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Friday, November 25, 2011

Update on the 6' by 12' Tiny Solar Cabin/Writer's Retreat....

The "Tough Guy" pose- seconds after the shot I'm smilin' and laughing like a true dork....(photo self-shot- Derek "Deek" Diedricksen"
     'Been bustin' butt to get this little cabin done, and its coming along nicely. Today I focused on attaching a good deal of the cedar trim work, having just roofed this two days back. Basically, aside from interior shelving, an eventual wood stove, and trimming out the (recycled- free!) door and putting in a new lockset, I'm just about done. Just in time too- as the winter weather is just around the corner which leaves me S.O.L. and less productive, as I have no actual woodshop. Ultimately, weather-pending, this little greenhouse/writer's retreat will be stained with a protective coat, and some of the woodwork will be touched up with a new layer of white paint.

The Greenhouse/Cabin before I added the corner trim
Just before attaching the poly roofing sheets
The door, before I trimmed out the gaps, etc- The interior skeletal works....
A homemade window- it was a pane of glass (thick) from a stereo cabinet I found on the side of the road...
The window in the rear is homemade as well, from one sash of a recycled window, and trimmed out with new wood.
Since the greenhouse is so small I wanted the door to swing OUT to save space, and so that any winds blowing against the cabin would actually push the door shut more tightly, and give it a better seal.
Basically, although it will additionally be used as an escape for an author (writer's retreat) this little structure could easily be adapted in use and design towards a little vacation cabin in the woods, or even a tiny home. The design is so simple, and where/when possible uses stock-length lumber so as to minimize cuts and waste. Again, the idea is based off the concept sketches of a tiny shack/entry called "Down At Big Lee's Swamp" in my book "Humble Homes, Simple Shacks" (shown below)....

$11.49 on Amazon.com- the EXPANDED edition (The Lyons Press) of my book....
-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen