Floyd Eco Village is an intentional, multi-generational residential and educational community complex designed to serve a group of permanent residential families, a variety of short-term and long-term guests and to hold planned events. Built on 75 acres owned by Jack Wall and Kamala Bauers, it demonstrates advanced energy conservation building design, on-site renewable energy production, sustainab
le agricultural practices and holistic and environmentally sustainable lifestyle practices. Among the goals for the community are:
• Net zero nonrenewable energy use through the use of low energy buildings and on-sight solar and biomass energy production
• Gardens and facilities to produce healthy food for residents, guests and the community
• Conference, meeting, classroom, dining and dance space for holding community and privately hosted events
• Job creation and job training for people with or wanting to learn practical skills in farming, natural food preparation, hand crafts, building construction, conference management, theatre and other local culture and fine arts skills. A small alternative high school is on the property.
• Creating a beautiful natural environment with nature trails, pond, recreation play areas and other gathering spaces
The property is planned with areas for clustered housing, commonly owned community facilities, natural foods gardening, forests, walking trails, animal grazing and a community pond. Among the community services and facilities under construction or planned for the residents and for the larger community are:
• Community-owned transportation system with solar powered electric vehicles
• Community kitchen (2000 sq. ft.), school (2000 sq. and conference area (3000 sq. ft.).
• Health center with swimming pools & exercise facilities (for future development).
• Community center for inhabitants’ communal activities and also for educational conferences.
• Meditation cabin for a quiet, contemplative space. Additionally, there will be shared systems for much of food service, food preparation, recreation, food shopping, child care and nursing care. The buildings will incorporate universal design standards to allow persons who are elderly or disabled to live in place with necessary supports and to allow maximum quality of life and dignity. The buildings are designed and built to very low-energy standards. Along with active solar features and biomass energy production will result in zero energy buildings. This sustainable construction and design will entail:
• Water recycling and rainwater harvesting to ease burden on stored groundwater.
• Maintenance and improvement of natural wetland areas.
• Use of locally grown and manufactured materials and goods to the extent possible
• Use of materials of high recycled content and low embodied energy
Floyd EcoVillage
188 Eco Village Trail
Floyd, VA 24091
[email protected]
540-745-4434
