Book Review: Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky Forts
by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen
After seeing a short film by Deek Diedricksen linked on Energy Bulletin, which demonstrates his ultra-tiny dwelling called the Hickshaw, I was inspired to write to him for a review copy which, once he had had a look at this blog, he was generous to do a trade for.
In hand-written, home-made “zine” style, filled with sketches and whacky ideas of tiny shelters and dwellings as well as cool ideas for rain water collection and solar showers, this is probably one of the more unusual and original books on construction you will find.
More a collection of ideas from the clearly maze-like mind of Deek than a detailed step-by-step construction guide (the author warns off anyone looking for detailed plans in the first few pages) there is a wealth of inspiration for the would-be self-builder on a budget.
Especially useful are many suggestions for creating low-budget extra rooms, sheds and garden structures and kids hideouts. Many have design features for multiple-function and adaptability, such as the Expandable Greenhouse/shed/guest house/Back-woods Camp.
There are a couple of projects we might be able to try at the Kinsale College for Green Building students- Ill post up pictures if we do.
Deek specializes in tiny buildings, some of them on wheels, some floating, some underground, some in trees such as his own cabin in Vermont.
Unusual and innovative, with lots of tips on good uses for recycled materials, Humble Homes provides the perfect antidote to the cornucopian binge of McMansions we have seen on both sides of the Atlantic in recent years.
