About 40 years ago, William bought 1.25 acres for $6000 on the Big Island of Hawaii and began growing his own food and building his own shelters. He was inspired to leave his native Wisconsin for a place where it would be easier to live off the land. Today he lives with only solar power … Read more
In Minto, Ontario, Chris Vander Hout and Christine Hoy live with their son on a 20-acre property “in harmony with nature.” The straw bale home features a green roof with drought-resistant vegetation, locally sourced materials, hot water heated by solar energy, a rain-harvesting system, a composting toilet, a central greenhouse, a dug well for their water … Read more
Melote House is a fully off-grid safari lodge in South Africa, where sustainability and ecological sensitivity are at the fore. The curved design follows the contours of the hill it sits in. Everything taken out from the hill was put back in through the rammed earth walls. Green roofs return the land area occupied by … Read more
Architect Janna Lasso Hadweh designed this cabin 24 square meter (259 sf)cabin within Ecuador’s lush Andean region. It is barely visible from the road, blending into its natural surroundings behind a river stone wall and dense vegetation. Its minimalist design, features dark metal, charred wood, and glass. Elevated atop nine metal stilts, the dwelling is … Read more
A 30-foot by 60-foot limestone building in Wisconsin’s unincorporated community of Yellowstone began life as a hostel or hotel. Travelers who were transporting goods in the region would stop, rest, get supplies, water their oxen and horse teams, and be on their way. But some stayed. They built houses, and worked and schooled their children. … Read more
Pam and Dave bought an old disassembled grain silo and converted it into a round tiny house in Canada. They live off-grid in the home using solar power for electricity, a well for water, a composting toilet, and propane for heat and hot water. The home has a small mud room for coats, boots, and … Read more