Ep 7. Gnome Sweet Home

Building Off the Grid is a reality TV show that follows individuals and families as they strive to create their dream homes in remote and challenging locations, using only natural resources and sustainable materials. In season 1 episode 7, titled "Gnome Sweet Home," viewers follow along as a couple attempts to build their own hobbit-style home in the woods of Vermont.

The couple, Danielle and Brian, are both artists who are passionate about living off the grid and creating a home that is in harmony with nature. They choose a spot on their friend's property to build their home, which is surrounded by towering trees and a babbling brook.

The episode begins with the couple taking measurements and brainstorming ideas for their home. They decide to build a small structure that will resemble a hobbit hole, with a curved roof and a stone facade. They also plan to incorporate a living roof, which will help the home blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.

The first step in the building process is digging the foundation of the home. Since the couple does not have access to heavy machinery, they must do all the digging by hand. This proves to be a time-consuming and challenging task, as they encounter rocks and roots that must be removed.

With the foundation complete, the couple begins building the walls of their home with stone and cob, a mixture of straw, clay, and sand. This process requires a lot of trial and error, as they must find the right balance of materials to create a sturdy and attractive wall.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when the couple builds their living roof. They create a framework of supports and install a waterproof membrane before adding a layer of soil and plants. The living roof provides insulation and helps to regulate the temperature inside the home, as well as providing a unique and attractive feature.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a sense of the creative and resourceful spirit of the couple. They use natural materials found on the property whenever possible, such as rocks and fallen trees. They also repurpose materials salvaged from other construction projects, such as windows and doors.

As the home nears completion, the couple faces some unexpected challenges. A rainstorm causes flooding inside the home and they must quickly install a drainage system to prevent further damage. They also discover a family of mice living inside the home, which prompts them to reexamine their building techniques and make changes to prevent future infestations.

Despite these setbacks, the couple perseveres and completes their dream home. The final result is a charming and unique hobbit-style home that blends seamlessly into the surrounding forest. The home is completely off the grid, with no electricity or water connection, but it is equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.

Overall, "Gnome Sweet Home" is a fascinating and inspiring episode of Building Off the Grid. It showcases the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the couple as they build their dream home from scratch, using only natural resources and sustainable materials. With stunning views of the Vermont woods and a charming hobbit-style home, this episode is sure to delight viewers who are interested in sustainable living and creative building techniques.