From Cordwood to Earthwood to Ravenwood
Last Offered 2020. Not currently being offered.
The term “cordwood masonry” describes the construction of buildings using short logs, called log-ends, laid transversely in the wall and supported by an insulated mortar matrix. This deeply natural building form is immediately recognizable and inherently “green” in its construction. Some used recycled materials, while others built houses of straw bales or cordwood construction, or built partially underground. This tour will take us to Murtagh Hill, an area of West Chazy, where more than a dozen families settled and enthusiastically embraced this lifestyle and these methods for building their homes. We will also tour a spectacular private residence in nearby Saranac.
Murtagh Hill is home to the premier cordwood masonry educational center, Earthwood Building School, run by Rob and Jaki Roy. Since 1981, the Roys have taught alternative, low cost methods of building, which we will tour, up close and personal. Tour 12 cordwood buildings on this off-the-grid campus, including the round main house, guest houses, garage, sauna, book store, and office. Enjoy your lunch sitting in the monolithic stone circle before traveling to a neighboring private home called “Ravenwood”. Meet the owners of this distinctive property and see first-hand the 26” thick, double-wall cordwood construction, living roof, and three other cordwood outbuildings. Both properties acquire heat from masonry stoves and solar orientation, and store electricity in batteries generated by sun and wind.
This tour is led by Earthwood founders, builders and authors, Rob and Jaki Roy.
The tour begins at 10 a.m. and ends around 3 p.m.
FEE: $45 for members and $55 for non-members
Note: Rob and Jaki Roy are extending AARCH members a 20% discount on one of the many classes offered at the Earthwood Building School. Go to www.cordwoodmasonry.com for more information. Rob Roy’s new book Essential Cordwood Building will be available for purchase and signing during the tour.
All photos courtesy of Earthwood Building School