The Sapling Project was created to showcase sustainable building practices in Croatia and to show real life examples of traditional Croatian building skills. Green building practice is still in its infancy in Croatia and one of our main aims is to expand knowledge and understanding of the issues and to create new employment opportunities for young people entering the industry. In conjunction with other recognised bodies and institutions we aim to nurture and develop all aspects of "Green-Building" practice throughout Croatia, with a particular focus on the renewable sector. For full information about this project please visit our dedicated website; www.saprocro.com

Together we can build for a better future.

While a well tested and proven technology in many parts of the world, Croatia has yet to experience and understand the wonderful building material of straw. As part of the Sapling Project our aim is to construct a number straw bale homes for testing by the planning authorities, the eventual aim being to include the method within standard Croatian building regulations. Specialist training courses will also be established to showcase the process to institutions and individuals and to generate public interest. For more details about our work in the straw bale sector please visit our website; www.saprocro.com

Reclaimed, hand made clay bricks are a wonderful material both to look at and to work with and which are widely available throughout Croatia very easily and inexpensively. Within the Sapling Project we aim to expand on the already existing skills of traditional bricklaying and revive interest in this otherwise dying sector. Combining traditional materials with modern technology is a prime objective of the Sapling Project and more is explained on our dedicated website; www.saprocro.com

Building houses using solid oak is a well established and understood construction method in Croatia, but is a style which has unfortunately become less used over time due to cost and sustainability issues of the material. The Sapling Project has acquired several "old-oak" cottages which will be fully restored and rebuilt to showcase the possibilities of this building method, something which can be achieved very easily and inexpensively in Croatia. For full details please visit our website; www.saprocro.com

The traditional style of rendering oak framed cottages and farmhouses in Croatia has been enjoyed and understood for many generations. The aim of the Sapling Project is to restore two of these cottages in conjunction with modern materials and technology and thereby create a "modern-day" version of these lovely homes and at the same time revive interest in the skills and methods required for their restoration. For more information please see our dedicated website; www.saprocro.com

We could not really undertake this project without catering to the demand for more modern contemporary building designs, especially those made from new sustainable timber. Many people are looking for a statement home, something that captures their ambitions and modern lifestyle and which encompasses their view of the future, and new timber buildings can accommodate this demand. The Sapling Project will include a contemporary design of new house including many aspects of renewable energy technology, the ultimate goal to prove the viability of genuine "off-grid" living. For full information on this aspect of the project please visit our website; www.saprocro.com

Alternate sources of power generation are now widely available and becoming more mainstream every day with "solar" being the current leader. The demand for renewable power and heating systems is predicted to grow for many decades to come and the Sapling Project aims to provide practical and accurate information on the various options available to both businesses and domestic consumers alike. As part of our project we are hoping to establish training programmes leading to a recognised qualifications covering system design, sales, installation and servicing, through which the next generation of energy specialists will be created. For more information please visit our website; www.saprocro.com

Clean water is one of the most important natural substances affecting all life on our planet, so its extraction and safe disposal are of vital importance. The simple act of turning on a tap to obtain fresh clean water is something most of us take for granted, unlike many parts of the world where it is still regarded as a privilege and a life saving resource. The Sapling Project will make use of both traditional deep well and modern borehole systems, reverse osmosis filtration systems, separate rainwater harvesting for irrigation purposes, while low volume taps and appliances will be a standard feature of the development. Safe disposal of grey and brown water waste has been carefully designed using both biological septic tank modules and reed bed filtration ponds, also helping to create a natural wetland habitat and sanctuary for many species. For more information please visit our website. www.saprocro.com

Close consideration has been given to all materials required on The Sapling Project and our aim is for 50% use of reclaimed building materials and all other products being sourced within a 50km radius of the site wherever possible. All of the materials specified for the project are those which can be easily replicated and obtained throughout Croatia and which maintain local traditions and building styles. Once completed, we hope that the development itself and individually each property will become an integral part of the local community, forming a seamless model between old and new. www.saprocro.com

Reducing the impact of The Sapling Project on the local environment is a vital consideration for us and every effort will be made not just to keep this to an absolute minimum, but also to ensure that we leave a positive legacy behind. Creating a healthy living environment is a key factor in all of our building projects and something we will address in more detail as the development matures. On future Eco developments our aim is for each property to have its own allotment for growing vegetables, fruit trees and composting bins. www.saprocro.com