Imagine a community where all buildings, gardens, and walkways are there to coexist with nature and foster a deep sense of community. This is the dream for eco villages—small-scale communities that are environmentally sustainable, socially linked, and economically robust.
For architecture students and aficionados, ecovillages present an exciting opportunity to reimagine design outside of style or function. They’re real-world applications of how architecture can provide solutions to some of the planet’s greatest challenges, such as climate change, the loss of habitat, and isolation.
What Is an Eco Village?
An ecovillage is a village specifically planned to have a low environmental impact. It integrates green buildings, renewable power, sustainable farming, and mutual resources. But it also establishes social bonds via shared spaces and democratic design mechanisms.
Example:
Findhorn Ecovillage in Scotland is a well-known and one of the oldest eco villages. Sustainable living is the focus at the community through home-grown food, renewable energy, and homes made of natural materials such as timber and stone. People live in harmony with nature, and the village is a prototype for sustainable living globally.
Designing with Nature: The Architect’s Role
Site Sensitive Architecture
Eco villages start by deeply understanding the environment. Rather than clearing the land to accommodate a cookie cutter approach, architects analyse the path of the sun, prevailing winds, soil conditions, and water movement to situate buildings where they naturally succeed.
Example
In Vermont’s Farmscape Eco Village, homes are aligned to receive winter sunlight and are shaded with trees during summer. Walls made of dense natural materials such as straw and clay control indoor temperature and do not require heating or cooling.
Biophilic Design: Bringing People and Nature Together
Eco villages incorporate design that brings the outdoors in. Large windows set up forests or garden views. Green roofs and living walls are used for insulation and wildlife habitat. Natural materials such as wood, stone, and earth are used to give a tactile, soothing feel.
Example:
The Sekem Community in Egypt has green spaces integrated into every part of the village. Homes have courtyards with trees and herbs planted inside, enabling people to be exposed to nature every day, even when indoors.
Sustainable Technologies in Eco Villages
Renewable Energy
Eco villages seek to be energy self-sufficient by incorporating solar panels, mini wind turbines, and at times micro hydro systems.
Example:
BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development) outside London utilizes rooftop solar panels and combined heat and power stations to provide clean energy. This limits carbon emissions and energy expenditure for residents.
Water Management Systems
Rather than wasting water, eco villages harvest rain and recycle greywater for irrigation and bathrooms. Rain runoff is slowed by landscape design so that water can percolate into the ground.
Example:
Rainwater harvesting tanks at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri capture water from rooftops. Drought-resistant native plants are planted in gardens to minimize watering requirements.
Material Choices
Eco villages employ locally obtained, renewable, or recyclable material. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation and production.
Example:
The Hockerton Housing Project in England employs earth sheltered housing constructed partially underground, with recycled bricks and locally excavated earth for insulation.
Social Architecture: Building Community
Shared Spaces Encourage Connection
Shared spaces such as kitchens, workshops, and gardens serve to minimize waste and foster social connections. They enable people to share resources, expertise, and meals.
Example:
At Portugal’s Tamera Eco Village, the core of the village is a communal dining hall and kitchen. People are brought together by regular communal meals, and there is a sense of cooperation.
Participatory Design Encourages Ownership
Most eco villages engage residents in the building and design process. This participatory design ensures that the spaces suit them and teaches everyone about sustainable living.
Example:
At Arcosanti in Arizona, future residents are involved in workshops and hands on building activities. This helps them feel a strong sense of belonging and pride in the community.
Challenges and Opportunities
Designing eco villages involves balancing privacy with community, combining modern comforts with ecological objectives, and complying with zoning regulations. These challenges stimulate architects to think creatively about flexible spaces, modular houses, and mixed-use structures.
Conclusion: The Future Is in Your Hands
Eco villages show that architecture is capable of more than making buildings—it can make ecosystems and communities thrive. As a student of architecture, you possess the means to design environments that heal the world and feed its people. Through learning and observation of these green communities, you can assist in creating a future where nature and people thrive together.