Ep 5. Desert Mountain House

In Building Off the Grid season 5 episode 5, viewers are taken to New Mexico to witness the construction of an off-grid mountain retreat built into the side of a cliff. The home will be designed to blend into the rugged landscape and provide the owners with the privacy and seclusion they desire.

The episode follows builder Wade, who will be leading the project, as he works closely with the homeowners to ensure that their dream home becomes a reality. The structure will be built using natural materials found on-site, such as adobe and large boulders.

To build the foundation of the home, the team must first dig into the side of the cliff to create a level surface. They use heavy machinery to remove the rocky terrain and create a flat area for the house’s foundation. Once the foundation is complete, they begin building the walls of the home using adobe and stacked stone. The walls will be made extra thick to help insulate the home from the extreme desert temperatures.

As the construction process continues, the team encounters challenges unique to this type of build. One of the main issues is water. The location of the house makes it difficult to access a reliable source of water, so the team must get creative. They decide to build a cistern to collect and store rainwater, which will be used for everything from washing dishes to bathing.

Another challenge is the limited access to the build site. The team must use a narrow dirt road to get to the location, which can be difficult and dangerous with heavy machinery. The builders must be careful not to damage the surrounding landscape or disturb the native wildlife.

Despite these challenges, the team perseveres, and the result is a stunning off-grid home that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The house is completely self-sufficient, relying on solar panels and backup generators for power. The final result is a home that is not just unique and beautiful, but also completely sustainable.

Overall, Building Off the Grid season 5 episode 5 is an exciting look at the challenges and rewards of building in a remote location. The combination of natural materials and innovative construction techniques make for a one-of-a-kind retreat that any nature lover would be proud to call home.