Homestead Green Building: Final Thoughts and Wrapping Up

Well, we have come to the end of this journey.  By now, you should have some great ideas and creativity rolling around in your mind.  As I've stated since the very first post in this series, I am no expert.  I am simply one person who wants to go off grid.  I want a simple and rewarding life for myself and my son; a life that is healthy both for us and for our planet.  Hard work?  Definitely.  Worth it?  Unquestionably.  These posts over the last several months have been my way of sharing some research that I have done.  I started out knowing absolutely nothing about going off grid.  So I decided to write this series for other people who also want that life, but, like me, don't know where to start.  I hope that, even with my lack of expertise and experience, I may have been able to give you some basic ideas for where to start on your search for knowledge, and to guide you in the right direction.

So we started out by looking at different options for temporary housing.  Some were rather inexpensive, while others cost a bit more.  Most of them would also work well for for a permanent home, especially if you are looking for a small home.  At that point, honestly, most of your work is done.  I included these posts as temporary because of my personal situation, and the thought that there might be others out there like me.  I will be relocating from central Florida to the heart of the Colorado Rockies.  So I will need a place for us to live while we are building our ultimate off grid homestead.  If you are going some distance away from where you currently are, you will more than likely need some place to stay temporarily while you build.  Of course, there is always the option to rent.  This just isn't very likely for me due to my fur babies.  Many places are reluctant to rent to people with animals.

After temporary housing, we looked into different ideas for alternative energy.  From solar and wind, to plants and passive solar, the options are as varied as you can imagine.  There are many other options out there, and new technology always coming out.  What I listed throughout those posts were only a starting place.  Keep your eyes open for more alternatives.  They are inevitably coming.

From there, we moved on to natural ideas for permanent housing.  From using the dirt of the earth herself, to using a variety of natural materials, there are absolutely beautiful ways to live in and with nature.  It can be as natural as you want it to be.  Roofing, foundations, insulation, and interiors followed, also with options to be as natural as you'd like.  The tendency here is that the more natural the building, the less expensive it will be to build.  This is not always the case.  But it is quite common.  And the more hard work you are willing to put into your homestead yourself, the more rewarding the final outcome will be.  At least, that's my personal opinion.

For some final thoughts, all I'm going to say is to do your due diligence when it comes to scoping out potential properties.  Now, this goes for everything from the makeup of the land, itself, to the codes and laws in the area.  For example, the area where I am looking to obtain property, I have two main things that I must definitely keep in mind.  First of all, the Rocky Mountains, specifically in Colorado,  are known to be rich in granite.  I need to make sure that it's not going to be impossible for me to dig and build without the extreme expense of some major drilling equipment.  Also, within the county that I'm focused on, there are some pretty strict rules and codes for building.  They want to ensure that the natural beauty of the mountains is not going to be disrupted by some kind of monstrosity.  In my case, that also means detailed plans, including an environmental impact report on any home built within the county.  I don't foresee a problem there, as I am planning on being as all natural and off grid as possible.  But I tell you this because you never know what you are going to run into when you go to build your homestead.  Also, remember that there are some areas where the codes have not caught up to the idea of natural building (which is odd considering that natural building has been around for much much longer than any building codes).  Know what you are talking about.  From experts I've read, in many areas which may or may not have specific codes for this type of building, the more you know, and the more you are patient and willing to have an open dialog with code enforcement and other officials, the more likely you are to come out with everybody happy in the end.

Above all, no matter what you do, stay positive, hopeful, optimistic, flexible, and creative.  No matter what comes your way, stay focused on the final result.  Through all the struggles, all the sore and aching muscles, through whatever else you may encounter along the way, you are working for your dream.  That's what matters.  Make it you.  From the ground up, in all the little details, make it you.  So I wrap up this series and leave you with some links to things from all aspects that have popped up throughout the course of this series.  There are crazy home ideas and all sorts of information here.  I truly hope that you are able to build your dream and enjoy it.  Maybe I'll see you out there some where.

