Joshua was super responsive and helpful..
What inspired you to build a cabin based on the Lillian project? Were there any key factors that convinced you to go for it?
I wanted to build a “small cabin” to see if I liked homebuilding with a dream of perhaps building a bigger home in the future. The Lillian cabin was a great starter cabin to get my hands dirty and dig in. I think my knowledge of rouch framing was a huge asset, as well as the ease of the plans from Joshua gave me even more confidence.
What modifications did you request to the original design? Why were these changes important to you?
I made a far amount of changes because I wanted taller ceilings and I wanted more big windows. Joshua was super responsive and helpful. With my cabin being in northern latitudes, I wanted to maximize southern exposure in the short hours of the winter months so big windows were critical.
How would you describe the location where the cabin is being built? Was this your dream destination, or was the decision more spontaneous?
Cabin is in Alaska, about 2 miles uphill from the ocean. I can run down to the beach and go swimming and then warm myself back up on the run back. I am building a rainwater catchement for my outdoor shower and also a sauna. It will be an oasis for me and my family. Its a dream come true.
Looking at the view from the second floor: How does it feel to wake up to such a stunning landscape? What’s your favorite feature of the surrounding scenery?
There are so many things I love: the mountains, the evergreen trees, the glaciers. Nature is really the best picture and the way the big windows frame it, I could never get tired of the view. I like that part of the “view” is just trees in the foreground… it makes the cabin feel a bit like a tree house, up and looking out and through these tall, old evergreens.
The “before and after” photos of clearing the land show a dramatic transformation. Were there any unexpected challenges during site preparation?
Thankfully no unexpected challenges, other than trying to book the foundation laying around friends’ potato crop planting — very narrow window for the best potatoes evidently!
How did you choose the materials for the construction? Was there any part of the build that turned out to be more demanding than anticipated?
Materials were sourced locally, mostly from a local mill and a local hardware store. Some materials were bought on Facebook marketplace or at garage sales… Nothing goes to waste in Alaska, I appreciate that about it. Every bent nail got straightened out and put right back to use.
Community in Every Nail: The Joy of Building With Friends
What has been the most enjoyable part of the building process? Was there anything that surprised you during the project?
By far, the most enjoyable part has been having friends come from far and wide to lend a hand. The build has been such a labor of love. So many people came for a day, or a week, or a month to nail gun, stack lumber, hang sheeting, carry windows, landscape… Many with little or no experience in building, but just STOKED for me manifesting my dream and wanting to be a part. This cabin represents so much love and care, I am humbled by how amazing my friends are. I am incredibly lucky.
What are your plans for the cabin once it’s finished? Will it be a vacation retreat, or do you envision it as a permanent residence?
I would love to live there full time. I need to finish the flooring, fixtures and fill the water tank but once those are done, I feel pretty confident to start decorating. I did my own plumbing and electric too so it’s almost ready to go!
Given the cabin’s natural setting, are you planning to incorporate any eco-friendly technologies, like solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems?
Yes, definitely. Rain water cachement for sure, for watering the greenhouse and for the outdoor shower and cold plunge. I am set up for solar but need to save up some more money again before buying the panels. Also planning on a heat pump.
A Moment to Remember: Sitting With My Parents in a Cabin Built With Love
What has been the most rewarding or satisfying moment of the project so far? Do you feel the cabin matches your original vision?
The most rewarding moment has been sitting on the floor of the second floor, with my mom and dad who had come to visit and looking out at the view, and knowing that I built this structure with loving friends, and that it’s going to be here for a long time. In retrospect, the cabin feels much bigger in real life than it did while planning, which has been a mostly pleasant — but at times daunting — surprise. Overall the vision is very similar though, and I am grateful for all the advice and help from you Joshua!
