Ep 3. Floating Castle

Building Off the Grid is an inspiring show that follows real-life builders who challenge themselves to design and construct one-of-a-kind, remote homes entirely off-the-grid. In season 8, episode 3, entitled Floating Castle, we meet a couple, Chris and Caitlin, who are set to build their dream home on a lake in northern Minnesota.

The couple has a unique vision for their home that they call “The Floating Castle.” It’s a two-story, 20x20-foot structure that’s set on a pontoon-based foundation. The design features soaring cathedral ceilings, salvaged windows and doors, and custom woodwork.

But the location presents some significant challenges that the team must overcome. They only have a short period during the winter to build the foundation on the partially frozen lake. The cold and snow slow down construction and make it more challenging for the builders to keep up with the schedule.

To build the home, the team must first construct a foundation of sorts by wiring together pontoons that will be filled with cement. The cement-filled pontoons will support the weight of the building and provide the structure with buoyancy. Once the pontoons are assembled, Chris and Caitlin can begin to build the framing of the home.

The couple plans to make the most of their beautiful surroundings and live off-the-grid as much as possible, using solar panels and propane heating to power their appliances and keep them warm. This means careful planning and design to ensure the home is as energy-efficient as possible.

One of the challenges of building on the water is dealing with the elements - the team encounters a storm that threatens to damage their work. They also must navigate the logistics of transportation. The construction site is not accessible by road, so all the materials must be transported by snowmobiles and sleds, which is no small feat.

Despite the challenges, the team perseveres and successfully completes the home. The Floating Castle is a stunning work of craftsmanship that shows just what can be done with some determination and creativity. It’s a testament to the possibilities of building off-the-grid, even in the most inhospitable environments.

Overall, episode 3 of Building Off the Grid, season 8, delivers an inspiring story of determination and creativity. It shows what’s possible when people dream big and aren't afraid to take on seemingly impossible challenges. So if you’re looking for something inspiring and exciting, tune in to see Chris and Caitlin’s unique design come to life in Floating Castle.