In the modern world, we have moved far away from the simplicity of making things on our own. Skills such as preparing food, sewing, carpentry and construction are handed over to experts and we remain distant from that daily contact with the material world.In Neot Semadar, we relate to this problem in several areas, including the construction field. The desire to create our own buildings independently, and to develop the necessary skills to do so, has given rise to many new buildings such as homes, the Art Center with all its workshops, and industrial buildings, all designed and built by the people of the Kibbutz. 

 

Building together creates unique opportunities for cooperative work, which supports the intention of the Kibbutz. Different teams have different tasks, such as the design team, and the building team, but they have to coordinate. This provides fertile ground to confront the difficulties that arise in relationship, and learn to work together. 

Building together In Neot Semadar is a constant and central feature among our different activities.
Construction here takes into consideration the special conditions of the desert climate. Two key elements are applied here:

1. Thermal mass is formed by thick adobe walls, balancing the extreme temperature differences between day and night. Mud bricks are made of local earth and straw.

2. Passive air cooling towers cool the buildings during the hot summer without pollution and noise, with minimal energy expenditure. Simple cooling towers existed in the ancient Middle East. Today we add modern technology to increase their cooling capacity.These two elements create a comfortable climate inside the buildings with minimal operational costs and low maintenance. 

Special attention is devoted to the aesthetics of our buildings. Surrounded by desert stillness, and the greenery of our gardens and fields, the buildings stand out as colorful ornaments that decorate the landscape.The Art Center is an outstanding example of this approach. It is as if a group of people created a fantasy together. Its spectacular features attract tourists worldwide.