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Where's Frodo?

This home in Wales was built by Simon Dale in three months for 3000 pounds. Dale and his family lived in the house for 18 months before handing the property over to the owner of the woodland, an arrangement agreed prior to the build. Dale, a photographer and graphic designer, used only natural, recycled and reclaimed materials meaning the design continually evolved. The oak frame was sourced from thinnings from the surrounding woodland; the floorboards were recycled from timber packing crates used to transport pylon components to the area.  Elements such as the windows, wood burner, plumbing and wiring were found in skips.  The solar panels, which generate all the electricity for the building, were purchased second-hand from a friend.  Running water is sourced from a nearby stream and rainwater is collected on the roof for the pond in the garden.

The turf roof has a plastic sheet for water proofing, with a layer of earth on top.  Straw, one of Dale’s more expensive materials, is used for insulation on the floor, ceiling and walls with lime plaster used as a render. Built into the hillside, the house has a minimal visual impact on its surroundings.

Dale plans to build a similar permanent home for himself and his family in Pembrokeshire, North Yorkshire.  Although his first planning application was rejected on the grounds that ‘more detail was needed for agricultural assessment’, he feels confident that his appeal will be approved.  If granted, he expects to start building in September and hopes to produce 50 m² of liveable space within a month.  He intends to add another 150 m² to the house over a period of 2 years.  He will finance the build and do the labour himself.

Dale’s proposed house will form one of a settlement of nine similar houses.  Each house will be built by the owners using recycled and reclaimed materials, with Dale on hand to provide advice.

Straw insulation in ceiling, lime rendered walls and wood burning stove

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