Cabins and cottages: Article Index

1. Getting Away from It All

1. Intro; Generating Your Own Power
2. Turning Untamed Land into a Building Site
3. Pin-point Foundations on Poles and Piers
4. The Ease and Speed of a Wooden Foundation
5. Strongest of All: A Continuous Block Wall

2. Four Simple Structures

1. Intro; A-Frame Cottage Built with Prefabricated Panels
2. The A-Frame: A String of Sturdy Triangles
3. From the Frontier, a Cabin of Hand-hewn Logs
4. A Cabin Suspended in a Cradle of Poles
5. Practical Shortcuts to a Strong Framed Roof

3. Making the Best of Nature’s Worst

1. Intro; A Firm Foundation for a Hillside Hideaway
2. Tying a House Together against the Wind
3. Strengthening a House in Earthquake Country
4. The Lay of the Land: Clues to Foil a Flood
5. Preparing for the Problems of Deep Snow

4. Adding the Amenities

1. Intro; Water: From Where It Is to Where You Need It
2. Picking the Right Pump
3. Putting In an All-purpose Sink
4. A Choice of Simple, Safe Disposal Systems
5. Building a Traditional Country Privy
6. Chemicals and Composting for Convenience
7. Stoves that Make a Little Wood Go a Long Way

Also see:

Back to Basics (based on Readers Digest 1996 book, 2nd edition)

Our Complete Guide to Do-it-Yourself Log Home / Cabin