loy farm is one of elon university’s most dynamic resources. it is home to greenhouses that contribute produce to campus dining, a design studio for sustainable architecture, composting, bee hives, and its newest addition, the ecovillage. 

opening in the fall of 2024, six houses built on the edge of loy farm now house two students each, who can live sustainably, contribute to maintaining the farm, and participate in its activities.

associate professor of environmental studies robert charest helped design and build house one with the help of his art of sustainable architecture students. they incorporated eco-friendly components to better the surrounding environment and limit damage from the high heat and humidity that north carolina faces in the hotter months.

“the deck here is local cypress. so we used lumber that was local, that was naturally resistant to rot,” charest said.

house one’s foundation is elevated to reduce land disturbance. and, to stay cool, there is a double roof system, with a second roof that extends over the main unit to maximize shade and limit water collection.

“we built the furniture, we built the cabinetry,” said charest. “you know every single square inch of the house was built by students and myself. i still… love to hear myself say that.”