Ep 3. Mud Men

Building Off the Grid season 1 episode 3, titled "Mud Men," follows two brothers as they attempt to build an off-grid mud home in the mountains of Colorado. The brothers, Ben and Josh, have experience building with natural materials but this is their first time constructing a house entirely out of mud.

The episode begins with the brothers surveying the land, trying to determine the best location for their new home. They choose a spot nestled between two mountains, near a stream that will provide them with water. The location also receives a lot of sunlight, making it a good spot for solar panels.

Ben and Josh start their project by digging a foundation for the house. They use a mixture of sand, clay, and straw to create mud bricks for the foundation. The brothers are careful to make sure each brick is uniform in size and shape to ensure that the walls of the house will be strong and stable.

As they build the walls of the house, Ben and Josh encounter several challenges. One problem is that the mud is too wet, causing the mud bricks to sag and decrease in size. The brothers learn to mix in more straw to create a drier mud mixture that will hold up better.

Another challenge that the brothers face is the weight of the materials they are using. Mud is heavy, and it takes a lot of effort to get it up to the second story of the house. The brothers are resourceful and come up with a system of pulleys and ropes to move the mud bricks up to the second story.

As the brothers finish building the walls of the house, it's time to start thinking about the roof. They decide to use a unique method of creating the roof called "cobbing." This involves applying a mixture of sand, clay, and straw to the roof surface in layers. The mixture is pressed down and allowed to dry before adding another layer. This creates a strong and durable roof that is both waterproof and fireproof.

During the building process, the brothers also devote some time to creating a comfortable and functional living space. They install a wood stove for heat and a composting toilet for waste disposal. They also create a kitchen area with a sink, counter, and small refrigerator.

As the project nears completion, the brothers are proud of what they've accomplished. Building a mud home requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but the brothers believe that the end result is worth it. They have created a home that they can be proud of, one that is both beautiful and functional.

Overall, Building Off the Grid season 1 episode 3, "Mud Men," is a fascinating look at what it takes to build a mud home from scratch. The episode is both educational and inspiring, showing what is possible when you have the determination to create something truly unique and special.