Cash, that most basic element of our economy, can be in abysmally short supply for new young families scraping by on marginal jobs.
Sustainable housebuilding may not be foremost in their minds.
But one young couple in Wales managing on an annual income of just $10,000 went ahead and built their own cheap home anyway, sustainably, mostly out of materials from “a rubbish pile somewhere.”
They had wanted to spend as much time as possible at home while their two children were young. Their nearby woodlands ecological management work would have been impractical if they were paying a mortgage.
So they enlisted some help from family, and sometimes just from people passing by, and from any of their friends who stopped by to visit:
The result was their very low impact homemade house. A hand built unique setting for a charmed life for their two young toddlers. I’ll bet they’ll remember this first home for the rest of their lives.
Four months of hard work and they were all 4 moved in and cozy.
Total expenditure? $5,000. Tools? A chisel, a chainsaw and a hammer. Building expertise? Simon Dale says:
“My experience is only having a go at one similar house 2yrs before and a bit of mucking around in-between. This kind of building is accessible to anyone. My main relevant skills were being able bodied, having self belief and perseverance and a mate or two to give a lift now and again.”
Sustainable design and construction:
- Dug into hillside for low visual impact and shelter
- Stone and mud from diggings used for retaining walls, foundations etc.
- Frame constructed of fallen trees from surrounding woodland
- Reciprocal roof rafters are structurally very easy to do
- Straw bales in floor, walls and roof for super-insulation and easy building
- Plastic sheet and mud/turf roof for low impact and ease
- Lime plaster on walls is breathable and low energy to manufacture compared to cement
- Reclaimed (scrap) wood for floors and fittings
- Other items were reclaimed from “a rubbish pile somewhere”: windows, wiring, plumbing
(Maybe there should be a new LEED rating just for building so inexpensively: Sustainable Financing. This is one mortgage bill that’s not going to be haunting their mum and dad for years.) Inside there’s a wood-burner for heating – waste wood in the old-growth forest is locally plentiful.To get the most of the heat, the flue goes through a big stone/plaster lump to retain and slowly releases the warmth.
There are just a couple of solar panels – just enough for for lighting, music and computing. It’s a simple life. A skylight in the roof lets in enough natural feeling light, and water is fed by gravity downhill from a nearby spring. There’s a compost toilet. Roof water collects in a pond for gardening
Says Simon: “Our house is unusual but the aesthetic appeals to lots of people and perhaps touches something innate in us that evolved in forests.”
Want to try making one too? Simon will show you how or check out other green homes for more ideas and inspiration like this post on building a cob house.
Images: www.SimonDale.net
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Berkeley’s Homeless Build Paleolithic Barbecue Pit
Earthsheltered Home Construction Work Exchange
Wildfire-Proof Prefab Camp Closes Up When You’re Gone
Hard Lessons in Sustainable Living
About Susan Kraemer
The young man’s genius. In a “Simple Simon” sort of way.
Who cares about building inspectors! As long as the structure is on your own land, that land is not within city/town limits, it doesn’t have poured concrete over the building code limitations, it isn’t grid-tied to any public utilities, and you are not building it to sell on the real-estate market as a house of any sorts, there is absolutely “NOTHING” the local bi-law enforcement agents can say or do!
The codes were put in place for a very good reason. To provide proper protection to the occupants/owners of their investments for a set period of time(as well as many other significant reasons).
I applaud these people & all others wishing to “finally” take matters into their own hands and do what has now become “absolutely” necessary to survive the, not coming, but now “here & present dangers” of what we have all done to our global home.
If any government agencies attempted to remove me from a shelter I had hand-built for the benefit of my own family, on my own land, well…. It would not be very nice of them. Would it now?
Bravo Simon
Depends on where you are. Some places I’ve lived ban even a tarp-covering for your own driveway if it’s not meant to be temporary. The supposed-reasoning is that it can blow away and cause damage if not built to certain codes. Apparently if you put it up for two days it’s not going to be any risk, but if you put it up for six months, damage will happen. Nuts.
But there are states that don’t have any building permit requirements at all.
this is exactly what i want to create and not just for myself, but where is it possible to do such? as a citizen of the usa? i have seen so many problems for folks who didnt get permits. people had to actually tear their work down… the mud women or mud girls in canada are doing this but is it legal? for me it always comes back to how to make it be cheap and legal. and what was the cost of the land?
yes kelley, this WILL be doable at some point likely soon, given so many greater life safety needs than hassling Americans for permission to live lightly on the land. This lifestyle is called “indigenous”, and you history buffs out there remember Amercia’s demonstrated warm regard for Indigenous culture, aside from that unfortunate Genocide.
