Tag Archives: cordwood shed

25 Cordwood Homes: Beauty Inside & Out

Inside and Out:  When I post a cordwood photo, folks often ask, “What does that look like on the inside?  This is a 4 part blog post series about incredible cordwood homes, cabins, and cottages with pictures of the outside and the inside. Bryan_and_Lois_house_in Colorado for media 800 x 600  pixels Richard Flatau copyright with logo.jpgBryan & Lois Pratt built this unbelievably gorgeous cordwood home in Woodland Park, Colorado. It is 12 sided with a full post and beam log framework. This is a masterpiece of good construction and design.  The back windows and deck look out onto Pike’s Peak!Bryan_and_Lois_house_with logo1Bryan_and_Lois_house_with logo2The kitchen at the Pratt’s home is a lovely place for a healthy meal. Adam Norris Alberta small pixelsAlbert Norris built this beautiful cordwood cabin with double doors in Alberta, Canada.

Adam Norris Alberta 3 interior.jpgExterior cordwood wall blue windows small pixels with logoCordwood and blue windows with bottle bricks in Alberta, Canada. Alan Stankevitz Minnesota double wall with PV array with copyright.jpgDouble Wall with 4.3 KW array in LaCrescent, Minnesota by Alan Stankevitz.Alan wall 1.jpg

Nick Kautzer CA.jpg high rez with logo.jpgNick Kautzer post frame and cordwood in California.

nick kautzer 3 with logo resized.jpg

 

Alan & Rebecca 8 SE Oklahama small pixels with logo.jpgOklahoma cordwood using red cedar and bottles to make a cozy family room. WA for sale 2.pngWashington State cordwood with Western Red Cedar.WA for sale 3.jpgcordwood-for-sale-bc-1.jpgVancouver Island cordwood home with a fish pond.cordwood-for-sale-comox-bc5.jpg

Luke and Amy Metzger 4 with logoSpartanburg, South Carolina with a spiral staircase and a basement. Luke and Amy Metzger Spartanburg, SC g 2012adirt under my nails NC 3 with logoAsheville, North Carolina, cordwood on a mountain top.dirt under my nails NC 8.jpgWhite Earth Cordwood 2010c.jpgCordwood home at White Earth in Minnesota made of cedar, with a room in the attic truss for an additional 800 sq. ft. of living space. White Earth Interior 2010  bear paw  feather by door2.jpg

Large overhangsThe Cordwood Education Center Classroom in Merrill, Wisconsin.cec-interior-2015-high-resolutoin.jpgdon-gerdes-reedsburg.jpg

Northern White Cedar cordwood home in Reedsburg, WI.  Don & Cathy.Don Gerdes Reedsburg2Flatau's Chateau for book CCBP with logoFlatau’s Chateau lovely cordwood home in Merrill, Wisconsin (above and below).OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Cordstead 1 with logoThe Cordstead in Quebec: a BnB by Sandy and Angelika. The Cordstead 1

Sebastien Demers 13 large pixels with logo.jpgSebastien Demers and his round and rectangle cordwood home in Quebec City, Quebec.Sebastien Demers 11.jpgHis banana tree produced 30 pounds of bananas!Kinstone low rez with logoKinstone Cordwood Chapel in the springtime. Kinstone chapel in full bloom.jpgJohn Meilahn 5John Meilahn, Copper Harbor, Michigan. John Meilahn 6a with logo.jpgShould you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsIf you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop DVD (2018),  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print 2017) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their Online Cordwood Bookstore.  The books & DVD are also available as ebooks for a quick and easy shipping free download.   www.cordwoodconstruction.org

This is the Cordwood Workshop DVD will show you how to build a best practices cordwood home.

Cordwood Workshop DVD 3

The 30 detailed menu items from the Cordwood Workshop DVD.

