I Built a Replica 19th Century WW1 BORDEI House!

A burdei or bordei is a humble war time structure half dug out of the earth which is a combination of sod and logs. It is native to the Carpathian Mountains and early Eastern Europe. In Romania and Ukraine, the burdei was constructed to be a permanent house that could hold an entire family. It could even have multiple rooms including a fire room with a stove, a cellar, and even a living room.
Many early Ukrainian Canadian settlers used the bordei as their first home in Canada at the end of the 19th century. They were constructed by removing the top layer of sod, and then excavate to a good depth into the substrate. A roof was then constructed and covered with sod. Windows, doors, and wood stoves where then added to increase comfort. A raised platform was used as a bed.
In other cases the burdei was a temporary refuge until a solid home could be build using logs mud and straw with plaster plaster walls. Thus bordeis were easy and quick to build, but not very strong.
In this video, I see how long it takes to put one together, and how efficient and comfortable they are to live in.
Tamás Révész is a photographer born in Budapest 1946.
rofodia.oronk.hu/fenykeptar/r...
As a result of the fact that in the book, text and image come together in an organic unity, the photos are placed in the context of the concrete and real, the unique and the historical. Images are both more and less than metaphors. Not a single image wants to condense the idea that the gypsies were like this, or that this is what they have become, but like reading a comic book, the story has a beginning and an end (the very differentiated history of the gypsies in Hungary spanning several decades). However, the photos are from the present time, and if they were included in the first chapter of the book, they include images depicting poverty and social backwardness, as well as images evoking hopeful change and social equality. The picture is not a propaganda tool in the hands of Révész, he is not a hurrah-optimist, nor does he fear the legitimacy of political power, but he truly sympathizes with those whom he photographs and is excited for their human well-being, as if wanting to conjure up a better future. We can only really understand his pictures if we see the little girls dancing in the snow in front of the dirt hut side by side and the photo of the man returning home from work, tiredly sleeping on the train.
My Brother The Wooded Beardsman's Channel: / billert55
Building a 'BORDEI' 19th Century WW1 Primitive House (1-Day Challenge) - Mud Hut, Tin Stove, Bed
I Built a Replica WAR TIME Primitive House 'BORDEI' - 19th Century Mud Hut, Tin Stove, Bed
I Built a Replica 19th Century WW1 BORDEI House!
I Built a REPLICA, WAR TIME Primitive House 'BORDEI' - 19th Century Mud Hut, Tin Stove, Bed
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"Self-Reliance" is an 1841 essay written by American transcendentalist philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. It contains the most thorough statement of one of Emerson's recurrent themes: the need for each individual to avoid conformity and false consistency, and follow his own instincts and ideas. This channel will approach self reliance from a modern perspective. and will focus on various build projects using modern amenities, and tools to build a completely self reliant lifestyle.
Many people ask me where I am from and where I film my projects. I am from Northern Ontario, Canada, and live in an area where off-grinding is easy because I have lots of land to build on and experiment with different buildings and materials. Everything I do is to try to be more self reliant, and to depend less on others. But that doesn't mean I don't like working together with other people on projects. Knowing people who have skills is part of being self reliant, and trading skills is a great way to get more things done!

[@leonafaryna7617]

This was so enlightening for me to watch. My ancestors arrived to Alberta after making their way from eastern Canada from Ukraine with nothing much and too late in the year to build from an unforgiving land anything else but something like this. My father told me that they built partially into a small hill and that it was only with the help of the native people that they survived the first winter. I wish I had more details, but this I know is true. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this build. My father’s work ethic and dedication and honesty throughout his life was built on the premise that hard work and ingenuity always win. This channel is bomb! Sending much love and good wishes from BC 🤗🙋🏼‍♀

[@johncristianjcivan5429]

In Romania, the daub was (and it still is in some regions) made by mixing clay, sand, horse manure and straws. Bordei had 4 walls made of pannels of woven hazelnut branches plastered with afore mentioned daub formula. the hole (excavation) is about 1 meter deep (below freezing line) and the walls pannels are about 1.5 meters high, this giving about 0.5 meters clearence above ground. Roof was made usually of cattail and/or cane and would have an eave of at least 40 cm for reason easy to understand. Windows were covered with animal bladder (pork or cow).

