The idea for this blog post sprang from my discussion with Milton in the comments section of The Woodland House. On a certain level it’s true – most owner-built houses and alternative homes are not built as quickly and as “efficiently” as contractor-built homes. But then again, not everyone wants to live in lifeless tract … Read more
One of our readers – Craig from Maine – suggested this excellent, thought provoking video. Maybe some readers want to incorporate a shipping container in their earthbag home or use one for a shop/toolshed. I’m much more of a carpenter type person than a welder/metal worker and so I don’t cover shipping container homes very … Read more
I was browsing Build it Solar.com, one of my favorite websites, and found the Montague Urban Homestead zero energy home pictured above. I was initially attracted to the home design by its simple lines and potential for do-it-yourself owner-builders (the focus audience of our blog). But then I saw the $180,000 price tag and was … Read more
Reviews at Amazon.com: The quaint wooden house in Prickly Nut Wood is no fairytale concoction – it is an icon of the movement to combine ecology and ethics in design. –The Guardian Ben’s approach to building his house started with the materials. He selected the poles he wanted to build with and designed around them. … Read more
This blog post is a continuation of the last two posts on cruck houses – Cruck Frames and Ben Law’s Woodland Home. It’s helpful seeing beautiful examples of finished homes. Image source: Best Pictures Of.com Image source: Rob Roy Country.com Image source: Carpenter Oak and Woodland Image source: The Cruck Barn Tiny Cruck Earthbag House … Read more
“A cruck frame is one where the structure of the building depends on two or more ‘A-frames’ which go from the top of the building down to the ground. These frames are usually constructed of curved timbers (the cruck blades) using the natural shape of a tree and in many cases the tree is sliced … Read more