About the Äerdschëff
A vibrant place, a committed association, a future under construction
An Äerdschëff is a bioclimatic public building inspired by Earthships: it combines recycled materials (tyres, local earth), rainwater harvesting, solar autonomy and natural insulation to provide a virtually self-sufficient learning environment. Built as a laboratory for low-tech approaches, it is the first public building of its kind in the world.
Äerdschëff asbl is an association that works towards ecological change by offering training courses, workshops and projects on energy efficiency, permaculture and sustainable technologies, with a strong focus on lifelong learning and shared governance.
Phase 1. From utopia to blueprint (2014–2018)
It all began in the mid-2010s, when sustainable construction remained a blind spot in Luxembourg’s ecological transition. Inspired by the concept of Earthships – self-sufficient habitats built from reused materials – a small group of citizens dreamed of building a resilient place that went against the grain of prevailing models. In 2014, an initial idea was proposed as part of the European LEADER programme, then reinforced by specialised training at the Earthship Academy in New Mexico. The project quickly gained credibility and received support from public partners, including the Ministry of the Environment and the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.
Phase 2. An extraordinary participatory construction project (2019–2022)
Launched in the summer of 2019 in Redange-sur-Attert, the Äerdschëff construction project has become a symbol of collective commitment and learning by doing. More than 50 volunteers from Luxembourg and Europe are participating in the construction of the building, which is largely made from reused materials: tyres, raw earth, local wood, glass bottles, etc. Despite obstacles (regulations, pandemic, weather), the project is progressing step by step in an open, inclusive and educational atmosphere. At the same time, the team is developing the educational foundations that will make the Äerdschëff a future place of learning.
Phase 3. An open, lively and constantly evolving place (since 2023)
Since its opening, Äerdschëff has become a centre for education, training and mobilisation for ecological change. It hosts visits, workshops, training courses and citizen projects on permaculture, shared governance, low-tech and sustainable technologies. The site is designed as a living laboratory, where concrete solutions are tested and shared, while documenting the lessons learned for wider dissemination. Today, Äerdschëff asbl continues to evolve in step with the people who are involved and the challenges of our time.
Phase 1. From utopia to blueprint (2014–2018)
It all began in the mid-2010s, when sustainable construction remained a blind spot in Luxembourg’s ecological transition. Inspired by the concept of Earthships – self-sufficient habitats built from reused materials – a small group of citizens dreamed of building a resilient place that went against the grain of prevailing models. In 2014, an initial idea was proposed as part of the European LEADER programme, then reinforced by specialised training at the Earthship Academy in New Mexico. The project quickly gained credibility and received support from public partners, including the Ministry of the Environment and the Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte.
Phase 2. An extraordinary participatory construction project (2019–2022)
Launched in the summer of 2019 in Redange-sur-Attert, the Äerdschëff construction project has become a symbol of collective commitment and learning by doing. More than 50 volunteers from Luxembourg and Europe are participating in the construction of the building, which is largely made from reused materials: tyres, raw earth, local wood, glass bottles, etc. Despite obstacles (regulations, pandemic, weather), the project is progressing step by step in an open, inclusive and educational atmosphere. At the same time, the team is developing the educational foundations that will make the Äerdschëff a future place of learning.
Phase 3. An open, lively and constantly evolving place (since 2023)
Since its opening, Äerdschëff has become a centre for education, training and mobilisation for ecological change. It hosts visits, workshops, training courses and citizen projects on permaculture, shared governance, low-tech and sustainable technologies. The site is designed as a living laboratory, where concrete solutions are tested and shared, while documenting the lessons learned for wider dissemination. Today, Äerdschëff asbl continues to evolve in step with the people who are involved and the challenges of our time.
A Low Tech Punk vision for a sustainable future: sober, fair and creative.
We have a worldview deeply rooted in simplicity, justice and autonomy. Inspired by the Low Tech Punk movement, our approach offers a joyful and radical departure from obsolescence and overconsumption.
