What is it?

A green space that serves as a farmers’ market, a meeting place, a community garden, a kids eco-playground, a communal kitchen, a co-op shop and a mini sorting and recycling plant…using green architectural practices, built from re-used and locally recycled materials and powered by clean, alternative energy.

This innovative concept brings Lebanese communities together in an eco-friendly green space, so desperately lacking in Beirut.  The eco-market will become a microcosm of Lebanon where communities join in celebration of Lebanese rural and culinary traditions. It will represent every aspect of environmental best practice against a backdrop of fair trade economic activity and improved social integration.         

How does it work? 

The Eco-Market comprises:

• a farmers’ market generating income for a growing number of rural producers from all over Lebanon
• an organic and natural food restaurant stocked by the farmers’ produce and cooked by the producers
• a co-op shop to sell homemade, natural and organic produce
•  a green play area for kids, a vegetable garden, and a tree nursery.  
• a zero waste structure built from recycled, reused materials,  providing the space and facilities to accommodate a large number of farmers, producers and visitors
• A sorting and recycling unit for waste and water.

Project facts:

• 1,000sqm including barn, co-op shop, producers’ kitchen, recycling waste & water plant, kids playground 
• Materials – recycled, reused, locally produced recycled glass and plastic panels 
• Zero waste, onsite waste recycling, solar energy etc 
• Allows the development of more activities to cater to people more than just one day a week therefore….
• Bringing more income generating activities for the producers: more days to sell, more outlets to sell, etc.
• Provides a flexible dynamic space that can evolve over time to and according to needs 
• A living earth – platform for environmental awareness

Expected results:

A new landmark in Lebanon that is::

• aesthetically pleasing
• user friendly
• welcoming communal space which encourages unity, shared values and common goals where people relax and enjoy the best that Lebanon has to offer in food and hospitality  
• a working example of best environmental practice
• a viable outlet for local farmers and producers
• a unique experience in Lebanon and in the world 

Note:

Feasibility of the project has been completed and implementation phase is on hold awaiting for land and financial support. 

Beit Loubnan

A new approach…back to rural areas 

Following solid experience gained through introducing traditional food and production methods through weekly Farmers Markets in Lebanese cities, and in Food and Feast events all over the country, Souk el Tayeb has partnered with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop Beit Loubnan/Communal Homes of Tradition (CHT). These CHT “Homes” will be located in Lebanese villages as centres featuring traditional architecture, arts and crafts, sustainable agriculture, indigenous food and Lebanon’s legendary hospitality. 

Back to rural, going back home. 

…Just as farmers and producers come from rural to urban for our weekly farmers market, city dwellers will go from urban to rural to visit Beit Loubnan.

Note:

Feasibility of the project has been completed with the support of ILO and implementation phase is on hold awaiting for financial support.