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Adirondack Architectural Heritage
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From Cordwood to Earthwood to Ravenwood

DSC_2989The 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.

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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


TOUR REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) is the nonprofit historic preservation organization for New York State’s Adirondack region, with a mission to promote better public understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the region’s unique and diverse architectural heritage.

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Adirondack Architectural Heritage is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

1745 Main Street, Keeseville, NY 12944,
518-834-9328, info@aarch.org

Winner of the Trustees' Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Trust for Historic Preservation

© 2023 Adirondack Architectural Heritage All Rights Reserved.

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  • About
    • CONTACT AARCH
    • STAFF & BOARD
      • CAREERS
    • NEWSLETTERS
      • NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
      • YEAR-IN-REVIEW
    • AARCHer BLOG
  • Support
    • MEMBERSHIP
    • GIVING
      • GIFT OF STOCKS
      • BEQUESTS: AARCH CIRCLE
    • FUNDRAISERS
  • Programs
    • TOURS & WORKSHOPS
    • TALKS & PRESENTATIONS
    • AARCH SPECIAL EVENTS
      • SUMMER CELEBRATION
      • ANNUAL MEETING & AWARDS
    • PROGRAM REGISTRATION
  • Preserve
    • TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
      • NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATIONS
      • EASEMENTS
      • TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
    • AARCH AWARDS
      • RECENT
      • PAST
      • NOMINATIONS
    • FIRE TOWERS
      • REGIONAL LIST
      • TOWER MAP
    • ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
  • Funding
    • ADIRONDACK RURAL REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
    • PRESERVATION FUNDING RESOURCES
  • Camp Santanoni
    • HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE
      • VIRTUAL TOUR OF SANTANONI
    • VISITING
    • A WORK IN PROGRESS
    • HOW TO HELP
  • Storefront
    • BOOKS
    • GIFTS
    • MEMBERSHIP
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