Property: A 160-acre homestead in British Columbia
Client: Dave
Building a Resilient Legacy
Dave and his family set out to future-proof their property—a transformation that would enable it to produce resilient supplies of food, water, and energy independent of fragile, centralized systems.
Dave, a data-driven entrepreneur, had researched every option: He’d spoken to builders, looked into greenhouse models, and met with horticultural experts at a university.
But it was 5th World’s regenerative homestead approach that could best deliver on his vision of providing his family with true well-being: Nutritious food, the cleanest water on Earth, and serene, natural surroundings.
Food Systems: A Homestead That Feeds Itself
Dave’s property is located in a valley, as well as on exposed ranch land, which made food production difficult. Winds and frosts threatened to shorten the growing season and damage crops that would otherwise thrive. Additionally, the property had limited access to water to feed the plants with.
The solution?
Diverse, integrated food systems producing year-round nutrition.
Two passive solar greenhouses:
- Birchwood greenhouse: Vegetables, fruits, commercial kitchen, pantry, root cellar
- Aspen greenhouse: Bananas, avocados, citrus, figs, and ginger
Other food systems:
- Market gardens: Herbs, greens, and storage crops like carrots, potatoes, and beets
- Food forest: Fruits, nuts, perennial vegetables, and medicinal plants
- Integrated livestock: Chickens, pigs, and dairy cows cohabitate in a deep-litter system—producing eggs, milk, meat, and nutrient-rich compost
- Meal prep and hosting: A luxury commercial kitchen and an outdoor dining space within the garden create opportunities to gather and share food with loved ones
Take a virtual tour of Dave’s market gardens and outdoor dining area!
Water Security: From Scarcity to Abundance
Water was another challenge. The estate’s 300-foot-deep well produced less than one gallon per minute—far too little for crops, animals, or firefighting needs. And trucking in water would have been cost prohibitive.
5th World responded with a watershed-first design:
- Four kilometers of swales were built to capture and infiltrate rainfall, recharging groundwater
- Two ponds now store water for irrigation, recreation, and fire suppression
- A pipeline and header tank deliver gravity-fed water across the property
- A one million gallon reservoir with hydrants ensures easy access for agriculture and emergencies
These integrated systems turned a liability into an asset, creating a dependable, low-maintenance water supply for generations.
Energy Efficiency: Living with Less Waste
The homestead’s passive solar greenhouse technology uses 80 to 90% less energy than conventional systems. Dave’s family can therefore grow food in all seasons without the burden of fossil fuel dependence. They are also more insulated from issues such as rising energy prices, supply chain disruptions, grid instability, and more.
Take a virtual tour of Dave’s kitchen and passive solar greenhouse!
Family Well-Being and Legacy
Beyond resilience, the homestead has transformed the family’s quality of life. Daily life now blends nourishment, meaningful stewardship, and shared leisure.
Dave describes the regenerative upgrade to the property as more than a one-off project: It’s a new way of being—one that combines practical abundance with ongoing personal growth.
“Thanks to the process that I’ve gone through with Rob and his team, I can now make a design and experience the beauty of actually executing it. I can see how everything ties together, and my education of what’s possible on this land and in the greenhouse will never end.”
A Model for the Future
Through its integrated food, water, and energy systems, this regenerative homestead demonstrates what’s possible:
- A self-sufficient supply of nutritious food
- Water security without reliance on centralized systems
- Energy efficiency for year-round abundance
- Well-being and legacy through a lifestyle rooted in regeneration
Dave and his family’s story shows that resilience and abundance are not opposites—they can thrive together. For those seeking independence, health, and a legacy property, a 5th World regenerative homestead is the answer.
Work With Us to Build Your Modern Homestead
