LE BOIS DE POMMEAU

Understanding the semi-underground walipini

A bioclimatic greenhouse designed around its land.

The walipini uses the thermal inertia of the ground to soften temperature variations. Orientation, soil, water, drainage and ventilation must be considered together. At Le Bois de Pommeau, tropical fruit plants and food crops are observed throughout the seasons. Samuel shares the successes, limitations, maintenance needs and lessons from a real construction.

The growing space is partly below ground level. The soil can help stabilise temperature, but performance still depends on sunlight, construction, drainage and ventilation.

The project is connected to permaculture through observation of water cycles, microclimates, local resources and crop needs. It can support a productive garden, but is not a universal solution.

Visits cover real seasonal behaviour, tropical fruit plants, everyday maintenance, difficulties encountered and the choices Samuel would change today.