A sustainable Lethe haven

The disastrous consequences of climate change and its unprecedented overheating of our planet have compelled the United Nations to raise the alarm that the human race is in a “life or death struggle” for its very continued existence.

Entire countries could vanish from the face of the Earth if our terrifying predicament is not urgently addressed, they cautioned.

Other than water, concrete is the most extensively utilised man–made material in the world, contributing a dangerous eight per cent of global-warming, carbon dioxide (C02) emissions. The worldwide cement industry has, however, made an effort in meeting crucial UN climate targets.

It is beyond question that our modern, human–made environment and lifestyles have oftentimes lost touch with mother nature, to the detriment of our future.

We now break free of our polluted world and bolt to what lies just beyond hope and fulfilment, a dream reality of wonder and surprise, where architecture and the natural environment sustain each other for the betterment and continuity of mankind.

Re-awaken your five senses here, in the wildlife wilderness of the rolling hills of Montpelier, on an idyllic 40-acre nature reserve. The area known as Copse, in the district of Lethe, Hanover, is within a thick rainforest valley, fronting the banks of the glassy Great River.

One of the great joys of owning in this area is the involvement in aviculture, the breeding and rearing of birds; along with bird-watching. There are upwards of 70 species of local and migratory venerated winged inhabitants.

Then we also see the animals (some for petting) of all sizes and names, along with boa constrictor snakes, and turtles.

The plant kingdom is represented by a variety of flowering plants, with various fruit trees shading the environs.

Now we gravitate to the environmentally friendly cottage, within close reach of the river. It’s self–contained design is richly detailed with decorative woodwork on its exterior. The two separate loft sleeping areas with balconies, woo and cuddle you with their renewable wood floors and walls; and simplicity of décor. Bathrooms are accentuated with an opaque, glass–enclosed shower with sliding doors.

The building is totally off the grid, generating electricity from solar panels. Water is pumped from the river, and biogas from animal waste powers the refrigerator and enables clean, efficient cooking.

The brainchild behind all this since 2000 is Dr Geoffrey Williams, a respected plastic surgeon of Montego Bay. Raised in Manchester, he has from childhood had an emotional relationship with nature, especially birds. His wife Joy, also a doctor, supports his passion and energy.

This is the perfect getaway for the good doctor, and he knows it’s the remedy for the climate ills of the planet.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com