3D Model

Design Evolving

The design is evolving.  I've moved the cabin door to the side, so you now enter the cabin through the screened in porch.. so the door you see below is entering the porch.  Window size and shape is still being decided. 

I've also raised the roof a bit to allow for a better slope on the porch, and room for clerestory windows.

High Water

The level of the lake fluctuates a lot throughout the year.  A heavy rain can raise the water level by 6-8 inches, and it then takes a week or more to recede.  There are no dams that I know of, so I'm guessing there is a bottleneck where the lake flows out in the west branch of the La Have river.

The last time I went to the land, it was after a couple days of heavy rains, and the water level was the highest I had ever seen it, coming very close to the location of the tiny house.  See video below.

Although the water is incredibly close, I consider this the worst case scenario.  So, I plan to leave it where it is.  The fact that the land is so rocky gives me confidence that even if the land under the cottage becomes saturated the cottage foundation will remain sound.

And if not, it's a tiny house!  I'll just move it.  :)

Foundation

I'm back from vacation, and back at the lake.  This weekend I brought 6 Dek-Blocks to start leveling the foundation.

But first I took some time to appreciate the fall colours.

Arriving at the site and seeing the location we had staked out in August, I immediately felt that the cottage should be closer to the lake, so I've moved it about three feet closer, and tucked it further back to give more space by the front door.

With the rough location chosen, I began to excavate under the corners.  The ground is generally rocky, with a 5" layer of dead leaves and roots on top, making it quite soft and springy.  My plan is to remove the soil revealing the rocks below, fill the gaps with 1/2" gravel, and place the Dek-Block.

This method gives a surprisingly study base, with great drainage.  Still not sure how much heaving to expect as the lake freezes, but my plan is to build the cabin with a sturdy floor system so it can be jacked up and leveled without any damage to the interior.

The view back towards the boathouse is so pretty with a layer of leaves covering the path.

After a day's work I only got four blocks leveled, but I feel good about the progress.  I feel much better about this location, and the excavation has made me feel much more confident about the solidity of the foundation. 

Clearing

Last weekend we cleared the land and staked out the rough size of the cabin.  I haven't decided exactly where to put it, but having it staked out really helps to visualize how it will fit in the landscape and what kind of views I'll have from the cabin.

This is the spot.  Once I clear some brush and get rid of some dead branches, I should have a nice view of the lake.

 

 

Mom and Dad joined me for the weekend.

 

Dad is good with a chainsaw! 

 

Would have taken ten times as long if I was alone!  So thankful for great parents.

 

That's better

 

8' x 17' with a 3' porch.  Looks pretty tiny!

Me checking out the view.  We've also staked out an 8' screened in porch, which will basically double the living space.

 

 Also spent some time clearing and leveling the path to the site.  Should make trekking all the materials back there a bit easier.

Land Overview

For the new followers of this blog, here is an overview of the land where the cabin is being built, to give you some context.  You'll notice it's not too far from the house or driveway, so we won't have too far to lug all of the materials.

The old house has been gutted, but there is still clean running water, electricity and a working toilet... what more do you need?  :)

Design

I've waffled for a while about how large to build, from a small bunkie to a full sized cottage.   I've finally settled on something in between.  Taking my cues from the tiny house movement, I've decided on a footprint 8' x 17' with a sleeping loft, and a screened porch for extra living space.  The details are still being ironed out, but here are a couple images I'm working with to get things started.

Separation

Hubby and I have separated, but we're continuing to share the land and do joint projects as well as our own.  Being the main blogger of the family, I'm going to hijack the blog for my own projects.

I don't expect to accomplish much this year, as the summer is nearly over, but I am doing some dreaming and planning and preparation for building in the spring.  To remind myself of what's important, here is a little video I enjoyed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcuB0_W4Dt4#t=992