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I Am Interested In Low Impact Housing

Hobbit House

By: TheSquirrel
Written on August 4th, 2012
I have only a limited idea of what building codes are like in other places. Here in my neck of the woods -- Kansas, yes, we have woods -- they are pretty strict.  I suppose that they have largely to do with preventing fires from spreading from house to house and with minimizing the number of houses that collapse.  However, it takes all the fun out of building when you must use certain types of materials and can not build underground. 



http://www.simondale.net/house/index.htm

So, here is the current happy reason for the misery I feel about my own area.  In a land known for all of its painful rules, someone built a Hobbit-looking house.  It is nothing less than beautiful.  Yes, a couple in Wales with limited building skills and a bit of help from their friends was allowed to create this, while I am restricted to beige boxes.  Well done, Simon and Jasmine.  Well done, Wales. 

By: TheSquirrel
Age: 46-50 , Male
97 people have read this story

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6 responses
  • LivingDavid
    LivingDavid

    Just saw the Hobbit movie... I'd like to see the inside! Have you??

    Jan 13
    1 like
    • TheSquirrel
      TheSquirrel

      Not in person. I am about five years away from building mine. It will be a concrete dome, but hopefully not sterile. I plan on making the outdoor living space the main living space, with the dome for sleeping and winter.

      Here is Simon Dale's actual website from when they built it. You have to remove the space I put in the link.

      http://www. simondale.net/

      Also, here is a link to about ten Hobbit houses in other places. Good stuff. Same thing about removing the space I put in the link. If I don't do that, the EP computer thinks I am spamming you.

      http://freshome.com/2012/12/27/10-bewitching-hobbit-houses-seemengly-inspired-by-tolkiens-fantasy-novels/

      Jan 13
      1 like
    • TheSquirrel
      TheSquirrel

      Wait. The link worked. I forgot to put a space in there. This is a great improvement.

      Jan 13
      1 like
    • LivingDavid
      LivingDavid

      Thanks for the links. I'm going to look at those when I get a moment. I've already bookmarked 'em. The home pages looked irresistible. Thanks again!

      Jan 13
      1 like
  • Coyotedave611
    Coyotedave611

    Hey! That place is really very cool. What in the world is up with Kansas anyway? Bermed houses are totally practical. The one in the Black Hills is terrific, surprisingly light and airy inside. That place is so energy efficient that Mark has only one tiny little pot bellied woodstove, in the middle of winter he lights it for about an hour or so in the morning and it's nearly too warm for hours afterwards...most day's he doesn't even need it. His little pygmy goats munch the grass on the roof, he once had a major thunder storm with near tornado force winds, he didn't even realize what was happening til he looked out the window thats how soundproof the place is. People all over had damage, Mark had NONE whatsoever. I will keep you and your vision in my thoughts!

    Aug 24, 2012
    1 like
    • TheSquirrel
      TheSquirrel

      Just the cities, I think, but Building Code Fever has been spreading to the outlying counties.

      Aug 24, 2012
      1 like