September 2019 home 55
“We would go to the dump, select the best whole bricks we
could find and then meticulously count them and pay for
them with cash,” says Alta. “We had to haggle over the price
and ended up paying between R1.50 and R2 per brick (that
was six years ago!). Some days there were plenty but on
other days we had to wait and hope we’d get some.”
Alta and Kristian are both homeopaths; Alta runs a full-
time practice and Kristian teaches at the School of Natural
Medicine at the University of the Western Cape. Both are
whole-heartedly invested in a sustainable lifestyle and the
ecofriendly nature of the village resonated perfectly with
their green ideals.
“We wanted to be part of a diverse eco community that
practices sustainable methods of living,” Alta says. “But we
also love all the open space, the gorgeous views, the ‘free-
range’ children and overall serenity of the village.”
And there are views aplenty! Alta and Kristian’s home
overlooks the nearby vineyards and the Hottentots-Holland
Mountains in the distance. Closer to home, there is the
village’s Rietvlei Dam, created in 2017 to collect rainwater.
“Egyptian geese love to visit the dam, we can hear frogs at
night and we love watching the weaver birds in the reeds,”
Alta says. “We’re so happy to be surrounded by nature and
to be part of this eco-conscious community.” >>in the Lynedoch Eco Village outside Stellenbosch in the
Western Cape, Alta Vogel and Kristian Leisegang had to
select building material in line with the sustainability ethos
of the community. Not only were they committed to
creating an ecofriendly home, but it had to be budget-
friendly too.
They researched various options and decided on
second-hand bricks, based on the look they wanted and
the fact that this would suit their budget. They sourced
the bricks from a nearby municipal landfill – and went to
collect some every day for a few months.After purchasing
a vacant plot
The kitchen and main bedroom lead out onto this
pine deck which looks out over the vineyards and
Rietvlei Dam. The table and benches were made
from recycled wood.A cosy shaded area for entertaining
around the pizza oven was created with latte.
“We’ve had many make-your-own-pizza kiddies’
parties and roasts with family here; it’s a happy
space for friends and loved ones,” Alta says.
The outdoor furniture is from artisans who
sell their crafts on the R44 between
Stellenbosch and Somerset West.
Mustard-yellow cushions from MRP Home