[@edgatternig9729]

Thanks John

[@sheilam4964]

@johncristianjcivan5429 - thanks for the all of the additional information. 👍👍👍

[@gayahithwen]

One of the main things I know about hay beds is this: if the hay is loose, your bed should probably have tall sides, so the hay doesn't fall out. If you're doing a platform bed, you'll want a mattress - which in this case, just means a bag to hold your hay. The most basic variant of that is pretty easy - go to your local second hand store, buy the cheapest duvet cover, and add some ties to the end of it. Stuff it with hay until it's to your preferred firmness, and voila - mattress. But that might be a little extra credit for this project, haha.

[@J.sh_CDN]

I clicked on this, thinking it was one of the many bushcraft channels that pop up for me on youtube, and then I heared your voice and realized the video was by my favourite Canadian Cabin builder! Very excited to watch it now!

[@CleoHarperReturns]

This is the series (I hope) I've always been waiting for! I've watched a number of foreign bushcraft channels doing this but as many don't have English subs or even talking, none of my questions have ever been answered. Thanks so much for doing this!

[@serenagomez3864]

And the big bad wolf said, "Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down." 😄

[@WoodlandWalks]

Love all the builds. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@debramorris7646]

You successfully constructed a bushcraft hut with your own spin! Loved the information on it! Thanks Kevin and Don!

[@sueborden4815]

You never cease to amaze me with your ingenuity!! I rarely comment but I NEVER miss a video from Modern Self Reliance! 💜

[@Bianchi8000]

Nice build. Shout out of respect for those who built and lived in these humble beginnings ❤

[@gordaro2828]

We were encouraged to build these as kids by our parents. (Hey...it kept us busy) thing is...we still build them and visit them when hunting. Great stuff! Love the channel! Cheers from BC

[@abou824]

This is such a cool build!! Loved watching it. Definitely want to see a night stay!

[@Dav3Campb3ll]

I need to build a wood stove like this one. been building a shelter myself. This is an excellent example of a early shelter

[@sshaw4429]

A fox is sure to find this and fall in love!

[@AboutTime-xi5ie]

thank you so much so nice to see a part of history come alive in peace times..you are a fine man with your energy for unique builds...I always finish your videos....

[@rebeccaarcher5139]

I live in a small city in OK, but my immigrant grandparents lived in Minnesota and likely started out like that! I love your content. Thank you!

[@johngreenaway1544]

This is a very unique project build, Kevin. I would like to see you do an overnighter in the Bordei. It would also be great to see you make modifications to it in upcoming months, and it would rather interesting for you to do an overnighter throughout the winter. I'm sure it will be quite warm. Thank you for your excellent work.

[@patrickheavirland3599]

Good morning from Minnesota USA!! The pioneers were a tough bunch!

[@bobbyk6585]

This is very much outside your typical skillset. When I heard digging was involved the name Don popped into my brain. Nice adventure Kev.

[@katefrost8274]

My cat, Morgan-a, is fascinated with this build. She hasn't taken her eyes off you!!

[@tedbryer2512]

Holy Cow!!! Does that bring back memories!! We built one of these as a kid and had a blast in this! We even weathered out a snow storm in this! We were toasty warm. there was an old quarry that flooded every winter so we used it as a skating rink and the old hut to keep warm! Oh WOW this is great!!

[@SteveK6470]

LOVE all your builds & your creativity is unmatched. Any chance you could get small LED light bar attachment for your camera for better viewing in dark spaces?

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Man I watch your videos all the time and I knew you were a beast . But I didn't know you were THAT much of a beast ! I love your shelter! Very good... so many ways this could save you life . Awesome! I'm going to build one on my property.

[@whitestar4431]

Great job Kevin and Don and yeah spend a night in it lòóks cosy, I’m sure Chris will use it for a Winter Camp maybe knowing him. 😉

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

I’ve always liked these kinds of shelters. My favorite are the cave ones built In the sides of giant rocks🐸🍺🔪🔥

[@debb9008]

yes please.... it looks like a cute and comfy little shelter

[@IveryStyles]

I'd like to know how it would do in the snow. Maybe you can stay overnight once you get first snow fall. That would be cool.

[@toddvogelsberg2355]

i would enjoy seeing you do an over-nighter in this cabin!

[@sshaw4429]

When Kevin says “mmmmm?” Something interesting has sparked his imagination……as in elephant rib cage. 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@maggiemae444]

Back to basics. Loved this!

