Many of our readers long for building a home on their own land, but the high cost of land often makes the dream impossible. One option is to seek out remote rural land. This is not workable for everybody, that’s for sure. The conditions can be harsh, and I’m not going to give anyone the impression that this route will be easy. I’m just saying its one option to look into if you’re serious about going off-grid. There are remote places in NM, for instance, (and other western states) where land is very inexpensive. You might be able to buy a small lot for $2,000-$5,000.
DIY
Homemade Earthen/Cob Floor Video
Visit MyLittleHomestead.com MyLittleHomstead.com YouTube channel Related: Eleven Earth Floor Methods
Bamboo/Earthbag School in Mozambique
“19 architect students, 5 weeks in Southern Africa, a school building in 12 days
Students from the Bergen School of Architecture in Norway have built a school building in a Mozambique village using sand bags, bottles and grass. The building consists of an enclosed room for computers and a more flexible space with grass doors for English lessons, divided by a large sliding door. A reinforced-concrete frame was filled in with sand bags and glass bottles were embedded in one wall.”
Create a Mini Oasis in Your Backyard
While we’re imagining Constructed Wetlands (yesterday’s blog post), let’s consider how to build a mini-oasis around our homes. What features would you include?
Constructed Wetlands
Many natural builders are moving to rural areas to escape the hustle, bustle, pollution, high costs and, of course, oppressive building codes. Sometimes the areas they move to are very arid. Constructing man-made wetlands can greatly improve the environment around the home as evidenced by the accompanying photos. With a bit of time, effort and research, you could create a mini oasis that cools your home, supplies healthy food, and adds colorful and scented flowers that attracts wildlife such as birds and butterflies. And who wouldn’t want a cool, beautiful, relaxing place to hang out when temperatures are sweltering?
Beat the Heat with Water Misters
“Evaporative Water Misting is proven to reduce temperatures up to 25 Degrees Cooler!!!
– Water misting is proven to repel mosquitoes and air born pests
– Pump systems connect to any 12-volt power source or generator
– Generators use a Red & Black output these are a 12-volt power source