DVD Menu 1

DVD menu 2Thank you for your kind attention to Cordwood Construction.   If you would like more information, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Or email richardflatau@gmail.com 

 

 

Cordwood Chalet BnB in BC

Golden, BC cordwood rental.jpgCordwood Chalet in Golden, British ColumbiaGolden, BC cordwood rental2 Cordwood Chalet B&B.jpgThis cottage shows how different building styles compliment one another:   cordwood, lime plaster, cedar plank siding and stone, all take their turn showing off. In doing so, they make a truly unique cottage.Golden, BC cordwood rental3 Cordwood Chalet B&B.jpg From the Airbnb site: “Situated in the stunning Blaeberry Valley, 15 minutes drive from Golden, our Cordwood Chalet is the perfect getaway to peacefulness and tranquillity in the heart of nature. Newly built and comfy, its location offers a wide range of outdoor activities.”    https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4440075

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.

If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop DVD (2018),  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print 2017) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their Online Cordwood Bookstore.  The books & DVD are also available as ebooks for a quick and easy shipping free download.   www.cordwoodconstruction.org

This is the Cordwood Workshop Video label. Cordwood Workshop DVD 3

These are the 30 menu sections from the Cordwood Workshop DVD.

DVD Menu 1

DVD menu 2

 

 

 

 

Cordwood Home for Sale

Another cordwood home is being offered for sale in the Pacific Northwest.  This gorgeous 2,176 sq. ft. build  in the state of Washington, halfway between Portland and Seattle.  WA for sale 1Made from Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, this is a massive post and beam framed beauty with large overhangs.WA for sale 2.pngQuality construction throughout, the floor plan is open and filled with light. WA for sale 3WA for sale 4A primary check will run right through the large rounds,  from inside to outside and must be stuffed to prevent air and insect infiltration. WA for sale 5Huge Douglas Fir posts make a sturdy statement. WA for sale 6These large pieces will continue to shrink in the wall, so caulking like Permachink or Log Jam (which comes in mortar colors) is important to have on hand. WA for sale 7WA for sale 10This home was built in 1994.  It is on the top of a hill and shows a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains and valley.  It has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and sits on 1.26 acres.

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.

If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsReaders have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

“Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop DVD,  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015, Cordwood House Plans & Cordwood Shed Plans are the newest publications available from their ever-expanding online cordwood bookstore.”  www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Cordwood Workshop DVD 3

Click on the picture to access the ordering information.  The DVD is an incredible bargain at $25 and the DVD is available for an immediate download! 

 Online Cordwood Bookstore

 

 

Cordwood in the South

Can I build cordwood in a hot, humid climate?  Here are some fine examples of cordwood in the South.  Obviously, if best practices are used, cordwood can be very successful in warm, moist climes.Sam Felts round cordwood home in Georgia interior 3 Sam Felt and Bill talking about cordwood building in the center part of the home’s inner circle.  This is a very beautiful and dramatic building.  The arches were 1″ dimensional lumber, bent to make a frame and then pulled off once the mortar hardened.  Sam Felts Adel, Georgia with logo Sam Felt’s home in Adel, Georgia.   It is made of cypress and has arched doorways created by the Godfather of Cordwood,  Jack Henstridge.

Sam Felts son's cordwood home in Geroga small pixels with logoAbove is Renyard’s cypress cordwood home in Adel, Georgia. Rockmart, GA  built in the late 70's with logo.jpgTom and Ann’s post and beam framed beauty, in Rockmart, Georgia.  This one has a large stone fireplace and is built on an older stone barn foundation.  It has the wrap around porch that makes for good neighborly living.  dirt under my nails NC 3 with logo.jpgMaria & Toby built this masterpiece in the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. It is a 12 sided, post framed cordwood with a living roof. dirt under my nails NC 8.jpgThe beams make a handy place to dry the garden produce.

