Simon Dale, a 32-year-old man from the UK, has built his very own Hobbit House for his family after becoming fed up with increasing mortgage repayments.
The construction of the very unique Hobbit-style house took Dale just four months and only £3,000. When Dale started the project, he had no experience in building or architecture. But armed with just a chisel, a chainsaw, and a hammer, together with scraps he could scavenge from skips, he’s created a fantastic house for his family that any Tolkien fan would be proud of.
The Inspiration Behind the Hobbit House
Dale explains:
‘Being your own have-a-go architect is a lot of fun and allows you to create and enjoy something which is part of yourself and the land rather than, at worst, a mass-produced box designed for maximum profit and the convenience of the construction industry. Building from natural materials does away with producers’ profits and the cocktail of carcinogenic poisons that fill most modern buildings.’
Dale’s inspiration for the Hobbit House came from a desire to live more sustainably and to reduce his family’s carbon footprint. The house is built into the hillside, which provides natural insulation and helps maintain a stable temperature year-round. The roof is covered with grass and moss, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and providing additional insulation.
Building Techniques and Materials
The construction process involved using locally sourced natural materials, such as timber from nearby woodlands and stone from the surrounding area. The walls are made of straw bales, which provide excellent insulation and are a sustainable building material. The floors are constructed from reclaimed wood, adding to the rustic charm of the house.
One of the most impressive features of the Hobbit House is its use of passive solar design. Large south-facing windows allow sunlight to flood the interior, providing natural light and warmth. The house also features a wood-burning stove, which serves as the primary source of heating during the colder months.
Dale’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the construction of the house itself. The family grows their own vegetables in a garden adjacent to the house, reducing their reliance on store-bought produce and further lowering their environmental impact. Rainwater is collected and used for irrigation, and a composting toilet is used to minimize water waste.
The Hobbit House has garnered significant attention and admiration from people around the world. It serves as a testament to what can be achieved with determination, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable living. Dale’s project has inspired others to consider alternative building methods and to think more critically about their own environmental impact.
Read more about the amazing construction over on the Daily Mail website, and the Simon Dale website.
Source: Daily Mail : Simon Dale : Gizmodo
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