EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT BUILDING AND LIVING IN THE RACHEL CARSON ECOVILLAGE . . . almost
THE ECOVILLAGE
What’s the relationship between the terms “ecovillage” and “cohousing”?
Cohousing is a cooperative, self-governing community where people live in private homes while sharing common spaces. For more information, check out https://www.cohousing.org/.
An ecovillage is a special subset of cohousing that emphasizes being environmentally sustainable.
Rachel Carson EcoVillage is an intentional cohousing community that is working to be socially, culturally, economically and environmentally sustainable. We have a particular focus on “living more lightly” on the earth.
Will Rachel Carson EcoVillage be age-restricted?
Rachel Carson EcoVillage is a multi-generational community that welcomes people of all ages. Multi-generational cohousing attracts a wide range of household types: single people of all ages; couples and single parents of infants, toddlers, and school-aged children; couples whose children are grown; and couples without children.
How many units will there be?
We will have 35 units of various sizes. Refer to the Our Buildings page to understand the types of units we are building.
Where is parking?
Rachel Carson EcoVillage will be neighbor-friendly, and cars will be parked at the periphery of the development. By walking from their cars, residents are more likely to encounter their neighbors with a quick hello or a longer chat. The interior of the site will be car-free and hence safer and healthier for people and our furry friends. Groceries and other goods can be transported in wagons kept near the parking lot. The site will also have an “emergency road” for emergency vehicle access and trucks for delivery of large items.
Each unit will be allocated one parking space in the main lot and an additional space in the secondary lot. If households have a need for more than two cars, further accommodations may be available. In the community’s main parking lot, we will be installing several electric car chargers with conduit to add more as needed.
We are also organizing a shared car club. Public transit (bus routes) are readily accessible.
Are the units “complete” with kitchens and living spaces?
Yes, each unit is complete with kitchen and living space. Our two studio units, which are located upstairs in the Common House, combine living/sleeping space due to their smaller size.
What will the sizes of the units be?
The sizes will range from studios to units large enough to accommodate four bedrooms.
Will any units have bedrooms on the ground floor?
Yes, all units will have ground-floor bedrooms and bathrooms. We are designing the units for aging in place.
Will the units be attached to each other?
Yes, for savings of both first costs and monthly energy bills.
What makes the buildings “high performance” buildings? How will the units be heated and cooled? Will they have solar panels?
Nestled in the woods, our homes will take advantage of the cooling power of trees in the summer and warmth from the sun in the winter. The buildings will be super-insulated for energy efficiency and durability. Our project has received Design Certification by the Passive House Institute, the “gold standard” of sustainability programs. The design of the buildings has been based on computer simulations of energy and the management of heat and moisture in the building envelope. This can reduce the waste of energy by more than 75%. To eliminate combustion from inside the units, they will be heated and cooled electrically. Our state-of-the-art heat pumps are not only efficient but incorporate an energy-recovery unit and compressor, which eliminates any outdoor unit. We will be using ‘green’ power, electricity from renewable sources.
Won’t high-performance buildings be more expensive?
With an experienced team, the cost of a Passive House certified building is no more than 3% above the cost of a conventional building.
Will there be private outdoor space?
Yes, each unit will have its own small outdoor space.
What will the common facilities include?
The Common House will include a large dining room, a kitchen, mailboxes, and workshop.
Will there be space for members to grow some of their own food?
Yes. In fact, there may be several options for gardening.
What’s meant by “healthy” materials?
Healthy materials are non-toxic. A healthy environment is created by avoiding any materials that have been shown to have a negative effect on health. Our design standard includes excellent air quality in the units.
There are a number of ecovillages and co-housing projects out there – what makes this one special?
The ecovillage will be located on land donated by the Sisters of Divine Providence and adjacent to their campus in McCandless Township. Like us, the Sisters have a strong commitment to sustainable communities, the environment, and social justice and we look forward to working in partnership with them in these areas. (There will be no religious requirements associated with living at RCE and we will be a completely separate entity.)
Our site is also adjacent to LaRoche University At La Roche, we will be able to take part in the university’s vibrant Center for Lifelong Learning programs including access to fitness facilities. We anticipate more connections as we get to know each other better.
Rachel Carson EcoVillage will be just 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, one of America’s most livable cities, with world-class arts, music, entertainment, educational, medical facilities, and a booming high-tech hub.
Will there be any opportunities for EcoVillage members at LaRoche University?
All residents of RCE will be eligible to become members of LaRoche University’s vibrant Center for Lifelong Learning as part of their monthly HOA fee. Through the Center, residents can not only take Lifelong Learning courses, but can also audit one undergraduate course per semester and make use of university exercise facilities.
*If you have other questions, please join us at an introductory meeting, where you’ll have a chance to hear from EcoVillage members and get the latest news.