Low Tech Punk is the art of doing better with less. It is a philosophy that values repair over disposal, local autonomy over global dependence. It encourages us to invent sober, accessible and sustainable solutions based on what we already have, in line with the concrete needs of communities.
This vision is embodied in our technical and educational choices, in the way we design our space, objects and practices. Here, low-tech is a popular innovation that serves the common good.
Finally, Low Tech Punk advocates for an inclusive and supportive society where everyone has their place. A future where collective wisdom and shared ingenuity allow us to reconnect with the Earth—no longer as masters, but as guardians.
vision
Mission
Educate, mobilise, transform
Äerdschëff asbl is committed to a fair, sober and collective ecological transition.
We pass on practical skills, experiment with sustainable alternatives and create learning spaces that are open to all.
Through our training courses, workshops and participatory projects, we support those who wish to adopt more circular lifestyles, understand climate and social issues, and develop their ecological autonomy. Every action counts, every piece of knowledge shared feeds into the transition.
But learning is not enough: we encourage citizen mobilisation. L’Äerdschëff is also a place of co-construction, where we imagine local resilience projects together (from citizen composting to low-tech infrastructure) in partnership with schools, municipalities, associations and volunteers. Because it is by networking with the community that transformation becomes possible.
We don’t just talk about transition: we experience it every day in our technical, educational and human choices.
Our building is constructed from reused materials. Our workshops focus on collaborative learning and sharing expertise. We document our projects to make them accessible to everyone. We practise shared governance. And we are committed to welcoming everyone with respect, kindness and openness.
Sobriety, accessibility, autonomy, solidarity: these words guide our daily work. They are not slogans, but guidelines that we adapt, adjust and put to the test in the real world.
commitments
Jérôme Leplang
Jérôme is responsible for the indoor and outdoor gardens at Äerdschëff, where he puts his organisational skills and technical creativity to good use. A rigorous and versatile logistician, he explores concrete solutions to ensure the successful implementation of projects. Curious and constantly learning, he is actively involved in various initiatives, bringing his energy and passion for experimentation to every task.
Roles:
- Permafarming / Edible forest
- Participatory projects
- Logistics
Tarik Bouriachi
Tarik is a sociologist and educator specialising in the analysis of ecological and social resilience issues. With his sharp mind, he develops strategic partnerships and supports the implementation of innovative approaches. Passionate about promoting shared governance and low-tech approaches in unexpected contexts, including in the field of artificial intelligence, he helps to connect research, experimentation and citizen action.
Roles:
- Design and implementation of educational projects and programmes
- Shared governance and software infrastructure advisor
- Administrative and financial manager
- Non-formal education
- Partnerships
- Fundraising
Vincent Tam
Vincent is in charge of marketing and impact communication at Äerdschëff. With experience in entrepreneurship, education and sustainable development, he uses his creativity and strategic thinking to raise the profile of projects. His role is to promote the association’s initiatives and highlight those who drive them forward, in order to strengthen their roots and reach among the general public.
Roles:
- Marketing
- Communication
team
Dr Katy Fox
Katy is a social anthropologist, teacher and researcher. Co-founder of the Äerdschëff project in 2014, she was involved in its development from the very beginning, co-designing the building with architects and authorities, creating the first educational programmes and establishing partnerships with schools, associations and institutions. Now a member of the board of directors, she continues to contribute her strategic vision and experience in collective dynamics to strengthen ecological and social resilience.
Sam Reifer
Sam is committed to the regeneration of natural systems, of which we are an integral part. He and his wife practice regenerative agriculture on their small family farm, while raising their three young children. His experience fuels an approach rooted in life and transmission, directly aligned with the values upheld by Äerdschëff.
Sylvain Chery
Sylvain is co-founder and associate director of Agile Partner, a digital services company active in Luxembourg since 2004. Committed since 2016 to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Responsible Digital Technology, he works to reconcile technological development, human well-being and respect for the planet… themes that resonate with Äerdschëff.
governing body