[@hillbillywisdom777]

I've found clay is the key, clay on roof, clay around stove and flue, clay on the floor. Cover everything inside and out with clay, then have several very hot very long burns on the center of your floor, hardens the clay and seals everything.

[@sueyates3555]

Wow, you did an awesome job on that build. Would love to stay in a place like that just to see what it felt like. Thanks so much Kevin for sharing.❤

[@allenenabnit7078]

This is a building you can keep improving as you find more supplies plus adding more space inside you just keep digging, I like it the door on your stove, guess it works but think it’s the first thing I’d want to improve. Way to go Kevin showing us a very simple design and only using what others throw out and building materials.

[@HulkDad5083]

love the history and the fun facts mixed with bushcraft "with a tape measure"!!!!!

[@nagjrcjasonbower]

Smoke is the best steak seasoning! Well done!

[@aelandra2698]

You could also perhaps do a Dakota Firehole to warm up the entire structure, since it is smaller. You could also shape up a small cooking platform with the clay, then utilize the plate that you cut to cook on it, once the fire made it safe, kind of like a hotplate. Loving the builds and the homestead is shaping up to be a sustainable living community~

[@theres975]

Hii,you are appreciated always,Thank You for all you

[@duwomaiishgabrielle9498]

Great channel, you are a marvel, how you reduce everything down to creativity and the basics, while having fun doing it👍🏼👍🏽👍🏼👍🏽

[@kingrafa3938]

Well done Kevin and Don!

[@jasonkalynuik760]

Love your channel, I've been watching you guys since you started. In Manitoba we actually have a historic site if the urkanian Buda ' s . The were built in the late 1870's and still standing to this day. Take care guys .

[@jimcy1319]

Generally when you're doing wattle and daub, it binds to the wattle better if you slap it together from both sides at the same time.

[@genewileyopa]

Kevin could live the primitive life and be just fine. Nice build.

[@f4lloutgaymer]

Hello Kevin. What an interesting and amazing build. Seeing you do a camp out in this would be enjoyable. By the way, I looked it up and bordei is pronounced Bore-Day. Without any pauses. I got that helps. Be Excellent to each other and Party on. 🤘🎸😎🌈🤗

[@edgatternig9729]

Hi Kevin! I enjoyed this one for its simplicity. My piece of this planet has a similar terrain as yours, sand clay rocks trees and tall grass. There are several spots that overlook a creek with sandstone rapids. I think this kind of structure would work well for me. Thanks buddy! ((Hi Rachel!))

[@zara-ly2927]

Very educational as well as entertaining. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@jasonknight3730]

That's awesome I love Bushcraft your channel is amazing keep up the good work

[@billwilber9089]

Good job. I was thinking a bunch of rocks around the stove and later saw you do that. Maybe rocks on the front wall inside or out too. I have always liked your presentation, jokes and comments in your videos. Yes... do a video of an overnight.

[@PhilEvansOnline]

Great video. I think you should definitely spend the night but get a lot more hay for your bed, it compacts a lot.

[@Q-BinTom]

Nicely done…… I totally agree. Steak is much better than eating dirt.

[@frankensteinracing3520]

We used to build similar things over here but we would use the creek banks or gully’s. Or where it had washed around a tree.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else

[@thedoc1977]

Evening from Melbourne Australia

[@earlshaner4441]

Hi my friend across the pond

[@christopherbruce9010]

Test it out! I think that would be cool to see how it does in the snow. 👍Great video. Love the channel.

[@LindaSimic-qt3mh]

So enjoy watching all the different buildings you make wow on this one you remind me of magyvir

[@LindaSimic-qt3mh]

MacGyver only with structures awesome ❤

[@greenbankreptiles]

Sweet video kev.. I build something similar but using a falling tree roots.. only big enough to sleep 2 persons in.. even had cows on the roof, and it did not collapse.. camped in it all year..winter was fine in it. Much love and respect to you Sir!

[@Shilotastic]

You could put a few of these out in places for the homeless its hidden from sight which is the best thing, those huge white portable shelters are nice but would be found sooner than this, plus that Jim guy probably wanted to keep that place for himself even though you had the idea of giving it to someone else in need.

[@richardwhite4277]

we love The DON episodes and Rachel too , but you are pretty Okay too

[@STUFFWEDO]

Very cool. Thank you

[@stevenmacintyre5912]

Perfect survival shelter. Thanks Kev!

