Chalet Aikoa: The Perfect Ecolodge Regenerative Hideaway

100% Renewable Energy Supplied

• SUN : solar panels generating an amazing amount of heat for hot water, heating and the pool. Overall system optimisation by Solisart expertly implemented by Ecoptim

• EARTH: Geothermal energy providing boost to heating and hot water in winter when needed

• AIR: We extract calories from the ventilation system (VMC) and use them to pre-heat the liquid in the geothermal system to make it more effcient

• AUTONOMOUS: Almost autonomous, but the electricity that does come from the grid is certified 100% renewable energy by our co-operative supplier ENERCOOP

• Once the crazy local rules allow us, we’ll add PV panels to generate a surplus of electricity with the aim of helping to make the village of Les Frasserands ‘off-grid’ entirely

• MAXIMUM INSULATION using eco-materials.

• RENEWABLE ENERGY CAR CHARGING for Tesla and other EVs

• ZERO FOSSIL FUEL used at Chalet Aïkoa - even the snow removal machine is electric (and charged by renewables)

• WOOD CONSTRUCTION: 100% PEFC certified, full repurposing of old (c.15th century we estimate) wood from the previous chalet - super quality carpentry from local carpenters Trappier and interior by MBA, as well as Leigh a great bunch of local Brits…

• ECO FURNITURE choices throughout

• UNIQUE CIRCULAR Dining table by local Jonathan Strutt, with a local creator using wood from 18th century hotels and mazots from the valley, and local sand and stones for the solid base

• All benches and banquette made with recycled materials and organic rubber by Insta @jamesring

• KIPLI ECO beds, PEFC wood made in France, fitted with organic latex mattresses and organic cotton bed linen - you will never sleep as well! And, when we clean all our bed linen we do it with local eco-conscious artisans called “Blanc comme neige” where no chemicals are used in the cleaning process.

• Premium recycled wool curtains from fashion industry offcuts, 5% of revenues going to NGO protecting biodiversity

• SOFA with PEFC certified wood, Fabric at STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, one of the world's best-known labels for textiles tested for harmful substances

• PLANTS: use of local plants only in the garden

• Local architect Lionel Adam, local project managers LH Construction and local artisans wherever possible, minimising transport CO2 footprint during construction

• DIFFICULT decision regarding tarmac’ing the parking area - but we managed to source 50% recycled material content at least, and we surrounded it with real stone walls masterly built by Renaissance

• 95% LED LIGHTING and ALL OFF system setup so on leaving the chalet you can disconnect all unnecessary equipment with one button - thanks Volt-Elec

• ECO PAINT 100%: Biosource certified, zero-toxin organic paint, applied by Falda

• WASTE management: optimal recycling system in place + compost

• (ENDLESS) SWIMMING POOL HEATING 100% SOLAR only - accept the temperature can vary according to weather conditions, but extra-insulated so loses virtually no heat on rainy days. No chlorine/bromine, uses active oxygen system. Only 4m long with turbine to swim, minimises water volume and energy requirement yet allows professional swimming experience. Endless Pool installed by Roguet

• STAIRS protection all in rope that is 100% recycled PET called R-PET

• YES THERE IS A BEAUTIFUL BIG LOG FIREPLACE, but its a special highly efficient low pollution model from TOTEM that burns wood slowly minimising air pollution, and is super-efficient at sharing heat in to the living space - but make sure you leave the glass surround or the benefits are lost!

• LIGHT AND LAMPSHADES were chosen using a strict eco-concept criteria, and were limited in number where possible

• ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES - dishwashers (inc one smaller one for small runs), washing machine and tumble dryer (try to avoid using it - great air-dry space provided) are all MIELE top of the range A++ or A+++ energy efficient models. All can be programmed to run after 2300 at night to avoid peak times.

• JACUZZI - YES there is a jacuzzi, using active oxygen rather than chemical cleansing, but it certainly does take some (renewable sourced) electricity to keep warm. Tough one for an ecolodge, but its super-insulated and fully renewable energy heated.

CURTAINS AND UPHOLSTERY / KIRKBY LEAF NATURAL

Supporting eco-sustainability, this 100% recycled wool felt uses reconstituted wool yarns from the fashion industry. The recycled wool yarns are first sorted and then blended together to form a unique colour palette, synonymous to Kirkby Design’s contemporary style.

As part of Kirkby Design’s commitment to reducing the impact on the environment with the Leaf collection, they have partnered with Trees for Life and will be donating 5% of income generated from every metre sold for the lifetime of the collection. Trees for Life are a re-wilding charity in the Scottish Highlands focused on reforestation and biodiversity.

AVOIDING SINGLE USE PLASTICS: everyone bathroom is stocked with vegan organic shower gel and shampoo refills, as we try to avoid you needing to bring or buy any single-use plastic items to the chalet.