Site Plan
Because of the focus on sustainable, green features,
EcoVillage will be like no other neighborhood in Charlottesville.
Parking and roads are on the periphery.
Our design groups job is to best develop the natural advantages of our 6.5 acre site. We began by “listening to the land,” designing to take advantage of Nature’s unique offerings.
Illustration credit VA Tech
The Lay of the Land
Carefully positioning structures, trails, and car paths to enhance the flow of cooling breezes while providing privacy and encouraging balanced opportunities for sharing with neighbors.
Beneficial Solar Aspects
Tapping into the power of the sun for the benefit of all community members, present and future. Storing excess power on-site, providing electric car outlets, and active solar learning stations.
Gentle Slopes, Clean Water
Practicing fresh water stewardship and stormwater management for irrigation and residential uses while being mindful of ground water regeneration. Providing bioswales, rainwater catchments, and healthy stream paths.
Walking and Biking
Creating pathways for both necessary and recreational outings, connecting directly to the 12 mile-long Rivanna River Trail, placing car parking spots on the community periphery.
Working the Good Earth
Providing space for community gardens—hydroponics demonstrations and composting. Landscaping with native species, milling existing trees on-site, organic mulching.
Conceptual illustrations of airflow through homes to maximize natural ventilation.
Arrows indicate air flow and wind direction through the site.
Common House
Once we have the commitment of 20 future residents, they will have the opportunity to work together to design the proposed 4000+ sq. ft. Common House. Residents may consider having shared office space or guest rooms available in Common House. Whether through weekly community meals, serendipitous meet ups, or Skill Shares, neighbors will have ample opportunity to get to know each other.
Some other ideas to consider:
Rooftop landscaping and wind turbine
Hydroelectric generation
DC electrical use–recharging phones, lighting, rechargeable devices
Passive heating and cooling
Hydroponics demonstration
Recycling/waste management
Data management of community energy usage
Exercise machine energy generation
Energy storage solutions
Education–online classes, TED talks, guest and local speakers