[@ReevesPatrick]

Stay over night! And more rocks for the stove! And an out door fire pit!

[@saner6888]

Very cool, love the reference info too👍🏼 won’t put you through an overnight ,it’s getting chilly. Be interesting to see how it fares the winter though !

[@tearodriguez8184]

Definitely do an overnight 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@ardianblakaj]

You didnt just build something here but i also learned so many new things from you that i never knew

[@davidperigo2393]

They were called dugout on the plains of oklahoma

[@ronaldcline1235]

Nice hut.

[@schwabrichard9829]

Bison hide works the best! They used thatch for roofing!

[@russellwatters5891]

It's awesome the way the simplest of things can fulfill our needs. I'd think it'd be awesome if you spent the night in your Bordei. I'd give it a whirl, but the grass bed would have to be a tad thicker...lol 😂😅 Love what you're doing 😊

[@judyherman1249]

You built a nice little wattle and daub structure. Wattle being the woven sticks.

[@praisegod4538]

You staying overnight in every build so far, might as well this one too! Can't be any weirder than the spider hole, or the tree van-house.

[@heyhope326]

Better than history channel.

[@andrewpickering7248]

Are you training to be on alone because that I would like to watch 😁👍

[@kevinharding2099]

Uniquely Kevin!

[@MangledGuitars]

Very cool Kev!

[@kathleenmead9259]

cozy! thanks

[@whiteboi1856]

Very cool video mate👍

[@zivaandzeusshenanigans1113]

A friend of mine has a billboard sign in his yard.every time the billboard is changed they give it to him,it’s basically a huge tarp.

[@michaelpurdy1116]

Yes do an overnight. 👍🏼

[@gene_takovic57]

You got to spend a night in it now! Maybe with a couple of modern conveniences. It's too cool not to do so. Kids would love something like this.

[@trbkos]

I always enjoy your videos...love your humor!

[@MommaM-D]

Yes please do an overnight video,

[@BooneeXCdad]

You need to sign up to be on the show Alone.

[@gregwright392]

Awesome

[@TheVodec]

Looks like a witch's hut. Just in time for Halloween,

[@jennifertucker107]

Maybe he can make a cauldron out of some scrap metal ?😊

[@LindaSimic-qt3mh]

Of course we want you to we want more of ii that was not. Enough more more you remind me of a little boy buildings of fort sooo enjoyed now spend the night and get your friends out there with you by the fire outside cooking out and having fun take care ❤

[@skipjames8437]

Ha! Good one. I was wondering if you could still light a fire with a match.

[@tcpete2000]

I think you should sleep in it and keep trace of the interior temps with a thermometer

[@whalleyish]

Yes to thee over nighter and your stove should be completely surrounded be rock and mud with a grill on top

[@lkw911news9]

This would keep you warm in winter time if you didn't have electricity in your regular homes, or a fireplaces. Futhermore with another tarp you could manage to gather some water.

[@GypsyBrokenwings]

Yes spend a night in it. I was thinking that would be great here, as my land has lots of hills.... could make them for animal shelters also. A friend said during the great depression people stole livestock, so those who had livestock started bringing them into their homes at night.

[@brucevalentine3163]

Put some of those stones to use and build a small stone cabin. Now that would be thermal mass

[@sshaw4429]

Multiple layers of evergreens were used, so they were camouflaged.

[@fredclements6843]

Y’all surprise me every week with something different lol

[@kenshores9900]

Kevin: Have you thought about adding straw to your clay? I. Lieu of canvas or hides there is always plastic sheet. Enjoy your ptojects

[@greatgooglymoogly1980]

I know! Spend the night in the awesome over build spider hole. You can tell us what new plans you have for it, like adding another room to it, and just a little deeper or something like that.

[@ellenpeterson7864]

I always love your videos.. You have such an imagination to be able to think up your ideas..Keep it up.

[@TheBntimmins]

Now that you have built this, any thoughts on a modern version with machine cut wood walls, floor and ceiling and other things that went into other permanent cabins?

[@wsmh20]

We plan to help our grandkids build a for like this. We loved building forts as kids. Why not teach them an old method? We haven't tried 😊

[@ModernSelfReliance]

You sound like great grandparents!

[@GatorLife57]

Yeah stay overnight in the cool hut !

[@bradthompson2593]

i thought you only ate egg sandwiches. Cool build!

[@christopherleblanc9599]

gone full primal

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Bordai Overnite!