Ep 8. Vermont Timber Frame House

Building Off the Grid is a popular television show that showcases different kinds of people as they strive to create their own customized homes without any modern-day luxuries. The show chronicles the trials and tribulations that come with building a house in the wild and provides an all-new perspective to the audience.

The latest episode in Building Off the Grid Season 11 is named Vermont Timber Frame House and features a couple, Austin and Jamie, who decide to build their own home using only the natural elements of their 20-acre forested land in West Rutland, Vermont. The couple is inspired by the Vermont farming culture and the traditional New England style of houses.

To build their dream home, Austin and Jamie brought in the help of architect and timber frame specialist, Matt Honsinger, and his team. Since the couple had a tight budget of $150,000, they decided to use all-natural timber from the nearby forests, including hemlock, oak, and ash. Even the concrete for the foundation is made from the local quarry and river.

The episode showcases different stages of the arduous process, starting from felling trees to cutting them down into logs to making the actual timber frames. Matt and his team conduct the entire process in the woods, which is nothing short of a physical challenge. They have to build the frames on-site since it is impossible to move large timber frames to the actual building site. The team takes their time to make every joint, lock, and peg by hand and ensure that the house remains sturdy and lasts for generations to come.

The Vermont Timber Frame House episode also highlights the importance of being eco-friendly and sustainable. Austin and Jamie have taken measures to ensure their home is carbon-neutral and does not harm the surrounding nature. For instance, they used wool insulation instead of traditional fiberglass insulation to prevent any air leaks and keep the home at an even temperature. They also used a compact and efficient wood stove for heating purposes instead of a conventional oil or gas heating system.

Furthermore, the couple took care to incorporate as much natural light as possible by installing large windows throughout the house, which not only brightens the interior but also lets in stunning views of the surrounding forest. Additionally, the couple planted a cover crop to prevent soil erosion and installed rainwater harvesting systems to collect water for daily use.

Building Off the Grid Season 11 Episode 8 also provides a sneak peek into the final reveal of the completed house. The couple is ecstatic to see their hard work pay off and thrilled with how their custom home has turned out, right down to the smallest of details. The home is a testament to the patience, determination, and perseverance that come with building a sustainable, naturalistic home in the wild.

In conclusion, Vermont Timber Frame House is a must-watch episode for anyone interested in sustainable, off-the-grid living as it inspires and educates the audience on living in harmony with nature while still having all the comforts of home. The episode showcases the beauty of Vermont's rural landscape and the timeless charm of old-school timber frame homes.