Karin Malmgren
Innovator
Ecotopia Österlen
Sweden
Environmental
Rural Areas
Rural village
The innovation journey
The Knowledge Center Ecotopia Österlen opened its doors with an Open Farm event on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Situated on seven hectares, Ecotopia serves as an inspiration for ecobuilding, energy-efficiently, self-sufficiently. Ecotopia operates in a way that is conducive to recycling and environmentally friendly practices.
The planning for Ecotopia began by Karin Malmgren in 2007 and the organisation has consistently employed a holistic perspective guided by her principles of permaculture and her interest for environmental issues. Ecotopia currently comprises several buildings made from various combinations of ecological building materials, along with associated structures, energy calculations, recycling systems, a combined solar-solid fuel heating system, and solar collectors and cell installations. Activities include linseed oil and egg tempera painting, among other sustainable solutions in a natural environment.
The innovation impact
Ecotopia serves as a bridge between old and new knowledge. This agricultural property comprises a Skånelänga from the 19th century constructed from dried clay stones, which was extended with an barn building in 2010. Subsequently, a meeting place and a workshop were established. In 2013, the construction of a total of five eco-cabins was completed, one of which is accessible for people with disabilities. This project was achieved through running various construction workshops where the participants were involved in constructing the buildings. All of Ecotopia’s courses are conducted by external Swedish and foreign course leaders. The final building, a straw bale house built to a plus-energy standard, was inspected in December 2016.
A private initiative underlies the vision and realization of Ecotopia. This initiative follows the principle of small-scale development in a rural environment based on available resources. Everything that takes place at Ecotopia is driven by simplicity. Thus, they aim to live sustainably and grow together in harmony with nature.
Today Karin is retired from working at Ecotopia Österlen and instead, she is running the place on a voluntary basis.