architecture, hiding the works in a way that exceeds even preservation level efforts. Collaborating with experts in the field, a team of 13 artisans and suppliers, we have integrated modern sustainable design principles into the restoration process. From passive ventilation designs to rainwater harvesting, underfloor heating, heat exchangers, insulations, efficient domestic hot water production, glazing, irrigation, every aspect has been meticulously planned to reduce the chateau's environmental footprint. Chateau de Belet now boasts state-of-the-art energy-efficient systems. The installation of air-to-air heat exchanger systems drives AC, underfloor heating, domestic hot water for the 800 m2 castle, systems designed by Schneider Electric, Daikin, Schluter combine for seamless operations. These systems replaced ages old heavy fuel and wood boiler systems reducing CO2 emissions directly and further off-setting remote purchasing of electricity through partner EDF. A further development is considered to add solar panels to harnesses the abundant sunlight, providing a substantial portion of the local community energy needs through an innovative farm agricultural barn solar roof top program now in planning. Also, a local farm tenant with livestock collects and harvests animal waste in a bio-methane electrical generation plant. Smart lighting and heating systems further optimize energy consumption, ensuring that the historic castle operates in an environmentally responsible manner. Preserving the historical aesthetics while embracing sustainability posed a unique challenge. Meter thick lime mortar walls are simply not plastered over or insulated; however, they are excellent in R-value retention, humidity control via passive transpiration, we embraced it as an opportunity. Traditional building materials were the most eco-friendly alternatives. From site quarried limestone, to reclaimed wood for flooring to recycled glass for windows, every material used tells a story of environmental responsibility and conservation. The chateau's surroundings have been transformed into a sustainable haven. Native plant species now adorn the landscape, promoting biodiversity to support our Bio Certified regional designation and creating a natural habitat for local bees, wildlife, flora and fauna on the 110-acre estate. The restoration of the castle grounds goes beyond aesthetics; it embodies a commitment to ecological balance. Artisian springs are many, and preserving the quality of the water, to drink directly from sources a priority. Not just about transforming a landmark; it is about fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. The local mayors and government structures work closely with farm producers, educational programs and guided tours have been introduced to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability, inspiring both locals and visitors alike. The economic impact of the project has injected significant financial resources. Chateau de Belet is open for long stay private rental for family, business, leisure shoulder and high seasons, and B&B low seasons. Contact info@chateaudebelet.com.