Project Brief: The refurbishment of a sixty year old stone built weather station, to provide living accommodation. The centre is located on the island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean, and focuses on marine research, conservation, training and education activities connected to the lagoon and the seas. The aim was to reduce energy consumption using natural, low carbon materials and to incorporate water recycling. * Rainwater treatment centre for domestic water use. * Grey water treatment centre to provide irrigation water for vegetable garden. * Wind turbine (2.5kW) and Multicrystalline silicone photovoltaic panels to meet energy needs. * Central composting for toilets * Locally sourced concrete and aggregate. * Design tailored for locally available skills and materials. In keeping with the environmental conservation objectives of the Shoales of Rodrigues project, both the refurbishment and the use of this building were to have minimum impact on the local environment through passive solar design, solar and wind energy, water storage, recycling and treatment systems.