Why I founded Terra Perma

I founded Terra Perma to explore a question that still matters to me: how can we live well while taking better care of the world around us? I wanted a place where we could put ideas into practice, learn together, and make a more sustainable life feel inviting.

Ecological construction became a central part of that vision. At Terra Perma, you can stay in a straw bale house, discover cordwood construction, or settle beneath a traditional timber frame. Each building offers a different experience of space, materials, and shelter. Spending a night in one gives you time to notice the details and imagine what you might want in a home of your own.

The Timber Frame House is a particularly tangible example. Local artisans built its frame using trees milled right here at Terra Perma, joining the timbers with wooden pegs. You can see the craftsmanship above you as you settle into a cozy cabin surrounded by forest.

But the motivation reaches beyond buildings. I believe our wellbeing is connected to the wellbeing of others. Creating something useful means welcoming people into it and sharing what we learn, including the mistakes. Terra Perma has always involved experimentation, patience, and a willingness to reconsider an idea.

The people who contribute their skills and enthusiasm make that possible. Building, growing, and learning together can create connections that last beyond a particular project. I wanted those activities to support one another, with room for people to participate and develop ideas of their own.

For visitors, the invitation can be simple: come spend a few days in the forest. Enjoy the lake, look closely at the cabins, and take your time. The food forest, beehives, garden, and maple trees offer other ways to get to know the place.

My hope is that you leave with a sense of possibility. A more thoughtful way of living should offer pleasure, connection, and a quality of life worth sharing.