French Country Farmhouse
Ithaca, N.Y.
This stunning stone farmhouse sits on one hundred pristine acres. This home is positioned at the top of a hill just south of lively Ithaca, NY. The owner wanted to live in a peaceful setting, surrounded by undisturbed natural plants and wildlife. Landscaping was left natural and the house structure was constructed using rip-wrap sourced from a local quarry. The construction of the structure of the home consists of two twelve-inch-thick stone and mortar separated by a 4 inch layer of ridged foam insulation. This core of insulation contributes to the house’s energy efficiency by adding insulation and creating a thermal break. The interior walls are left as natural stone covered with plaster, and the large structural beams are exposed.
Light and natural ventilation within the house was an important consideration for the homeowner. To allow maximum light as well as ventilation, we used high performance Marvin French Casement windows. This design has no center bar where the windows meet, allowing for unobstructed views of the outdoors as well as improving natural ventilation.
The doors were custom-made using local curly maple. They are a full three and a half inches thick and insulated with rigid foam to improve energy efficiency. The flooring is wide-plank wormy Oak, a material that was once discarded by loggers but is now milled to make rustic flooring. The flooring as well as all the other interior woodwork was finished with natural tongue oil, giving the home a warm soft glow without the hazards of VOCs.
Another stunning feature of this home is the copper shingle roof, which will patina over time allowing the house to blend in with its natural surroundings. These shingles are a good choice because of they contain 85% or more recycled content. They are also extremely durable and will outlast most other roofing options available.
The home is heated with a high-efficiency radiant heat system and a Rumford fireplace to bring warmth to the cold Ithaca winters. The stove in the kitchen is a salvaged AGA stove heated with propane. This stove not only fits the rustic country style of this home it also helps heat the home. The home is outfitted with low-flow fixtures and high performance toilets. From inside to out this home is a beautiful example of how great design and innovative materials and product choices can meet to increase both the efficiency and the comfort of your home.