The Log Cabin
The biggest part of a homestead? Most people would probably agree, the home. I have chosen to design and construct a log cabin, my first attempt and a definite learning experience. I have always wanted to build such a style home and yesterday is always the best day to start.
| Features |
|---|
| Large bedroom |
| Large bathroom |
| Loft/ Office |
| Homestead hearth |
| Patio / Deck |
| Benefits |
|---|
| Energy-efficient |
| Eco-friendly |
| Long lasting |
| Custom built |
| Traditional |
My Designs so far
Why a log cabin?
I have lived surrounded by trees and the forest all My life. The rustic look of a log and timber frame cabins makes Me think of all the people that came before us and the many cabins They would have built. Neighbor from down the roads a way, told us kids about there being cabins in the valley where the homestead will be. There are old foundation stones, but not enough for any actual foundation. I would like to incorporate a few into the cabin somehow.
What kind of cabin?
I’ve been referring to my new home as a log cabin, but in reality I want to use a few different. I want to utilize horizontal logs for the main wall structure. They will provide an exterior and interior wall surface, along with insulation and support. Since this cabin will be My first log/ timber style construction. I have built buildings using post and beam and basic stick construction. I will use this knowledge and use large vertical logs like posts on any main corner of the cabin. This way I can built the foundation and then construct basic timber frame to then help with stack the horizontal logs. This should add support and allow for rebar to be pounded into to the horizontal logs but also drive through the vertical timber posts into each “laying” logs.
The Foundation
With the weight of all these logs being stacked on top of each other. I am gonna need a pretty good foundation. A rubble trench with french drain will be dug at least 4 feet into the ground. This trench will be at least 3 feet wide with large poured concrete pillars for each main corner. There would also be a grade beam poured in between each footer. Inside of the outer foundation wall, A few footers/ pillars will also be dug out. This entire area will be dug out below grade. I have chosen to have a raised floor, at least 24 inches from the new grade that will be dug out inside the foundation area.
Preparation
Building a log and or timber frame cabin as a home is a very large undertaking, with that being said, I think building something smaller. That can be utilized as a work space, shelter and more. I like to think of it as the homestead office. Once the main cabin is finished, that will be the home. A place to rest, relax and build a family. This multi-cabin or homestead office will help support that home, family and the future of the homestead.
It may seem counterproductive to build a separate cabin, instead of building the main one. As mentioned above, most homesteads have one or more out buildings. So, I figured combine some into one and start with that first. The idea of the homestead office made me think about the word homestead. I already discussed my goal of designing and building a log and timber frame home. So this multi-cabin/ office is like the “stead”, having the purpose of supporting the “home”.
