Building Off the Grid

What do you do if you dont trust the world around you? You build a new one. Thats the motto of Michael Reynolds, Architect and visionary that created the Earthship. Earthships are houses that are completely self-sufficient and totally off the grid with no electricity or water bills - ever. Michael Reynolds and his team of builders along with 50 interns, who have given up their lives to be part of this project, have just four weeks to build a house in Big Sky, Montana for Earthship enthusiast Jeff Saad. Michael and his crew battle nature and time to try and complete this amazing house.

Alaskan builder Jeff Ward, has been building houses in remote locations all over Alaska for years. Now his son Bryce, who is also the current mayor of the North Pole, is lending a hand as they combine their talents to create an off-the-grid cabin not too far from Santas house.

Ana and Jacob White and their two small kids are a modern-day Swiss Family Robinson, building an off-the-grid cabin on the Alaska Range. With all of their materials needing to be transported by snowmobile, this adventurous couple will have their work cut out for them as they create an entire home with no utilities available. And with the unpredictable Alaskan weather, not to mention aggressive wildlife, this family will be racing against the seasonal clock to get the cabin done before the dead of winter.

Matteo Lundgren is taking the art of natural building to a whole new level with his custom-designed Cob houses that blend with the environment surrounding them. Together with his designer, Peaches, theyre creating homes built solely from the earths ingredients, and he wants the whole world to do the same. Follow along as they hand-sculpt houses that are literally grown from the ground up.

After getting engaged, Summer and Jack move away from New Jersey to fulfill their life-long dream of living off-grid; they buy a plot of land in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and commission Sunray Kelley to design and build their dream mud home.

Jason and Crystal always wanted an escape in the middle of Maines secluded coastline for their family to unplug and enjoy nature. With the help of a small group of friends, they set their sights on building a 320-square-foot cabin in just 12 days. Between the weather, rough terrain and limited access, its a challenging and exhausting road to the finish line. Their hard work pays off when they can relax in their dream cabin complete with a loft, solar shower, water catchment system and custom touches.

The Lighthiser family sets out to build their dream home overlooking the Yellowstone River. Follow their journey as the activists and adventurers battle the elements to construct an uber-efficient house in a windswept valley in southwestern Montana. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, theyll build it all by hand and completely off the grid.

No description

A young couple is leaving their Air Force to build a log cabin together and start a new life in the last frontier of Alaska. With only three weeks to make it ready before the winter, they’ll need all the family, friends and determination they can muster to get it done. Follow their journey as they endure the elements and long northern days to handcraft their new home from the ground up and completely off the grid.

A creative family builds a three-story tiny house full of clever features on the easternmost property in the US. But with limited experience and a three-month deadline, they’ll need the help of a few local Mainers to get it done. Follow their journey in the stunning North Atlantic as they handcraft their new off-grid home from the ground up.

A couple builds their off-grid dream home on a remote mountaintop overlooking the Southwest Montana backcountry. Together they’ve dreamed up a mountain base camp that’s high tech and suits their outdoor lifestyle, but in this far-flung location where mother nature rules, they will be pushed to the edge and beyond.

A creative family builds a custom home where the mountains and desert collide in Colorado’s last frontier. The dream project quickly turns into a job when the harsh terrain combines with the demanding pace they’ve set for themselves.

A Colorado couple attempts to build one of the most energy-efficient homesteads in the state. Mother Nature and bleeding edge technologies give them a run for their money as they race to complete their high-end alpine lodge before winter hits.

No description

A family building a dovetail log cabin races to beat the elements.

A young couple sets out to create their dream treehouse in Northern GA.

Two outdoorsmen build an off-the-grid hunting cabin in southern Colorado.

A husband surprises his wife with a vacation home built on a rock quarry.

A nature-loving architect builds a modern California cabin that rivals the views of nearby Big Sur.

A couple races to finish a modern, off-grid lodge overlooking the south shores of Lake Superior.

Kolin Buzerak returns to his familys 100-acre property in Upstate New York to put down some roots; he plans to build an off-grid timber frame cabin with a full kitchen, living space, dining area, and open loft bedroom.

A family builds thousands of earth blocks while withstanding winter monsoons, freezing temperatures and more to finish their San Antonio forever home.

First-time builders Shay and Shae set out to build a home using five shipping containers on a wooded lot in Oklahoma. They hope his background in electrical and welding, and their collection of building materials, helps them finish the job quickly.

A Texas family builds an oceanfront oasis on the majestic slopes of Maui, Hawaii. The Quonset hut theyve chosen to go with will keep the budget low but a number of unexpected setbacks will push the hardworking family to their limits.

No description

Mark Smith builds an off-grid modular home perched high on a cliff off the coast of Vancouver, Canada; the pressure is on as even the smallest mistake can result in the home tumbling 85 feet down into the ocean.

Novice builder Danny Clark attempts to construct a 600-square-foot stone cabin in Vermont’s White River Valley; the home is sure to be a true work of art, but his inexperience, the harsh winter and the unusual architecture push him to his limits.

An adventurous couple builds a home with self-sustaining features near the Ozark National Forest. And while they both have renovation experience, building on the dangerous mountainside terrain in a location plagued by flash foods will be a challenge.

Peter and Ashley Jensen build a sustainable straw bale panel house in the Hudson Valley -- the first of its kind in the States. With only three months to work, the race against nature is as they attempt to finish before the East Coast winter sets in.

A Montana carpenter has big plans to build a unique pontoon houseboat so he can live on Flathead Lake year-round. As both a builder and artist, he has the skills to turn his vision into a reality but an early winter threatens the whole project.

A couple simplifies with an advanced off-grid home on Colorados eastern front with solar, passive solar, septic and water catchment features.

A couple looks to build an eco-friendly, off-the-grid geodesic dome, cooled using geothermal caves, with a view of Tennessees South Cumberland Mountain Range; uncertain weather; an intricate design; treacherous mountain paths.

A family is challenged while building a silo greenhouse home in Georgia.

With winter fast approaching, a family races to finish a straw bale house.

An Alabama family deals with building delays during hurricane season.

Obstacles threaten to turn a coachs dream cabin into a nightmare.

No description

No description

An Indiana farming family combines old with new to create a grain bin retreat on their busy working farm. Theyre up against snow, wind and freezing temperatures as they race to complete their build before farming season begins.

A couple looks to bring the shores of Key West to their donkey sanctuary in Missouri; despite having experience with building off-grid properties, they face challenges as they attempt to construct a double container home deep in the woods.

A family of three in the North Georgia mountains are building a unique, geodesic dome home at the top of their property. After endless rainstorms, their build site becomes nearly inaccessible and they question if their forever home will ever be completed.

A couple teams up with experts to create a dream glamping experience.

A couple plans to build their home out of straw bales in the desert.

A couple and their son head to southern Utah to build a modern A-frame.

In an effort to spend more time with their kids, a couple sets out to build a treehouse in remote Maryland.

A couple wants to build a country cottage on the remote family farm.