A lightweight concept: reduced budget for tenants, small housing and a very limited environmental impact since the buildings can be dismantled. Here is the “light hamlet”, principle developed by an association of the same name, which aims to support communities in the “creation of financially accessible eco-hamlets, to allow everyone to live in a sustainable and united manner”as she explains on her site. Currently, the association has around twenty projects at various stages of progress (from study to completion), a good part of which are located in Brittany and in the Pays de la Loire. Among the most advanced: Saint-André-des-Eaux (Côtes d’Armor), Plessé (Loire Atlantique), Commana (Finistère) and the Pays de Mormal (North).
The principle appeals even to the Jura mountains, as shown this initiative from the municipality of La Pesse (Haut-Jura) spotted by France 3. Like other villages, the place struggles to attract new inhabitants. But rather than these places which no longer attract anyone and are gradually emptying out, La Pesse is a victim of its success. Between its living environment, the nearby ski slopes and the hiking trails, it is a popular vacation spot. Result: 39% of homes in the village are second homes and it is very difficult to find any house for less than 400,000 euros in the area.
200 m² garden
This is why the municipality was looking for a lower-cost solution for everyone. The light hamlet could well attract new inhabitants without forcing the village to artificialize the soil. It would make land available but could recover it later, without any construction. For the moment, the avenues for reflection concern housing which would not exceed 40 m² but with a spacious garden of 200 m², all for a rent of 100 to 250 euros per month. A first information meeting on the subject was held on April 30, attracting around a hundred curious people, including residents and potential rental candidates. After a six-month feasibility study and six additional months to find candidate tenants, the project could lead to the establishment of 5 to 10 homes by 2026.
Beyond the approach low cost and the project to revitalize the countryside, the defenders of these light hamlets put forward a form of community living. In the manner of participatory habitats Future tenants are called upon to create their association and set the rules for living together on the ground, prior to their installation. A way to guarantee everyone’s involvement and respect for the rules that were chosen together.