Information on the Sustainable Living Education Center

The Sustainable Living Education Center, (SLEC), at the Jacksonville Center campus is offering a unique, hands-on educational experience in the construction of a straw bale building. The building was started in 2005 as a class project by Leon Davis, who was a Virginia Tech architectural student at the time. Upon completion, this building will be a SLEC demonstration exhibit. SLEC already has a working wind generator, solar panels and a rain water collection system already in place.

Leon Davis’s interest in green building comes from his past experience working with rammed earth and visiting straw bale structures around the United States. After graduating, Leon spent the following year working on Mt. Rainer in Washington as a climbing guide. Now, before returning to Washington for another climbing season, Leon has returned to Floyd for the next five weeks finishing the plastering on the straw bales.

Since the building process is intended to be educational, if you are interested in straw bale construction and plastering, this is the best time to learn and ask questions. Leon is looking for volunteers to help with the plastering. No experience is necessary and an extra set of hands is always appreciated. Please contact Leon by email at leonvernondavis@gmail.com or call The Center at 745-2784 to leave a message for him. Volunteers should bring a lunch and a pair of durable rubber gloves (not the dishwashing kind).