Sort of like the story of the note in Navjo language left with a Lunar Rover mission, “Watch out for these people, they’ll take your land and kill you…”
I totally love it! What a great back to nature feel it has, and a sense of “protection” by mother earth. I look at it and it feels alive with joy and happiness. Lets all tear down our “normal” houses and build one of these! I’ll start first!
This is another brilliant example of permaculture and sustainability in the upcoming/present state of the collapse of the corporate banking system. Hats off to you and to all who are willing to live by the Spirit. Dean Scarpinato
BRAVO! I LIKE IT
BRAVO! I LIKE IT
Very cool house. We are spending quit a bit more on our earth sheltered house but also building it ourselves.
Very cool house. We are spending quit a bit more on our earth sheltered house but also building it ourselves.
This is totally awesome. What fun it would be to build a home like this and then live so creatively. Thanks so much for thinking outside the box and coming up with such a green idea/project.
This is totally awesome. What fun it would be to build a home like this and then live so creatively. Thanks so much for thinking outside the box and coming up with such a green idea/project.
I love the idea of this. I agree with Jeunesse completely. People need to get back to their roots and enjoy nature instead of all of this technology crap.
I love the idea of this. I agree with Jeunesse completely. People need to get back to their roots and enjoy nature instead of all of this technology crap.
Its nice, and a good idea, but would it pass inspection? Unfortunately, not likely. And how would you get an address?
Why do you need an address?
THE VA WON’T GIVE DISABLED VETS CERTAIN BENEFITS THAT THEY PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR WITHOUT AN ADDRESS. EXAMPLE = OXYGEN
Its nice, and a good idea, but would it pass inspection? Unfortunately, not likely. And how would you get an address?
If it’s on your own property, a lot of places don’t require it meet code until it’s time to sell the property. The address is to the property, not to the actual building (think about a house on a large piece of land out on a rural country road. The mail box is at the end of the driveway).
In the UK you can set up a Post Box, where the mail goes to the local post office to be picked up from there.
Incredible! I do think that the issue of land is an issue and the sourcing of nearby water sources. It seemed to work out for Simon and his family. But, so much of the surrounding resources have been made unusable, that it seems to me to be an impractical solution on a larger scale. Still, what a result they’ve achieved. I wish them all the best in their new home!
Incredible! I do think that the issue of land is an issue and the sourcing of nearby water sources. It seemed to work out for Simon and his family. But, so much of the surrounding resources have been made unusable, that it seems to me to be an impractical solution on a larger scale. Still, what a result they’ve achieved. I wish them all the best in their new home!
This could be a great way to express real earth-centerd, back to the God type of thinking, never mind huge energy savings! (How simply do many people in Haiti live, for example, anyway?!)
This could be a great way to express real earth-centerd, back to the God type of thinking, never mind huge energy savings! (How simply do many people in Haiti live, for example, anyway?!)
bravo !!!!!!!
bravo !!!!!!!
i am really happy to see this beautyfull simple envormental house ,the stile is great cos is unique the material used is pure nature the site is blessed with good energy and this project in my eye is amazing …..
very good i wish i was there to help ……
beautiful house for real people with positive light
i am really happy to see this beautyfull simple envormental house ,the stile is great cos is unique the material used is pure nature the site is blessed with good energy and this project in my eye is amazing …..
very good i wish i was there to help ……
beautiful house for real people with positive light
I sooooo want to live here!!! :c)
Erin, you’re going to have to visit me here then http://facebook.com/naturalhomes
I sooooo want to live here!!! :c)
What a beautiful house, pity it will likely come crashing down on them during a bad earthquake.
There appears to be little in the way of shear strength, and using nails into green wood instead of screws or spikes is asking for trouble as the wood dries out.
The straw bale in-fills don’t appear to be pinned, so they could break away from the wall during an earthquake.
No structural engineer in the USA would ever sign that house off for habitation because it isn’t a safe structure anyplace that earthquakes occur.
Sure is a nice looking/feeling house though.
The house in question was not built in the USA but rather wales and if you had read the article carefully you would know that and they used fallen woood from the forest not green wood so nails rather than screws probably would be ok. Many homes that were built out of mud and straw survive for centuries yet no usa engineer would sign off on them as being habital, your thinking is to self centered and your vision is narrow, I hope you are not in a leadership position in your community!