http://laughingsquid.com/magic-mushroom-house-built-under-the-influence-of-hallucinogenic-drugs/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2513154/Farmer-builds-house-just-150-using-materials-skips--current-tenant-pays-rent-MILK.html

http://www.viralforest.com/pallet-house/

http://homestead-and-survival.com/how-to-build-a-cabin-in-a-weekend-for-under-5000/

http://thesurvivalmom.com/wildfire-season-harden-home-survive-firestorm/

http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/how-not-to-build-your-own-house-zbcz1312

http://www.offgridquest.com/homes-dwellings/home-stylings/15-ancient-house-designs

http://howtoexitthematrix.com/2015/05/19/first-3d-printing-model-of-vossahedron-home-designed-to-regenerate-your-body/

http://www.mommypage.com/2015/07/after-her-divorce-single-mom-decides-to-build-a-house-from-scratch-wait-until-you-see-what-it-looks-like-now/

https://tacticalwalls.com/

http://www.offgridquest.com/index.php?/homes-dwellings/how-to-build-a-home-essentially-for-free

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/how-to-construct-houses-with-plastic-bottles/

http://www.offgridquest.com/index.php?/homes-dwellings/home-stylings/how-to-build-a-14x14-solar-cabin

http://inhabitat.com/swedens-house-in-a-greenhouse-grows-food-sustainably-with-recycled-wastewater/

http://www.treehugger.com/interior-design/artists-create-house-windows-500.html

http://naturalhomes.org/natural-building-women.htm

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/rangely-log-home-plan/

http://www.offgridquest.com/index.php?/homes-dwellings/how-to-build-a-1000-indestructible-off-g

http://www.offgridquest.com/index.php?/green/dome-house

http://www.naturalbuildingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Solar-Pit-House-PDF.pdf

https://faircompanies.com/articles/dugout-shelters-pit-houses-benefits-of-thermal-inertia/

http://www.biodomes.eu/

Homestead Green Building: Some Fun Extras

So here we are, and we are coming down to the last couple of posts in this series that I started all the way back in April of last year.  We've talked about temporary housing options, alternative energy options, different types of green homes, and a few of the details that go along with all of that.  This week, I want to talk about some fun extras that you might have thought about, but maybe just didn't know if it's possible.  Now, if you are wanting to be strictly simple, basic, off-the-grid, this may not apply to you and what you are wanting.  But I want to include this post because I think a lot of times, we tend to think that being off grid means primitive and basic.  And I think that idea turns a lot of people off.  There are some things that, while I desperately want a small to non-existent carbon footprint, and I want to live in harmony with nature as much as I possibly can, there are some things that come with typical modern life that I just simply don't want to give up.  And therein lies this post.  See, there are ways of having some "luxuries" and still be green and happy and deeply connected to the earth.  It doesn't have to be all or nothing.  This is by no means an exhaustive list. In fact, there are really only a couple of things I'm going to talk about.  But maybe it can be a good starting point to get your mind going in new directions, and finding ways to incorporate some things that don't seem like they would work with homesteading, but actually will.

First and foremost in my mind is a swimming pool.  I'm not a big fan of exercise, but I LOVE to swim!  My son is the same way.  Having lived in Florida, we've gotten used to having a pool that we can go out and use for a good majority of the year.  It just doesn't get cold enough for long enough down here to really have much of a chance to miss it.  Now, we are wanting to relocate and build our homestead in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.  We will be high enough up in elevation that the warmest temperatures in the area in the middle of summer average right around 80 degrees.  But the summer doesn't last long, and most of the year might be a little cool for an average pool.  So what is an avid swimmer to do?  Our plan involves building an indoor, heated, natural pool.  It can be done, and it can be done inexpensively and naturally.  How?  Well, our home is going to be based around the concept of an earthship.  There will be plenty of space in the front of the home where sunlight will naturally and abundantly flow in.  There are also going to be a lot of plants growing in the part of the house.  Here's where you can get creative and start integrating several different things we've already talked about.  Here's what I'm hoping to do.  So start by digging the pool.  Build the pool walls with earthbags, and cover with cob and tadelakt for a waterproof seal.  Around the edges of the pool, there will be plants- some water plants, and some not.  The water plants, built into an outer area around the pool walls, will provide a natural filtration system for the pool.  The beauty of this, is that those same plants that clean the pool water can also be doubly used for energy generating purposes like we looked at here.  The natural movement of the water through the system can also be harnessed for additional hydro energy.  The heating of the water can be accomplished in two ways.  First off, a series of radiant heating can be built into place beneath the pool floor, thus heating the water from below.  At the same time, because the pool will be in what is essentially a greenhouse, the radiant heat coming in from the sun will additionally warm the water from above.  I'm even trying to figure out if an aquaponics system can be incorporated, as well, with the fish having their own separate swimming area.  Not too shabby, I don't think.  Now, as I've not come across anyone else having done anything quite like this, I don't know for certain how well it will work.  But I'm hoping for the best, and always on the lookout for more information that can be integrated.  But this is what I mean when I talk about expanding your thinking and finding a way to make things work.  In the end, the details may be worked out differently.  But the overall objective is the same.

