A building praised for its environmental benefits is in danger of falling.
The hill on which the Eco-Centre in Craik, Sask., was built six years ago is cracking and crumbling behind the building.
“The whole back is just coming apart,” said Jeff Murray, administrator for the Town of Craik.
The town owns the building, but it sits on land owned by the Rural Municipality of Craik. Late last month, a large crack in the hill was just three metres away from the building.
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The 6,000 sq. foot multi-purpose building contains the Solar Garden restaurant and is a centerpiece of Craik’s Eco-Village. Timbers from elevators in Craik and Maymont, Sask., were used in the post and beam construction. The exterior walls are made from durum straw bales.
The centre uses passive solar radiation and in-floor radiant heat to reduce energy use and costs.
Murray said the problems began two years ago but this year’s excessive rainfall has caused more erosion. Chunks of the hill are giving way behind the centre, which sits at the edge of the Arm River valley.
Engineers visited the site and plan to advise town and RM councils on how to keep the building from falling down the hill.
“No one wants that to happen,” Murray said. “It’s best to have an expert opinion.”
Craik’s Eco-Village is a sustainable housing development featuring energy efficient and alternative construction, including a flax bale home and an underground home.
