Mr. Garcia:
Our old house was a disaster waiting to happen. It was damp, falling apart, and flooded every rainy season. But when my wife suggested moving to a cob house in an ecovillage, I was not so sure. Would mud walls really hold up in the rain? Could we adjust to a simpler lifestyle? And what if we didn’t fit in with the community? It felt risky.

As for work, I was worried about giving up my city job. But it turns out I didn’t have to. The ecovillage has a great internet connection, so I still work remotely as an IT expert. I fix software problems from my desk while enjoying the view of the garden. It is a big improvement over staring at office walls all day.

Mrs. Garcia:
Now, I can’t imagine going back. This cob house is like a fortress. These walls are made from mud, straw, and sand, and they’re stronger than they look. They keep us cool in summer and warm in winter, and best of all, no more damp or flooding.Outside, we have a small vegetable garden and a community greenhouse where we grow fresh food together.

I have found my passion here, too. I teach the kids in the village. Traditional lessons with hands-on activities like gardening and eco-friendly crafts.

Daughter:
Our neighbors are so friendly. We share tools, help each other with repairs, and even harvest food together. It’s not just about the house. It’s about the people. When my dad needed help with building something, everyone pitched in, and now he is doing the same for others.

• Have you ever thought about how your home could handle the next big storm? What changes could make your living space safer and greener?