Modern Homestead" Building Underway at MOFGA's Common Ground Education Center in Unity
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) has begun construction on its "Modern Homestead." This dwelling for then new millenium builds on the traditions of the past and shows some possible solutions for the future.In 1999, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association held a design competition to develop an affordable, practical starter house that could serve as the base for a small farm. The competition was sponsored by EBS, an Ellsworth-based building supplies company. The winning design, created by Ned and Avery Wood, is a modification of a traditional cape that includes a root cellar, space for a summer kitchen for food processing, wood storage, and provisions for solar hot water and electricity.
"We're excited about the possibilities of having young farmers living in Unity, and helping to create more demonstration gardens for visitors year-round," said Russell Libby, MOFGA's Executive Director. "This fits in with our plans to train a new generation of farmers who can farm successfully in Maine."
Major supporters of the project include EBS and the Green Store of Belfast. EBS is interested in providing examples for the public of practical small houses that can be built affordably, and is supplying the primary building materials. The basic building should cost about $30,000 for materials. The Green Store is providing energy efficiency products, which may rotate over time as they identify suitable new technologies.
Building plans will be made available later in the year, after MOFGA and the construction crew identify and document possible modifications that will make the house easier to build and more flexible. Plans for the Modern Homestead will be on display at the Common Ground Country Fair, which will take place at MOFGA's home in Unity on September 22, 23 and 24.
For more information, contact:
Russell Libby, 568-4142
Peter Economy, EBS, 667-7134