Ep 1. Bamboo House
- TVG
- October 2, 2019
- 40 min
In the season 8 premiere of Building Off the Grid, we are taken to the beautiful island of Maui where a couple is attempting to create their dream home out of bamboo. Building a home out of bamboo may sound crazy, but for Nikki and Mitchell, it's the perfect way to live a sustainable lifestyle and be fully immersed in nature. The couple's ultimate goal is to create a home that is self-sufficient, with power and water running completely off the grid.
The episode starts by introducing us to Nikki and Mitchell's unique vision for their bamboo home. They believe that this type of construction will allow them to live a more organic and holistic lifestyle where they can live and work in harmony with nature. The couple has already begun the build process and we see them selecting specific types of bamboo that will be used as the main building material for their home.
As we watch the construction process unfold, we learn that unlike traditional homes, building a bamboo home requires a lot of attention to the details of the building process. Every single piece of bamboo has to be selected and cut with precision to ensure that it will fit perfectly in the structure. We see the couple working together to design and construct their home, including crafting bespoke furniture from the same bamboo that they used to build walls and floors.
One of the unique challenges that Nikki and Mitchell face is that they need to construct their foundation out of bamboo as well. This requires them to use a specific type of bamboo that is strong enough to hold the entire house up. To make things even more complicated, they have to create concrete footings that are deep (and secure) enough to support the weight of the bamboo structure.
Another challenge that they face is that all of their plumbing and electrical work has to be hidden within the bamboo walls. This means that they have to think through every decision carefully to make sure that all of their wiring and piping is in the right place. The couple has to strategically select where each pipe or wire will go as adding them after the fact would be impossible with the bamboo walls.
As Nikki and Mitchell continue to progress with their bamboo home build, we see them encounter different obstacles and challenges, like a tough supply chain and the harsh elements of living on an island. Despite these hurdles, the couple remains optimistic and dedicated to creating their dream home in the lush jungle of Maui.
As the episode comes to a close, we see the completed bamboo house, and it's stunning. It's unique, beautiful, and blends seamlessly with the lush jungle surrounding it. Seeing the end result of Nikki and Mitchell's hard work is truly inspiring, and we can't help but feel impressed by the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating this eco-friendly and sustainable home. The home is not only a testament to the couple's vision but also a reminder of the power of nature and the beauty that can be created when we work with it, rather than against it.
The first episode of Building Off the Grid season 8, Bamboo House, is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainable living, architecture, and design. Not only is it educational, but it's also inspiring to see how Nikki and Mitchell were able to create their dream home using unconventional materials. We can't wait to see what other unique and impressive builds are showcased in the rest of the season.