The general public and the marketplace are in search of design and building solutions that provide alternatives to current practice. To meet this increasing demand there needs to be a base of knowledgeable design professionals conversant with integrated design and alternative materials. The completion of the Bisosystems Engineering Strawbale Research Facility on the campus of the University of Manitoba provides the anchor to a one-acre site known as The Alternative Village. The Alternative Village creates a unique environment in which research, testing, education and outreach will be conducted with an interdisciplinary approach to alternative building systems, energy and the integrated design process. This paper outlines the genesis of the Alternative Village, its vision for delivering an alternative educational experience and how industry can partner with students and staff in the research and development of alternative buildings and energy systems.