By making a building mostly solo, I hope to demonstrate that most anyone can make shelter in a way that fulfills their soul, makes their body strong, exists in harmony with nature, and does not require mortgage payments for decades of their life.
General
Amish Enterprise Book
Maybe we can learn something from the Amish. Amish businesses on average are 95% successful, while US businesses in general have an 85% failure rate. The Amish seem to understand the difference between practical knowledge and academic knowledge. Even though the Amish go against almost all conventional business advice (no computer skills, no degrees or advanced business marketing plans, etc.), their success speaks for itself.
A year off grid in my cordwood roundhouse
Cordwood roundhouse home tour after living in it for about a year. Cost: 4,000 British pounds ($5,590). It look about six months work to build. Features include micro hydro power, gravity fed water, wood stove, loft and living roof.
Permanent Water Rationing is Coming to California
Have you experienced water faucets that spray tiny jets of water onto your hands? You know, those eight tiny jets of water that makes rinsing the soap off nearly impossible? You can find these water faucets in airports and other public places, where they constitute a minor annoyance. But wait. Thanks to California’s state legislature, they’re on their way into your home.
My Cheap $250 Apartment in Chiang Mai Thailand
These Dcondos are not only cheap to rent but come fully furnished and move in ready. Includes, pool, gym, washing machine inside the unit…how can you beat that. It’s a great place to live or stay short term. If you are coming to visit, you can also look up the very similar Dcondo nim which is next door to this complex.
On the Road: Live from Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a popular tourist destination. At restaurants it’s common to hear conversations in multiple languages. The international flair of Vientiane in part comes from old French colonial architecture found throughout the city. I’ve chosen Vientiane as the starting point of my latest road trip in search of natural building and sustainable farming projects.