Ep 7. Colorado Mountain Lodge

A magnificent mountain lodge is the feature of the seventh episode in season 5 of the popular show Building Off the Grid. The show takes us on a journey into the rugged wilderness of Colorado where skilled builders undertake the task of creating a beautiful lodge in a remote location, entirely off the grid.

The builders chosen for the task are Mark and Kristen, a couple with a passion for building handcrafted structures. They are ideal candidates for the job because building off the grid requires a special set of skills. With no access to electricity, running water, or gas, the builders must rely solely on natural resources and the harnessed power of the sun to create a functional, self-sustaining structure.

The episode begins with Mark and Kristen surveying the chosen location for their lodge, a rocky and uneven site that sits at the base of a steep mountain overlooking a shimmering lake. Despite the challenges, the couple is determined to create a lodge that takes advantage of the scenery and allows its inhabitants to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding environment.

The first step in building the lodge involves water collection, which is essential for keeping the structure functional. The builders opt to build a large, underground cistern that can collect rainwater from the roof and store it for later use. The cistern is carefully installed and lined, and fitted with a filtration system to ensure that the water is clean and potable.

Next, the builders must contend with the task of creating a foundation in the challenging terrain. Mark and Kristen devise a system that involves digging deep trenches into the rock and filling them with concrete. The technique is time-consuming and labor-intensive, but the results are a solid foundation that can withstand the harsh Colorado winters.

With the foundation in place, it's time to construct the lodge itself. Mark and Kristen are skilled at creating structures using traditional building techniques, and they opt to construct the lodge entirely out of locally sourced timber. Each piece of wood is carefully selected and processed on-site, and the structure slowly starts to take shape.

One of the most challenging aspects of building off the grid is providing the necessary power for lighting and appliances. To solve this problem, Mark and Kristen install a series of solar panels on the roof of the lodge. The panels are wired into a bank of batteries, which can store the energy and provide power when the sun isn't shining. The system proves to be highly effective, and the lodge is able to sustainably provide power for all its needs.

As the building progresses, the builders turn their attention to the finishing touches that will make the lodge a comfortable and functional space. They install a wood stove for heating, construct custom furniture and fittings, and build a beautiful porch that overlooks the lake. The completed lodge is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the beauty of natural materials.

Overall, the Colorado Mountain Lodge episode of Building Off the Grid is a breathtaking example of what can be achieved when skilled builders set their minds to creating functional structures in remote and challenging locations. The episode showcases the best of human innovation and creativity, and is sure to inspire viewers to think differently about what it means to live off the grid.