Earth walls, wool insulation: In France, houses are sold starting at €35,000.

The project implemented in the village of Beaumont-sur-Lèze in southwestern France aims to reduce housing costs while also minimizing the damage to nature.

Founded in 2015 to create an alternative to rising housing costs, the cooperative combines traditional building techniques with modern needs. The settlement, home to 29 people from different age groups, stands out not only for its affordable housing model but also for its shared living spaces.

Raw earth was used in the walls, and natural materials were employed for insulation.

In the project, the load‑bearing systems of the houses were made of wood, while raw earth bricks were used for the walls. The thermal insulation of the earth‑filled structures was achieved with natural materials such as wood wool and cellulose.

To reduce energy demand, homes also use wood stoves and solar‑powered thermal panels.

Designed with an environmentally conscious building philosophy, the settlement earned the "NoWatt" label awarded to sustainable projects in France. It is said that the project's environmental performance exceeds the relevant standards.

Housing prices start at 35,000 euros

Nine of the eleven houses in the cooperative were designed to enable low‑income families to become homeowners as well

Those wishing to join the system purchase a cooperative share in exchange for a fee set according to the size of the home they choose. The average costs announced by size are as follows:

One‑bedroom house: 35,000 euros

Two‑bedroom house: 45,000 euros

Three‑bedroom house: 55,000 euros

One of the model’s notable rules is that profit is not allowed from reselling homes. This is intended to prevent properties from changing hands at high prices in future years and to preserve affordable housing options.

There is a shared kitchen, library, and pool.

Cooperative residents share not only their own homes but also the social spaces prepared for common use. The building, used by residents aged 1 to 74, includes a kitchen, library, swimming pool, workshop, and laundry.

The settlement’s sustainable living philosophy is reflected in daily habits. While bicycle and vehicle sharing stand out in transportation, water conservation and gardening are also among the key components of communal life.

It drew attention with an international award.

The project, built with natural materials and in which residents also participated in some stages of the construction process, received recognition internationally.

Kooperatif was awarded a bronze prize at the World Habitat Awards held in 2023.

World Habitat senior manager David Ireland said that the project demonstrates that environmentally friendly and affordable housing can be realized within the same model.