Ecological village Mokri Potok

The Ecological Village Mokri Potok is a project that has been in the making for several years. Questions about sustainable living, ecology, and how to be part of the solution and not part of the problem brought a few families to the Kočevje forests fourteen years ago. Not by chance, but completely planned – with the project of an ecological settlement. Cooperation with the municipality in changing spatial plans was fruitful and constructive. In an abandoned Gottscheer village, which at that time was just a clearing in the middle of the forest with no trace of previous construction, we created the conditions for the creation of the first off-grid settlement in Slovenia. The design of the village was entrusted to the architectural bureau Odprti krog under the leadership of Janko Rožič, Gašper Drašler and Matjaž Suhadolc. After several years of preparatory work, we began construction – consistently ecological and self-built. We entered the project with almost no funds, but with a clear vision and a strong desire.

Mokri Potok lies on a terrace above the confluence of two streams and above the valley through which the stream of the same name flows. It was once an old Gottscheer village with about twelve homesteads. The area along the stream, which divides the western and eastern parts of the settlement, is intended for the green centre of the village and is jointly owned. Right next to the settlement is the protected Mižuk forest reserve, of which the green centre of the Mokri Potok village is also a part. The urban design of the new settlement follows the road that leads through the village. The houses are arranged like a fan along the curve of the road. Unlike the old buildings, they are set back from the road, and the gardens are located in front of the houses. Urban planning is based on traditional principles, which are determined by natural features, views and directions in the wider area.

The houses are inspired by traditional architecture. The goal is to achieve the coexistence of old and new by using natural materials such as wood, stone, clay, lime and hemp insulation. Special emphasis is placed on energy-efficient construction and modern energy production technology. Each house meets the needs of its residents with its own resources and systems. None of the buildings in the village are connected to public infrastructure.

Each building collects and stores rainwater, which is used in the house system after filtration. Wastewater is treated in individual plant-based treatment plants via a septic tank. Waste is collected on a common, bear-safe ecological island in the village. Each house has its own photovoltaic panels and batteries, which cover its energy needs. A common battery center is planned in the centre of the residential part of the village, into which excess energy from individual production will be invested.

Currently, four houses have been built in the village, two families already live there permanently. The estates are individually owned, but most of the common land is under joint management. Each estate has its own representative in the cooperative, which decides on important common issues. All residents and visitors to the village meet regularly at the Village Council, where they discuss, listen and seek common solutions.