There are also other inexpensive ways to building yourself a pool.  If you don't mind going the winter without, or are building in a climate where an outdoor pool is a possibility, the options are abundant.  Build a frame from straw bales, pallets/reclaimed wood, or anything else your heart desires.  Line it with cob/tadelakt, tile, or plastic sheeting or concrete if you don't mind a little "not-so-green" building ideas.  And a natural pool where plants do the filtration is something that can be accomplished just about anywhere.

Now how about a great outdoor living area?  You know, with a fully functioning kitchen.  The kind where you can spend those wonderful summer days outdoors relaxing.  It really is a simple enough idea, and I can't really imagine anyone not wanting this kind of a space in their home.  Instead of a gas or charcoal grill, build a really awesome cob oven.  Let me tell you, if you've never had fresh bread or even pizza from a cob oven, you are missing something truly special.  You can build the whole area in such a way that you could cook an entire meal outside.  Maybe a solar oven, a rotisserie pit, or even a personal smoke house.  You could even include one of those ground fridges that I mentioned in this post to keep stuff cool that should be kept cool.  All these options are fun, easy, natural, and don't require any electricity.  You could even build yourself an incredible outdoor shower if you want.

Ok, so maybe on the not so much fun scale, but more of the "may become necessary" scale, what about a hidden area in your home?  Anything from hidden storage for guns and such, to a storm shelter or even an all out panic room.  Finding ways of hiding this area can get back to the fun side of things, but the area itself might actually be necessary.  And again, relatively simple to do.  As you are the designer and builder of your own homestead, you can add whatever you want, and make these areas as small and purposeful, or even as big and extravagant as you want.  And only those people who help you build (and whoever you feel the urge to tell) will know.

Something else that I know I have to consider is connection to the internet.  For both myself and my son, it's an important part of our lives.  My business is all done online, and my son does virtual schooling.  We simply cannot, at least for a while, go without the internet.  But there are ways to do this, even if you live out in the middle of the mountains, or anywhere else away from civilization where a "normal" connection may not be reliable.  Check out here and here for ideas on that.

Like I said before, I know that this isn't anywhere near an extensive or exhaustive list.  But I want you to start thinking a bit out there.  I truly believe that anything you want can be accomplished, even if no one has ever done anything like it before.  Think of the things you want for fun, things that are important to you, things that you just simply don't want to give up.  Find a way to make them happen.  Find a way to do it where it still fits into your ideal of a green, off-grid lifestyle, in whatever way that means to you.  There really are no limits to what you can do.

http://www.offgridquest.com/678?start=3

http://www.higherperspectives.com/this-guy-took-9-pallets-and-turned-them-into-something-everyone-is-jea-1406179684.html

http://www.homemadehomeideas.com/how-to-build-a-natural-swimming-pool/

http://www.clear-water-revival.com/biofiltration-technology/

http://www.offgridquest.com/homes-dwellings/building-methods/how-to-build-a-smoke

http://www.offgridquest.com/diy/how-to-build-a-root-cellar

http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/home/how-to-make-a-solar-still-ze0z1209zsch

http://www.instructables.com/id/Large-Rotisserie-Pit-BBQ/

http://homestead-and-survival.com/21-practical-ways-to-use-gabions-on-the-homestead/

http://www.offgridquest.com/index.php?/diy/hidden-room-ideas-for-your-home

Homestead Green Building: Greenhouses

First of all, I'd like to take a moment to apologize for not posting last week.  My allergies had decided to lay me out pretty good for several days.  But I'm back now, and ready to go.  So let's talk greenhouses.

