EcoShell Clusters — DFTW trained native workers to build Monolithic EcoShell Domes. Constructed of concrete, reinforced with steel, EcoShells provide clean, low-energy use, fire-and disaster-resistant homes and public buildings. These dome-homes are arranged in clusters of 12.

EcoShell Clusters — DFTW trained native workers to build Monolithic EcoShell Domes. Constructed of concrete, reinforced with steel, EcoShells provide clean, low-energy use, fire-and disaster-resistant homes and public buildings. These dome-homes are arranged in clusters of 12.

A Village Grows: Progress in New Ngelepen, Indonesia

Freda Parker • Published • New Ngelepen

Here is a pictorial review of the completed construction and the continuing work in New Ngelepen, a relocated model village in a ravaged Indonesian area. It suffered a tsunami in December 2004 and an earthquake followed by a landslide in May 2006. As a result, some 6000 died, countless thousands were injured and 5 million were left homeless.

In July 2006, following a request from WANGO, an international organization for global well-being, Domes For The World (DFTW) began directing the relocation and reconstruction of the original village of Ngelepen into its replacement: New Ngelepen.

Note: November 12, 2008

Optional Lighting — The village has electricity, but the residents of each EcoShell have the option of either turning on and empowering their homes or not doing so.

Optional Lighting — The village has electricity, but the residents of each EcoShell have the option of either turning on and empowering their homes or not doing so.

MCKs — Six MCKs, EcoShells that include laundry, toilet and shower facilities, were constructed. Each was placed between two neighboring clusters of dome-homes.

MCKs — Six MCKs, EcoShells that include laundry, toilet and shower facilities, were constructed. Each was placed between two neighboring clusters of dome-homes.

Water — Potable water for drinking is stored and available to the villagers.

Water — Potable water for drinking is stored and available to the villagers.

Roads — In addition to homes, roads were built.

Roads — In addition to homes, roads were built.

Typical EcoShell Dome — Seventy-two of these homes have been completed and are now in use.

Typical EcoShell Dome — Seventy-two of these homes have been completed and are now in use.

Native Labor — DFTW taught 370 of the villagers the process of building concrete EcoShells.

Native Labor — DFTW taught 370 of the villagers the process of building concrete EcoShells.

Economical Construction — Using local labor and materials, EcoShells were built for less than 50% of the cost of conventional structures.

Economical Construction — Using local labor and materials, EcoShells were built for less than 50% of the cost of conventional structures.

Home Grown Food — Villagers plan, develop and maintain community gardens.

Home Grown Food — Villagers plan, develop and maintain community gardens.

A Better Life — For most of these youngsters, having a clean, safe home and play area is a first.

A Better Life — For most of these youngsters, having a clean, safe home and play area is a first.

By Hand — Most of the labor is done by hand.

By Hand — Most of the labor is done by hand.

Progress — A villager diligently works on yet another EcoShell dome.

Progress — A villager diligently works on yet another EcoShell dome.

Equipment — Easily available and easy-to-assemble are musts for the equipment used in this growing village.

Equipment — Easily available and easy-to-assemble are musts for the equipment used in this growing village.

Hard Work — Villagers are determined to plant trees for shade and dust control in all the public areas.

Hard Work — Villagers are determined to plant trees for shade and dust control in all the public areas.

Trees — More than 150 trees have been planted and the villagers plan to do more.

Trees — More than 150 trees have been planted and the villagers plan to do more.