Tree Policy

We have a policy of respect in our village and view trees as our friends. As you have bought a block of land on a pristine rainforest island please treasure the trees that you have on your block. They are nature's air conditioners, creating cool shade and cooling breezes that blow over your land. They help hold the land on slopes and stop erosion. They are the habitat of many birds' insects essential for the ecological balance of the island. Trees also create oxygen that keeps us alive.

Some trees may have to be cut down for a house or food garden - please make a pledge to the earth to replant two trees for every one cut down. Do not cut down any trees until you are ready to build or have lodged your plans to build. Please try to site your home with minimum disturbance to the forest.

Before cutting anything on your site get advice from Julian and be present when the caretakers are doing the cutting.

Earthworks on your site

We have found that minimal disturbance of the site for building will create the least problems with wet season rains. With pole construction only holes need to be dug for the pole and a timber floor place horizontally up above the earth. This allows for cooling breezes to flow under your home and keep everything dry in wet weather. This is quick fast method of construction.

Avoid doing concrete slabs on the ground (unless you have a very flat site to build on.) This means you have to cut and fill, do retaining walls and change the drainage patterns of the earth around your house. It means extra expense before you reach the floor level. Also, there is no ready mix concrete trucks on Koro - bags of cement are expensive to ship from Suva , gravel has to be moved by hand and truck from a river bed to your side and water has to be delivered to mix the concrete - this is an unnecessarily expensive way to build.

Remember if you have any earthworks done on your block any cutting means the soil cut away has to be put somewhere and unless done properly this loose soil can wash away in the wet season. Avoid cutting steep angles as this can lead to land slips.

Building on Koro Island

If you are thinking about building on your lot spend time on your lot to experience the views, breezes, sunsets, rainfall etc.

We recommend low energy buildings i.e. houses without generators. Generators are hassle with fuel and noise pollution and if you think eco friendly you will find you do not need them.

Natural air conditioning is easy with roof vents, roof shading walls, louvered windows and shady trees to cool the breezes. Orientating your house to the breezes and designing for cross ventilation makes for comfortable living.

We recommend architect Filipe Tauva and Nicola Veitalovoni in Suva (see address book for contacts) and he will know the registered engineers to certify the drawings and construction to enable you to get cyclone insurance for your house.

Before construction your plans have to be drawn up and certified by an engineer and submitted to Levuka Council. These plans should be approved before construction begins. A building inspector will come over from Levuka for inspection of construction and will issue a Final Certificate on completion.

Caretakers of your Lot/House

Before employing a caretaker check with Julian - some caretakers have many jobs and if they have too many they do not do them well. We prefer to spread the jobs around the village. You can also check the rates of payment for various jobs and how to pay for them.

Energy system for your Home

Koro homes are self sufficient in the energy i.e. power, water etc. We recommend solar panels, solar water pumps, with back up batteries and gas stoves, fridges and hot water units, water collection off your roof.

Clay Engineering can design, cost, and install your system for you - see address book at the end of this handbook.

If you must have a generator, please ensure it a quiet one or soundproof it.