Family builds their own private ecovillage with free materials
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Published 2024-02-18
The family of four began living in a trailer on the land until they had at a small room ready for a bunkbed and the kids. Each additional room was built as an individual unit so slowly a compound of rooms began to grow. Next came an office for Janine who worked from home in sales. And finally the main room, a near polygon, was finished with 10 foot ceilings, an open kitchen/living room, and a lofted bedroom.
After two wells went dry the family begin living off rainwater. All the rooftops collect rain which is then pumped up the mountain into holding tanks. Cameron laid tubing all the way up to mountainside so that there would be sufficient drop and pressure to power fire sprinklers.
Their daughter dubbed them "Pioneers of the Modern Era" and Cameron laid cable to electrify their home, but they use a very basic composting toilet. Their double barrel system takes about two years to fill up (one side) after which they switch to the other barrel and let the full one sit for two and a half years to remove any pathogens.
Cameron built a solar-powered hot tub out of an industrial mixing bowl and holding tanks across the property for rainwater one of which became a skate park. There is plenty of water for their indoor and outdoor showers and outdoor bathtub, as well as to water their fruit orchard.
Cameron Schiff (furniture, building): [email protected]
On *faircompanies faircompanies.com/videos/family-builds-their-own-pโฆ
All Comments (21)
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๐ Jack of All Trades Genius Award ๐๏ธ Can feel his humility, but see his triumph ๐ Great Father figure and family man ๐ค๐ผ
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A creative guy with an awesome supportive wife. It doesn't get much better than that.๐
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"They don't like you to build like this." This was a treat. Thanks so much.
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Literally every piece of material used in, on and around their home has a story behind it.
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Every man should have the FREEDOM to build his family home how he chooses. He will build safely to protect the ones he loves, affordably with what he can find, timely to support each phase of family growth, and creatively to his heart's desire. Well done Cameron and family, and thanks for giving us the full tour Kirsten and family!
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Their tenaciousness, creativity and humility is awe-inspiring, what a wonderful couple Cameron and Janeen are. Thank you Dirksen family for taking us with you, it's such a privilege for all of us.
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Iโm in awe of this family, their creativity, their tenacity, their strength and endurance and so much more. What a way to spend time on planet earth. Simply awesome ๐
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He's a genius 15 years to build his dream. This family is lucky to be in their own space and away from all the city crazies.
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My respect for Cameron building everything with every material, just a Genius... and for Janeen and the family to support and help in the slightly long process. ๐
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Iโm glad they persisted despite being โreportedโ and that their work was of such quality that they did not have to make any changes. Bravo
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Un Frigging Believable!! ๐ People are incredibly creative sometimes. Its wonderful to see
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This is so inspiring. As a trained architect i have always been such a perfectionist- to the point that i have never built my own house (at my age I probably will never happen). Twenty six years later, this couple have their own version of a mixed family quilt in the form of a home. Such great memories shared in this tour. Bravo
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First off.... the view from when you drive in is amazing! Built from salvaged material...... I dig this place way more than words can ever say! way too cool...
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You're alone on the top of a mountain practically on 40 acres and you STILL have nosey neighbors ratting you out! Go figure! This place is awesome! And so are these lovely people! Two peas in a pod!
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One man's trash is another man's treasure. Even their own 20-year-old trailer becomes a roof/water containment system !! What a cool couple. Love this episode.
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As a dedicated DIYer who knows the frustration of figuring out new things, I would love to hear about the struggle of what taking on a project like that is, like how much stress did they endure to make the dream reality, it looks easy when he calmly shows it to us but I bet there is some real blood sweat and tears there!!
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Its amazing how we are told how wasteful we are, but at the same time they make it hard to build this way. In my state they will bury unused material on site. What a waste that is. My home has recycled stuff, but i had to stay below 200 square feet to stay out of regulations. A large wrap around porch is a blessing in my climate that extends my living space. What a wonderful home you have created together. Your kids gained knowledge that most do not get. Thanks for showing us.
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Kristen's YouTube content is never disappointing. ๐
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Easily a top 3 project on this channel. Simply amazing โค Why can't I be this handy and resourceful.
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"Design After Resources." Yep, that's how I live too. Thank you for putting a name to it.