Agreed…
Wow, that was harsh! Just because he doesn’t agree doesn’t make him selfish. What does being a leader have to do with his comment. I thought it was a beautiful house as well, but I have to agree. It doesn’t seem very sturdy and it probably wouldn’t pass inspection if it was in the USA.
the only thing that passes inspection in the USA is Pharmaceutical drugs,. and weapons of mass destruction,. wake up people.
You Sir are the one with a narrow vision if you cannot accept an opposing opinion!
It’s great that they were able to make their own house and that they are able to live this green lifestyle. But sadly it is not practical or worthwhile for everyone everywhere.
Where I live this would never be permitted, the gov’t wouldn’t allow me to squat in a forest full time amongst all the building code violations.
Wales isn’t renowned for earthquakes. Also green wood when jointed well, will warp into a tighter structural unit as it seasons – hence all the cute angles that Elizabethan wooden structures have.
There are no earthquakes in Wales..
Yes, but Wales hasn’t had any meaningful seismic activity in recorded history though I grant you current global shifts means anything is possible, but I wouldn’t be losing sleep over it.
No earthquakes in Wales? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8086821.stm
What a beautiful house, pity it will likely come crashing down on them during a bad earthquake.
There appears to be little in the way of shear strength, and using nails into green wood instead of screws or spikes is asking for trouble as the wood dries out.
The straw bale in-fills don’t appear to be pinned, so they could break away from the wall during an earthquake.
No structural engineer in the USA would ever sign that house off for habitation because it isn’t a safe structure anyplace that earthquakes occur.
Sure is a nice looking/feeling house though.
How I wanted to be part of a such a cute couple when I was younger! How gratifying to live right smack inside one’s own, scrumptious, home-made architectural mini-feast that one is empowered to doctor up anyhow and anytime. I still hope to live like this someday… I’m envious but also inspired.
How I wanted to be part of a such a cute couple when I was younger! How gratifying to live right smack inside one’s own, scrumptious, home-made architectural mini-feast that one is empowered to doctor up anyhow and anytime. I still hope to live like this someday… I’m envious but also inspired.
The house looks like it came out of the Hobbit.
Benjamin Koshkin
The house looks like it came out of the Hobbit.
Benjamin Koshkin
hi
I live in Costa Rica and have a lot that is pefect
for your idea.And I am verry series . The website
helps but maybe some more help would be helpfull.
than you in addvance…..good idea
Kosta
hi
I live in Costa Rica and have a lot that is pefect
for your idea.And I am verry series . The website
helps but maybe some more help would be helpfull.
than you in addvance…..good idea
Kosta
In the county where we reside, it would take yrs for the planning commission to approve such construction. And the cost of engining would be astronomical. Therefore, must be done without authorization, under the cover of darkness and far away from nosey neighbors.
However, with the controlled demolition of the world's economy taking place our county officials are now far and few between, but must respond to any complaints received by "concerned neighbors".
I just hope there are none of those in the neighborhood we relocate to ^_^
Travis go to Idaho, Wyoming or Montana if you like the northern states. There are still ways you can live free if you read between the lines. Read the works of Ragnar Benson. Buy 40 acres with state land, federal land and timber land surrounding your piece. Punch in a road, sink a well and build according to what works for you. Take folks with you that know the trades. Do not apply for permits or ask some bureaucrat permission to improve your land as you see fit. If you want to live free often you must resort to tactics of an outlaw. Jesus was a revolutionary and a carpenter. The Earth knows how things went for Him. Live free or die standing up.
Live free standing, or be a slave on your knees.
In the county where we reside, it would take yrs for the planning commission to approve such construction. And the cost of engining would be astronomical. Therefore, must be done without authorization, under the cover of darkness and far away from nosey neighbors.
However, with the controlled demolition of the world's economy taking place our county officials are now far and few between, but must respond to any complaints received by "concerned neighbors".
I just hope there are none of those in the neighborhood we relocate to ^_^
I own my land free and clear. My land is Allodial. I own it superior to all others. The state does not own my land. The County does not own my land. The federal Government does not own my land. Therefore, I have no hesitation to build a Hobbit House. I ask no one for permission and I grant NO ONE REPRESENTATIVE of a Collective the rights of passage on to my land! There is no compelling state interest as my land is NOT PUBLIC LAND, and my safety is of no concern of the COLLECTIVE.
I like your words dear fellow. I should like to post them on a sign outside of my own parcel of land on a large sign.
Your land may not be public land and safety not the concern of the collective,but your impact on your neighbours and the environment is.
How can I achieve all of what you have, with the Allodial thing happening?
