The Bedepuszta Project

Eco-retreat Project Bedepuszta

Village Retreat is more than a event destination, the comfort of our guests is very important, but at the same time we work on solutions to accomplish this comfort in a sustainable way.  We work on biodiversity, generate energy, plant trees, re-use materials and collect rainwater.  Also we grow our own fruit and vegetables and work on an ambitious project to heat the village in a sustainable way. Additionally, we bring culture to the countryside through artist in residence projects and small scale events.

Sponsors

Given that our merits are directly reinvested back into the project, our guests seamlessly become sponsors of the eco-retreat project in Bedepuszta. Our vision transcends mere commercial exploitation of the location. The revenue generated from accommodation rentals is channeled directly into our green and cultural initiatives. The intentionally small-scale setup of Bedepuszta Village Retreat provides excellent prospects in various domains, including food production, waste processing, energy production, water management, and cultural endeavors.

Energy solutions

We want to heat most houses in the village centrally by building an energy house. From this central building, an underground network of isolated tubes is built through the village, these tubes transport hot water and the houses can be connected to this network by means of heat exchangers.  Depending on the season, the energy required will be generated through local bio waste, sun boilers or with a heat pump (solar panels/grid). The energy house is planned for 2025. At this moment 60% of the underground tube system is already in place and the basement of the energy house has been built. Until 2025 we heat the houses with gas.

Circularity

In a small village it’s relatively easy to see what comes in and what goes out. Not only do we want to recycle as much as possible, we also want to keep this transparent. In addition to the garbage container, we have a waste base to select reusable material. Either for construction, energy or compost.

Water

The water from the largest roofs is already being collected in underground basins and wells. In the future we will expand this and also save resources ourselves. The water is used for irrigation and the grey water system. Unfortunately there’s no sewerage in the village, therefore grey water is collected in cesspits/septic tanks. In the future, septic tanks will be connected via a steps system to a mechanism that allows this water to be purified and then used as part of the grey water system for flushing the toilets.

Food production

The village and its fertile surroundings boast expansive fields. Presently, we nurture over a hundred fruit trees and source honey from our resident beekeeper. In addition to this, we cultivate our own vegetables and herbs. A noteworthy aspect of the village’s culinary offerings is that a portion of the food served is derived from our own gardens. To minimize waste, any surplus fruit undergoes processes such as distillation, drying, or canning and is meticulously stored in a cool cellar for future use.

Biodiversity

We prioritize the well-being of plants and animals both within and around the village. Thoughtfully designed elements include bushes tailored for small birds, open stalls accommodating swallows, wetlands created for frogs and dragonflies, as well as piles of wood and roof tiles to attract butterflies and insects. Our commitment to environmental considerations extends beyond the village borders, as we actively contribute to the surrounding countryside by planting various types of trees, excavating fens (wetlands), and establishing hedges.

Planting trees

Collaborating with Sziget Festival, we initiated the Sziget Forest Plantation on the north side of Bedepuszta. For guests attending Sziget Festival, The Great Yonder, and Village Retreat, the opportunity exists to purchase a tree that becomes part of a burgeoning forest on reclaimed farmlands. This new forest seamlessly integrates with the biodiversity zone of the Zsunyi creek, forging a direct connection between our environmental efforts and the surrounding ecosystem.