A cost-effective and sustainable option for those looking to build a unique and eco-friendly home. This Lightweight House was entirely Self-Built and made of Yurt Textile and Wood (and is mobile as well)
This house was self built by one person for his family of four, between the trees of an underused garden that was reactivated as shared, productive land.
Is it possible to build your dream home yourself, without compromising on your financial freedom, nor on the natural integrity of the site? The answer shown here lies in techniques that make construction very light, easy and accessible. And at the same time: beautiful and comfortable, all in a spirit of community, resilience and harmony with nature.
This wood-based construction is so light that it doesn't need foundations. In fact, it is entirely dismountable, and assembled with the act of ‘unbuilding’ in mind. After a certain amount of time the structure will be taken apart, reused (or sold) for another project and leave absolutely no trace behind on site. The garden will be given back to nature.
This allows for an alternative approach to the notion of property. Rather than buying a vacant lot and ‘consuming’ it for its domestic needs, the couple partnered with the owners of an existing property (an old farm) in a win-win agreement to help revive the underused garden, restore the adjacent atelier and reconnect with the village. And so was the project founded on solidarity.
It was self-built without any heavy machines, with the help of family and friends. Applying the construction methods and materials commonly used in modern yurt construction: elevated wooden floor, modular structure with natural insulation, textile cover. The structural modules were prefabricated by a local yurt company, following their usual standards - but applying them in a radically new, creative way.
About the relation to the ground:
Below the floor plate there is a 20-30 cm space to the ground, through which air can flow freely. The resting points are adjustable plastic elements that prevent moisture from being transmitted to the wooden structure.
As for how long this house will last, future will tell. But indeed it is not designed to stand for 100 years (quite to the contrary, it could be dismantled and moved every 5+ years)
The house is nearly 3 years old now, and seems to be ageing rather well (after quite a few storms, and even some serious flooding in the area last summer)
About regulations:
Indeed often a sticking point with alternative building, which by essence challenges the norm(s). Those sticking points were transparently acknowledged and discussed with the municipality: no energy certification, no fire truck access, no connection to sewage... Those points were worked out by showing what the project did foresee (such as that simple waste water treatment system, which was examined and deemed fit).
The municipality then granted permission on the grounds of this project being temporary, that it will be dismantled after the 5y term if issues arise, and that it can not be rented out without a specific permit (which guarantees that it stays a non lucrative endeavor)
Unfortunately location info will have to stay private, to guarantee the privacy of all the people involved.
Textile houses, also known as fabric or tent houses, have been used by different cultures throughout history as a form of temporary or permanent shelter.
One of the main advantages of a textile house is its lightweight and flexible nature, which makes it easy to transport and assemble. It also allows for a great deal of ventilation and natural light to enter the structure, which can be beneficial in certain climates. Textile houses can also be made from sustainable materials such as hemp, cotton, or bamboo, which can make them an eco-friendly housing option.
However, textile houses also have some limitations. They may not provide the same level of insulation and protection from the elements as traditional houses made from brick, wood, or concrete. This means that they may not be suitable for extreme weather conditions or areas with high winds, heavy rain, or snow. They may also be more susceptible to damage from pests or wear and tear over time.
Living in a textile house can be an interesting and unique experience, as it provides a connection to nature and a simpler way of living. However, it may not be suitable for everyone's lifestyle or needs, and it is important to carefully consider the advantages and limitations before deciding to build or live in a textile house.
Video production by mindfulbuildingandliving.com/