Luke and Amy Metzger  Spartanburg, SC j 2012.jpg Spartanburg, South Carolina is graced with this post framed cordwood with a full walk-out basement.  The interior is also very attractive.  This home sold, when the family moved to Colorado, to the first person who looked at it (for the asking price!) The real estate agent said it was because of the quality of the build. Luke and Amy Metzger Spartanburg, SC g 2012a(Below) Kimberly built this 600 square foot cabin in western South Carolina for $6,000.  The majority of the materials came from the property.Kimberly Rak South Carolina 4.jpg

The Cookie House (built in 1931) in Edgewater, Florida is a good example of how long cordwood will last in the south. Cordwood in Florida Cookie House 1930s.jpgWilburton, Oklahoma is so hot in the summer, that it’s hard to do heavy physical labor in the heat of the noonday sun.   This was built by a veteran on a military reserve and sold quickly when he moved to Hawaii to be with his grandchildren.  It is made of Eastern Red Cedar.  Alan & Rebecca 8 SE Oklahama with logo.jpgSuffice it is to say that if a rot-resistant wood is used, along with a slow setting mortar, within a post and beam framework, cordwood can be successfully built in many climates.

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.

If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsReaders have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

“Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop DVD,  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015, Cordwood House Plans & Cordwood Shed Plans are the newest publications available from their ever-expanding online cordwood bookstore.”  www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Cordwood Workshop DVD 3

The DVD is an incredible bargain at $25.

Cordwood Cookie House: Florida

The Florida Cookie House was built in 1931 by John Bass, Jr. for the Biological Laboratory and Zoological Research Supply Company.  The informational sign (below) tells of the immigrants to Wisconsin who built these kind of structures.  It’s called the Cookie House because the white mortar with the brown, round log faces resemble a cookie on a plate.

Cordwood in Florida Cookie House 1930s.jpgKnown as “stovewood” or “stackwall” there is a Stovewood home and chicken coop at Old World Wisconsin.  It’s purpose is to preserve the history of cordwood in the Badger State.Cordwood in Florida Cookie House 1930sA.jpg

Below, the Cookie House under renovation.

Florida cordwood from Linda Stevenson Here is a great little historic cordwood building in Florida dating from the late 30s. It has been relocated to a park in Charlotte County Florida..jpg

Cookie house 3

A black wrought-iron fence was erected to keep people away during renovation.  It is now a permanent fixture of the site along with the signage. Cookie house 2The interior shelving shows off some of the “finds.”

How the new sign looks today.

Cookie house 4

More cordwood in Florida.  Below is the Little Cordwood House at the Flywheeler Swap Meet.  This is part of a Historical Village in Fort Meade, Florida.

Florida cordwood Little Cordwood House Fort Meade, Florida Flywheeler Swap Meet a Historical Village Fort Meade FL.jpg

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.

If you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsReaders have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

“Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop DVD,  Cordwood Construction Best Practices (print) and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their ever-expanding online cordwood bookstore.”  www.cordwoodconstruction.org

DVD label cover yellow

Here is a jpeg of the new Cordwood Construction DVD cover available at http://cordwoodconstruction.org/

 

 

Cordwood Tool Shed w/Pitchfork

Greg Zahn wanted to honor his grandfather’s woodworking legacy by building a cordwood tool shed in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  He asked if Cordwood Construction Resources LLC  would teach an onsite workshop and we jumped at the chance.  Photos & video below.  Greg Zahn 4

Large doors will accommodate any size project.  Greg Zahn 6Greg Zahn 1Note the pitchfork and saw embedded in the mortar.Greg Zahn 8Looking toward the lake.  Nice view!Greg Zahn 7

Beautiful recycled glass bottles make for a colorful glass display.  Note that some of the colored bottles are placed on the outside.    Greg Zahn 5Greg Zahn 2A tools.jpg

Tools of all shapes and sizes were embedded into the walls of the aptly named Cordwood Tool Shed.

Greg Zahn 3

A large window will grace this side of the shed.

Greg Zahn Shed 15

Greg is an architect by profession and so his excellent drawing would naturally reflect his prolific skill set.

Manitowoc 3.jpgFolks attended from all over the country, but the majority were cheeseheads (aka Wisconsinites).  Manitowoc 7.jpgSmiles, laughter and learning were the order of the day.  Manitowoc 12Manitowoc 13

Manitowoc 4Manitowoc 5Manitowoc 1.jpgAs you can see, a good time was had by all.

