Over the Memorial Day weekend we had a chance for an impromptu visit to the Ecovillage at Ithaca, which is now in the process of building its third phase, TREE, using the German PassivHaus standard, considered one of the most advanced in energy-efficiency design.
While the architectural design is less than attractive in my view, the homes are compact and relatively inexpensive for what amounts to zero-energy housing. Once the landscaping is done, the boxy gray buildings with their windowless north walls may seem less drab, as is suggested by the photos of completed sections, FROG and SONG:
The views are spectacular, the landscaping attractive, and the common dining rooms inviting:
We also met Liz Walker, co-founder and the author of two books about the Ecovillage at Ithaca, and her partner Jared Jones, who is supervising the construction of TREE:
Truly inspiring…thanks for the photos and opportunity to visit vicariously!