Ep 6. Country River Cabin

In this episode of Building Off the Grid, titled Country River Cabin, viewers are taken on a journey into the wilderness of Montana, where a young family is embarking on a dream project to build a rustic cabin on the banks of the Ruby River. The couple, eager to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature, have chosen to build a cabin that is entirely off the grid, relying solely on solar panels for power, a composting toilet, and a rainwater filtration system for the supply of water.

The episode opens with the couple, Andy and Kelsey, surveying the picturesque piece of land that they have purchased. The couple has almost no prior experience in building, let alone building off the grid, and thus, the challenge ahead of them is immense. However, through a mix of enthusiasm, hard work, and an admirable amount of research, Andy and Kelsey are determined to overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

One of the most crucial things for any off-grid cabin is the source of power, and Andy and Kelsey knew that solar panels were the way to go. However, they realized that installing the panels themselves could be tricky, especially since they were aiming to maximize the solar power system's efficiency. With the help of solar experts, the couple set up a complex system of solar panels, batteries, and inverters, and finally, they have a working solar-powered cabin.

With power taken care of, the next step was to build the cabin itself. Andy and Kelsey decided to go with a rustic and charming design, using natural materials like wood and stone to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. They opted for a unique, zero-waste building technique called Cob, which involves mixing local clay and straw, creating a material that is both sturdy and excellent for insulation.

The cabin's interior design features furniture and decor made from high-quality, upcycled materials. The couple created their kitchen using reclaimed wood from a dismantled barn, while a vintage claw-foot bathtub was installed in the bathroom. The cabin's cozy living space has a wood-burning stove made from repurposed metal scraps, perfect for keeping warm on chilly Montana nights.

Water is one of the essential elements of any off-grid cabin, and the couple chose to install a rainwater filtration system. The system collects rainwater off the cabin's roof, filters it, and stores it in large tanks for future use. The system is connected to a pump, which delivers the water to the cabin's kitchen and bathroom.

Throughout the episode, Andy and Kelsey face various obstacles, from building up the cabin's foundation to designing their composting toilet and creating their very own garden. However, with each hurdle, they learn and grow, not only in their building skills but also in their ability to work together as a team.

As the episode draws to a close, the newly built cabin stands proudly on the banks of the Ruby River. Andy and Kelsey have successfully built their off-grid dream home, and their passion for living in harmony with nature is clear for all to see. The couple's cabin is not only an achievement in building but also a testament to the beauty and possibilities of living sustainably. With this project complete, the couple's future is bright, and their little slice of heaven in the Montana wilderness now feels like home.