the mini-cabin

the first thing we figured we needed was a storage shed.  we chose 8x12 for two reasons.  one is that it is small enough to not need a permit.  the second is that lumber comes in 8 and 12 foot lengths- this makes things go a bit faster as there are fewer cuts to make.  papa started the building in winter.  in snow and rain.

he was already familiar with building decks, and this structure is not much more difficult than that.  the foundation is cement piers, with a plywood floor on top of 4x4's.

the walls are 2x4's filled in with redwood fence boards- which are really cheap and look great.  we used fir lath over the seams.  the roof is also redwood fence boards, though the seams are not filled as the metal roof rests on top of tar paper.

we found a used wooden window and door at a salvage place, and repainted them.  by this time we realized that we had a very posh storage shed.  and it made a great studio cabin.  so we put a small 4x8 porch on the front and the mini-cabin was complete.  it took only $2000 and 14 man-days of labor.

inside we put a few shelves and a coat rack.  two futons and a rug.  we spent much of the first summer in it, and it was a joy to have such a small space to care for.  with the summer days being long and hot we needed no heat and a lantern was plenty of light.  we had very little with us, and found we needed no more.