Our dream home has lived on paper and in inspired imagination for years. The two of us have spent hours and hours discussing the details, drawing out designs, erasing, and re-arranging. And now, after eight years of dreaming and two years of land preparation, we are breaking ground and planting the pillars of what is to come.
A simple two room house made of wood, cob, and a few modern building materials is all we desire. One day we will create rounded earthern home but for now we need a shelter that is both efficient and ecological.
Before the building of the above design can begin we needed to start a sort of utility building where the water, tools, and electrical (solar) system will be stored. Despite the utilitarian design of this water tower tool shed it is exciting to see and be part of this building's progress. And after the slow haul of moving rocks and leveling the sight which took months it is really exhilarating to see the work of carpentry which is so much faster than earth works.
Although I am always involved in the processes of this project the true leader when building is concerned in my partner Jona. He is the definition of a handy man, spending late nights calculating and drawing out the plans and long hours sawing and nailing. As a clumsy person who is uneasy with heights help out by painting, passing tools, and providing sustenance for these work sessions.
As we chip away at the building of the tool shed/water tower we are also prepping the site right beside it for the two room home. Even despite months of preparation there are still plenty of rocks to remove and all of the wood to prep for the frame. When we sit down (often with a cat or two) to look at the plans it can feel overwhelming. There is so much to do! But, I am reminding us both to enjoy the process and see each and every project as a gift, both to us and from us. This is, after all, where we will live for many years, or even the rest of our lives. Taking the time and putting in the energy necessary to build what we have been dreaming is truly the most important work we are doing at this time!