Jason, you must first understand why the state presumes jurisdiction over your body. There is a very enlightening “book” that will get you on the right track. Do a search for “the red amendment” by Bork. Happy hunting.
It really is very simple to own yourself…Either continue living under the government as you know it as a slave or live free above the government and uner God at: http://dev.republicoftheunitedstates.org/
Kudos. It is too bad that more people do not understand the hidden parts and past of our legal system, and how to remove the states jurisdiction from their body and their property. It is mighty nice not to have to pay property taxes
NETYN I admire you for living as you choose as opposed to living according to the State. I heard of the Allodial Title back around 1995 when the Patriot Movement was big news. Nevada is a righteous state to lose yourself and your land legally and still LIVE FREE. There’s also a US Territory or two that compared to America makes an IDEAL home base and perhaps most importantly free men may possess arms, powder and ball.
Right, except that when you do hurt yourself or get too old to do it all, who is going to have to support you then?
I own my land free and clear. My land is Allodial. I own it superior to all others. The state does not own my land. The County does not own my land. The federal Government does not own my land. Therefore, I have no hesitation to build a Hobbit House. I ask no one for permission and I grant NO ONE REPRESENTATIVE of a Collective the rights of passage on to my land! There is no compelling state interest as my land is NOT PUBLIC LAND, and my safety is of no concern of the COLLECTIVE.
That’s nice, sir.
*draws gun*
Now, we’re going to have to ask you to leave. You have violated zoning laws, and have been ordered to leave this house. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way.
*shoots you*
I wish you hadn’t resisted, citizen. The law is the law.
This is why there are no Hobbits left.
i wonder if there are people considering or already doing this in oregon, usa. the landscape and natural resources seem very similar, and many people here seem into farming/gardening and eco friendly things…
HAHA. You must not live in Oregon if you think it would be possible to do it here. The land might be perfect, but the draconian government here is so overly concerned for your “welfare” that they would never approve such a structure to live in. No doubt you would be fined heftily if you tried to do it in snyway.
Couldn´t be written any kind of better. Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about that. I can forward that article to him. Very sure he can possess a nice read. Thanks for sharing!
What an incredible house! You’ve done an amazing job and definitely built a legacy for you children.
Well done!
These little cute thing they’ve built is really great! Amazing I would say. Problem is they won’t let you built that kind of stuff in populated areas, I am sure. It won’t “fit” withing the general architecture of the city/village or I don’t know what – but I am sure “they” won’t authorize it.
I’d love to have one cute cottage like that somewhere in the country side, just to “recharge batteries” from time to time , you know …
http://goo.gl/cL4S5
I would love to live there! Having said that, where in the devoloped world including Wales can you build a residence without approved plans and a building permit from the local municipality ( which is where exactly )?
This structure would need to seriously bend a large number of Building Code items to pass here in Ontario, Canada.
I still like it however….
So beautiful!
Hello there. I enjoyed looking at the images of this gouse, but where is the bathromm. are there any images of that and where it is in relation to the rest of the house?
Thanks
Stef
This house is so cool. It looks like a hobit house. I want one.
so do I, I wonder how it would stand up in the tropics (COsta Rica) my biggest concern is lets say, I prefer to let bugs, ants, spiders, etc in habit any place else except where i live…. but im looking for alternate forms and cheaper forms of housing
I love your way of thinking and would be interested in trying your concept of a living house here in Hawaii. Please keep in touch.
Cheers,
Chris
Want to make mine
Having lived in the UK for a time I never would have thought that you could live the way you are without cutting through masses of red tape, building up a huge file of ‘consents’ and jumping through lots of council hoops. You’ve given your young family a wonderful gift – good luck to you all!
WOW Simon this is simply outstanding…… Stuff of fairy tales.
You have not just created a beutiful home, You have inspired many people to give this or something similar a go…….. Thank you for giving us this gift in such difficult times.
May You and your family be blessed. THANK YOU,
wow…. i thought living ina teepee would be great… just imagine if we could build this type of dwelling, there would be less homeless, we would have more money (no morgage), the banks wouldnt be able to control us as people, laws laws and more regulations.. wot we sacrifice for safety.. morgage, rates and time away from family cause you have to work 1 or 2 jobs.. enjoy your home…but i want one of those…
Beautiful, I dream of building something like this someday. What a magical place for your children to grow up in
There is a country that chops up all its plastic waste with concrete and uses it to build houses. Why can’t we do something similar in Australia? Too many regulations. In USA someone built his house out of used tyres.
This is fabulously fabulous! I would build one.