Videos from the workshop (link below).  Special thanks to Anna Trzyna of http://www.getinkahoots.com, who was incredibly helpful in getting the videos she took on my Youtube site.  Thank you Anna!    https://www.youtube.com/cordwoodconstruct 

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsIf you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Workshop Video (DVD) 2017,  Cordwood Construction Best Practices 2017 (print & ebook), Cordwood House Plans, Cordwood Shed Plans and Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 are the newest publications available from their online cordwood bookstore.   www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Cordwood Workshop DVD 3

 

Here is a picture of the print version and the DVD label in one composite.

 

Cordwood Workshops: The way to DIY

Cordwood workshops are the best way to learn the cordwood construction technique.   When you take one from Richard & Becky Flatau of Cordwood Construction Resources LLC, they emphasis the “Best Practices” approach to building.  The Flatau’s have honed a set of 14 best practice building techniques that will not only make your home, cottage or cabin beautiful, but they will ensure that it will be safe, comfortable and code compliant.  Here are some sample pictures from our hands-on workshops that gives the reader a taste of what goes on.  Kinstone 3

Hard workers are determined to finish the sauna…and they did!

bonners ferry 4The mountains give off their misty glow near Bonners Ferry, Idaho. .  Germask Workshop Tammy Trupp 1 with Banjo BobBanjo Bob sings Country Roads as we teach a private workshop in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Cobwood workshop 13

Singing and stomping Cob for the Entrance Center. workshop kinstone june 2014 first rowLearning to do it the right way, with smiles and positivity.

Workshop Kinstone JUne 2014  framework of the saunaThe sauna post and beam framework with grade beam and keyways at Kinstone. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACordwood workshop at Love’s Organic Farm near Mars Hill, North Carolina.  Tulip Poplar and Calendula.

Kinstone happy mortarers

Planning their work, working their plan with smiles.

Workshop 12a

What is the R-value of a cordwood wall (under construction)Two teachers build a wall at the Cordwood Education Center in Merrill, Wisconsin.

workshop 8

Sawdust and lime insulation is added and packed in the center cavity.

workshop 16jpg

Learning to “screen” sawdust becomes a lesson in wind direction:0)

Kinstone snowball test logo.jpgThe snowball test is crucial to a proper mortar mix.

workshop 13

Hands on mortaring of a cordwood wall in a “learn it by doing” style is the best way to “cement” the tricks of the trade.

workshop 14

If I see it and do it, I remember.

Kinstone August 19. 2012 Mortaring crew3 small pixels

The Kinstone Chapel mortaring crew poses for an end-of-the day photo.

Kinstone 19 August 19 small pixels

Bottle ends made from vases from the Thrift Store.

Kinstone workshop 22

Becky and Kirsten are proud of their river motif wall.

MREA 11 year old cordwood cobber the next generation 2012

Using “Cob Mortar” at a demo at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair in Custer, Wisconsin.

Kinstone 18 August 8c

The six sided chapel walls are being completed at a natural building pace.

Should you wish to learn how to build a cordwood cottage, cabin or home, please visit www.cordwoodconstruction.org   While you are there, click on the pictures, read the brief articles, check out the latest workshops and newsletter and if you are interested click on the Online Bookstore to see all the cordwood literature available in print and ebook format.Cordwood Construction Best Practices Front_Cover_-_CC_Best_Practices small pixelsIf you have questions that aren’t answered on the website you can email me at richardflatau@gmail.com  

Readers have requested a brief bio, so here goes:

“Richard & Becky Flatau built their mortgage-free cordwood home in 1979 in Merrill, Wisconsin. Since then, they have written books, conducted workshops, facilitated the 2005,  2011 and 2015 Cordwood Conferences and provided consultation for cordwood builders.  Cordwood Construction: Best Practices,  Cordwood Conference Papers 2015 and Cordwood Workshop DVD are the newest publications available from their online cordwood bookstore.   www.cordwoodconstruction.org

Cordwood Workshop DVD 3