89 German Cross Road

"This house was built with community: many helping hands; many conversations, questions, and some answers; many trees and stems of wheat; many stones and drops of mud. It is imperfect: there are visible mistakes, changes of plan, muddy handprints of enthusiastic friends. Yet it is gradually becoming perfect, with the marks representing stories, ideas, relationships. It is built to last for centuries, but to leave little trace besides rich soil when its useful life is ended. It is built with stones at the base, stones on the roof; straw, clay, mud plaster, and hand-joined aspen timbers between; and a core of bricks to hold the fire in the heart of the home. Welcome."

Contact Name(s): Sarah Highland
Address: 89 German Cross Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Type of Building: Residence/ Home
Designer/Builder: Sarah Highland (homeowner). The home was built by the homeowner with the help of Cat Berry and some friends.
Year Built: 2003
Building Features: off-grid solar PV system; straw-clay construction; composting toilet; masonry stove; local materials; non-toxic finishes/products; daylighting; blown cellulose insulation
Special Considerations: Come ready to walk a lengthy driveway. Please park either on the shoulder of German Cross Road or as directed by signs. Respect the neighbor's lawn!

Last updated September 29, 2015