Ep 3. Roughing it on the Island

In this episode of Building Alaska, titled "Roughing it on the Island," the three teams of builders continue their journey to construct their dream homes in the remote wilderness of Alaska. The builders are tasked with building their homes on a remote island with no access by road, forcing them to rely on barges and float planes to transport their building materials and tools.

The episode starts with the teams finally arriving at their island sites. The builders immediately face a new set of challenges, including steep cliffs and rocky terrain, which make it difficult to maneuver the heavy building supplies and equipment needed for the construction process.

The first team featured is made up of brothers Steve and Nick. They are building a three-story, timber frame home that will feature a wrap-around deck and large windows that overlook the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Steve and Nick must first clear out the massive amount of overgrown trees on the site, a strenuous task that takes them several days. They then start on the foundation, which proves challenging given the rocky ground. After a rigorous construction process, they finally manage to install the main floor beams, marking an important milestone in their journey.

The second team consists of Mark and his son, Erik. They are building a modern, two-story home that they hope will incorporate sustainable energy sources, such as solar panels and a wind turbine. However, their plans are quickly derailed when they realize that their barge carrying the materials for their foundation had been delayed. Forced to wait it out, Mark and Erik spend their time scouting the rest of the island, looking for valuable resources they might be able to use in their home. They finally get their foundation materials and begin work on the foundation, which proves tricky given the steep gradient of the site.

The third team is made up of a married couple, Dave and Hans. They are planning on building a two-story cabin, which they hope will be energy-efficient and sustainable. Their site proves to be the most inaccessible of the three, requiring them to use a floatplane to bring in their materials. They must then transport their gear up a steep, rocky path that leads to their build site. They get to work on clearing out space for their foundation, which proves to be a grueling and tough process.

As the episode progresses, all three teams face a variety of additional problems that threaten to derail their builds. These include injuries, weather complications, and problems with their equipment. However, despite the obstacles, the teams persevere and remain dedicated to completing their dream homes, determined to create the perfect space for themselves and their families in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning views of the Alaskan landscape, as well as the many challenges that come with living in such a remote and isolated location. Building Alaska is a captivating show that offers a glimpse into the lives of those who choose to live off the grid, showcasing the resourcefulness and determination required to succeed in this unique and challenging environment.