Ep 3. Montana Earth Home

In Season 4, Episode 3 of Building off the Grid, we follow a family from Montana as they decide to build their dream earth home using natural materials. The family, consisting of a couple and their three children, were tired of living in a typical house and wanted to reduce their carbon footprint. They decided to build an underground earth home that would blend in with the surrounding landscape and keep them comfortable throughout the year.

The episode begins with the family and their team of builders surveying the land where the earth home will be constructed. They decide to build the home into a hillside in order to take advantage of the natural insulation that the earth provides. With the help of an excavator, they start digging into the hillside to create the foundation for the home.

One of the biggest challenges the family faces throughout the build is water management. Because the earth home will be underground, they need to ensure that the home stays dry. They decide to install a French drain around the perimeter of the home to divert any water runoff away from the foundation. They also install a sump pump inside the home in case any water does find its way inside.

Once the foundation is complete, the family starts to build the walls using a technique called rammed earth. Rammed earth involves mixing sand, clay, and gravel together and then compressing the mixture into forms to create strong walls. The family spends weeks building the walls by hand, slowly filling in each layer until the walls are complete.

As the walls go up, the family starts to plan the interior of the home. They want a space that is open and inviting, with plenty of natural light. They decide to install a large skylight in the center of the home to allow natural light to filter in. They also plan to use salvaged materials throughout the home, such as reclaimed wood for the flooring and countertops.

One of the biggest challenges the family faces during the build is the weather. Montana has a short construction season and the family is working against the clock to complete the home before winter sets in. They work long days and weekends to get the home enclosed before the snow arrives.

As the build nears completion, the family installs a unique heating system to keep the home warm during the winter months. They decide to install a rocket mass heater, which uses wood to create a clean, efficient burn that heats the home. The rocket mass heater also doubles as a beautiful centerpiece in the home, adding to the unique aesthetic of the space.

As the final touches are added to the home, the family reflects on the build process and what it means to live off the grid. They are excited to be living in a space that reflects their values and reduces their impact on the environment. The final product is a beautiful, sustainable home that blends in perfectly with the natural landscape of Montana.

Overall, Building off the Grid Season 4, Episode 3 is an inspiring look at what is possible when a family decides to live off the grid and reduce their impact on the environment. The family's commitment to using natural materials and building techniques, as well as their dedication to the build process itself, is a testament to the power of sustainability in our lives.