Man, building a home close to nature has always been a dream of mine. I finally took the plunge and started this project a few months ago. It’s been quite the journey, let me tell you.
First, I spent weeks looking for the right spot. I wanted to be close to nature, but not completely cut off, you know? After driving around and checking out different areas, I finally found this amazing piece of land surrounded by trees and with a little stream nearby. Perfect!
Next, I needed to figure out what kind of house I wanted. I decided to go with a greenhouse-style home, to really embrace the natural surroundings. This meant a lot of glass, which was a bit tricky, but I was determined.
Challenges Along the Way
There were definitely some challenges. Figuring out the best orientation for the house was tough. I learned that for a regular greenhouse, you want the ridge to run east-west to maximize sun exposure. But since I was using it as a home during spring and summer, I went with a north-south orientation to get more even light on both sides.
Ensuring the site had good drainage was another hurdle. I didn’t want to end up with a swamp in my living room! I made sure the area was graded properly so water would flow away from the house. Then considered the site’s water access to provide my life.
- Choosing the right materials was also crucial. I wanted something durable but also eco-friendly. I ended up using a combination of reclaimed wood and high-quality glass.
- Finding skilled labor was another challenge. Not many people have experience building greenhouse homes, but I eventually found a great team who were just as excited about the project as I was.
- Installing automatic vent openers. It prevents the greenhouse from overheating and uses no electricity. Also, I put pea gravel over the landscape to make it seems great.
Living the Dream
Finally, after months of hard work, the house was ready. Moving in was surreal. Waking up surrounded by nature every day is incredible. I can grow my own fruits and vegetables right here, and it’s amazing to watch the seasons change through the glass walls.
Living in a nature house has been everything I hoped for and more. It’s peaceful, sustainable, and just feels right. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! It’s a lot of work, but totally worth it in the end.
This journey has taught me so much about sustainable living and the importance of being connected to nature. It’s not just a house, it’s a whole new way of life. I still learn a lot of things about how to live better in this way every day, and I will keep updating on my blog about what I learned.
So, that’s my story. Hope it inspires some of you to take a step closer to nature. Trust me, it’s a decision you won’t regret.
