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Is Green Architecture Missing a Footing?

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Why Building Geometry Matters by Allen Dusault “In 1853 a rather eccentric gentleman named Orson Fowler published a book entitled, “The Gravel Wall and Octagon Mode of Building”. The book was a best seller of its day and it spurred a short-lived nationwide fad of building houses (and some barns) in an octagon shape, a … Read more

Best Places to Live with Minimal Building Codes: Small Communities in Decline

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There are many small communities across the country with lenient building codes.
There are many small communities across the country with lenient building codes.

Consider investigating small rural communities with lax building codes for homesteading. Many of these communities are in slow decline and eager for new community members. Keep an eye out for properties for sale and related community information online. Many properties come on the market when seniors pass away and children want to live in big cities. Look for areas with good water and established gardens with good soil.

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Off Grid Outdoor Kitchen Tour

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“The need for an outdoor kitchen became apparent during summer months and the south’s extreme heat. Hours and hours are spent canning the produce that will be the food for our family during the winter. Sorghum will be squeezed and processed into syrup for sugar in this kitchen. Jaimie gives a tour of the homestead outdoor kitchen and shows you how we have been using it since its completion.”

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Jaw-Dropping Traditional Small Japanese Home Renovation

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“Imagine having the opportunity to renovate a wonderfully unique building and turn it into your dream home. When Daigo came across an abandoned small home in rural Japan which previously had been used to grow silk worms, that’s exactly what he did. The home takes full advantage of the original traditional Japanese construction materials, yet is styled with an minimalist, modern edge.”

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Best Places to Live with Minimal Building Codes: Washington County, MO

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Comment from reader: “The county said no problem no building requirements. The environmental health officer in county seat was state inspector. He said no county restrictions but the state says you have to have a septic system – state supersedes county.” “Washington County is located in the eastern portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. … Read more