One of the most obvious things you are going to have to include if you are truly going to have your own homestead is a garden in some form or other.  That garden can take on any number of forms.  It can be something tiny for just yourself.  It can be several acres to feed a large group, and even potentially sell at the local Farmers' Market for a little bit of extra income.  It can be traditional, hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic.  But the most important thing of all is to make sure to plant according to your climate.  Unless, of course, you want to include a greenhouse.  Your greenhouse can be every bit as creative and unique as your house, itself.  You can even have it as part of your house.  Think of an old fashioned Victorian observatory.  Some of the first images that pop into my head when I think of this type of greenhouse are from movies like "Practical Magic", "The Addams Family" or the 1999 remake of "The Haunting".  That observatory was absolutely stunning!

I'm not going to go into a big post on what to grow, or different types of gardens and gardening.  I just wanted to cover some of the different types of greenhouses that you could very easily include into the overall design of your homestead.  There are many different types.  I've already mentioned the Victorian type.  That is one that would be built right onto the house.  In addition to the Victorian, there are also other ways for a greenhouse to be incorporated into the actual house.  For example, if you were to decide to build an earthship or something similar, the greenhouse is built right onto the front of the house, generally stretching the entire length of the home.  There are also newer ideas where people are taking a normal, average house, and then enclosing the entire structure inside one big, massive greenhouse.

There are also the traditional stand alone types of greenhouses.  These are the ones that can be something as simple as a frame of pvc pipes with plastic draped around the posts.  Or, have you ever thought about building a greenhouse from recycled bottles?  There are plans out there that tell you how to do just that.  If you are looking for a way to save money on your build, and aesethetics are not your major concern, this could be a great little option.  Then, of course, you could always add windows to the list of things to hunt for when scavenging the landfill or construction sites, and use those to build your greenhouse.

The final option I'd like to throw out there is the idea of a walipini, or an underground greenhouse.  The idea here is that an area is dug out that goes below the frost line.  The walls of the area are the earth, herself.  Then you simply place a type of plastic sheating over the roof area.  This will allow the ease of growing yearround.

As you can see, there are many options to think about when pondering a greenhouse.  It can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish.  Be sure to consider all of your options.  And whatever you do, don't forget to think about any furr babies you may have.  There are many plants that are toxic to our four-legged friends.  For me personally, I plant to have an attached greenhouse in the idea of an earthship.  But I also plan to have a spearate walipini where I will grow those things that could hurt my babies.  Things like onions, garlic, tomoatoes, potatoes, eggplant, etc.  Otherwise, use your imagination and make it whimsical.

http://wisemindhealthybody.com/ad1/how-to-build-a-50-greenhouse/

https://astriddegroot.wordpress.com/2011/01/16/dome-greenhouse/

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/build-plastic-bottle-greenhouse/

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/10-easy-diy-free-greenhouse-plans/

http://ourfairfieldhomeandgarden.com/building-a-repurposed-windows-greenhouse/

https://www.niftyhomestead.com/blog/underground-greenhouse/

http://home.howstuffworks.com/lawn-garden/professional-landscaping/alternative-methods/greenhouse3.htm

https://www.niftyhomestead.com/blog/underground-greenhouse/

http://northernhomestead.com/how-to-build-a-geodome-greenhouse/

http://yourhouseandgarden.com/15-cheap-easy-diy-greenhouse-projects/

http://www.inspiredhomeideas.com/whats-happened-to-conservatories-in-2016/

http://biodomesystems.com/

http://undergroundaquaponics.blogspot.com/