Full Cost & Tour | DIY Passive Design Home Build 2022 Small, Simple, Modern, Off-Grid

[@jasonlightfoot4145]

Well done, under $50 sq ft for the the house and $120 for the total project is freaking phenomenal.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, especially with the crazy prices of materials in 2022!

[@funtyes1970]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid what a deal you did on kitchen. my sister had her kitchen redone like 7 years ago I think it cost her husband. lol over $30k i think it was closer to $40k lol

[@peterdement]

For a more tailored look consider mounting the curtains hiding the foyer closet and the pantry to the inside of each opening allowing the opening to be defined by the crisp drywall corners.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Originally, that's what I was thinking, but decided I didn't want to hem all of them. On a side note, I like grommet curtains for windows or openings that I want to easily open and close, and pocket curtains for openings that I use briefly and want to mostly stay closed.

[@driverguy7]

This is beautiful! You just get a peaceful feeling when you look into the grand room. This is living proof that people can build a comfortable home for around $60,000. Please consider getting your home appraised, because I think it will appraise for two or three times what you spent on it !!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We love how everything turned out. The insurance company is counting on $300,000, replacement value.

[@rumichacajoy]

I spent two winters in a trailer on the Mogollion Rim and like to froze. Spent some days in bed with the little heater next to me. And you are warming your gorgeous home with the SUN. Congratulations. Your bathroom sink cabinets look beautiful, and I love the paint color on the kitchen cabinets. The packed soil floors sounds wonderful. Looking forward to more vids from you two Lovebirds.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Sounds really cold! Last winter living in the RV, we set the propane furnace at 45°. It kept things from freezing at night. We used an electric heater during the day which made it bearable, but it was pretty cold. Glad to be living in a nice warm house now! Thanks! ☺️

[@mikehogan1827]

We’ll done, folks. Having enjoyed watching you throughout the process, I have to say I’m proud of you. You have not only accomplished something very meaningful for yourselves, but also meaningful for others. So many people have lost sight of what can be accomplished by the slow, steady and deliberate application of intellect and effort - you show people what can be done. It’s an enduring contribution. Can’t wait to see what’s next.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Appreciate it, thanks so much for following along! ☺️

[@girltechsteader]

So happy for both of you! We are doing the same here in the South, about 18 months behind you. Can't wait! Thanks for sharing your journey! Hopefully, we can do the same.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much and best wishes on your build!

[@AfterTheRains]

Such a peaceful feeling comes from your home and surroundings. Look forward to seeing your landscaping.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊🏜️

[@annwilliams9519]

Wow , what a treat. Unique beautiful home, I love the colour of the floor in the master bedroom. The quality of the workman/womanship is really high. I hope you will have many happy years there. Well done, Red and April. Regards Ann xx

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Aww, thanks so much! 😊

[@CherylSpelts]

You created a home perfectly suited to you! Can't think of anything better!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@waynekomprood7093]

Awesome. Thanks for showing it all to us. I hope you take us along to your sons house when you help him.

[@HaroldReece]

You two have done a wonderful job building this homestead. Hopefully you will be able to live in it a long time. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Appreciate it, thanks for joining us! 😊

[@basilwise8193]

Wow, great job keeping costs low, especially on the kitchen and bathroom!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, kitchens and bathrooms can be really expensive!

[@mateoaristizabal7392]

the only thing i could only complain about is the fact the rainwater is getting lost underground which actually is something to think about when you are living in the desert, excellent work, such a great place u have there.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! The water from the roof is directed to our fruit trees. Tanks are expensive, and we have a good well.

[@diyfferent]

So much thought was put into the house and I love certain elements of it like the earthen floors and the concrete thermal walls. More people really should build according to the sun and seasons like you guys did. Excellent work. Awesome job keeping track of the costs too.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, there is so much planning and decisions involved! It turned out better than we expected in every way. Passive solar design is really amazing. 🌞 Maybe someday y'all will consider building and designing your own home? 😊 But, remodeling is fun too. 😉 We'll look forward to seeing your finished bathroom.

[@tworebelsoffgrid]

Wow, fantastic job…everything turned out so beautiful with so much thought out into it! How wonderful to have something you built with your own hands ☀️☀️☀️ Nicely done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@pure46]

Excellent home having watched from the beginning. I liked how if things were not working, you changed your plans. I have to add that I loved the glimpses of the wild life around your home ( more please).

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Appreciate it, thanks for joining us! Yes, we love all of the animals out here! 🐢🦉🏜️

[@godbeesmith]

A home to be proud of especially since it was self made.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It is such a comfortable house to live in! 🌞

[@chaosplan]

Been with you since _#2 Framing the Footer_. Your resourcefulness is brilliant and your willingness to approach things unconventionally is what I like to do too. You two put a ton of hard work into this project but it is evident that it was a labor of love.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks for joining us! It's definitely a bit stressful doing things somewhat unconventionally. So far it's all good, and turned out better than we expected.

[@lawrencelipon8673]

👍👍👍👍👍👌Absolutely fantastic, great functional and beautiful design, with an eye for your personal detail so many can learn from the way you both do things the right way and living a truly sustainable life style, very impressed with the perseverance it took to complete your tasks through the wind rain, intermittent surprise floods in the desert, all very amazing!!! Great work !! And thanks for sharing the journey!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 🤗

[@javig5045]

For going minimalist, your 20 acre paradise has all the creature comforts and then some, not too many people have a home like yours built to last and a awesome work/storage/multi purpose building, let alone on 20 acres, good for you! and congratulations...Javi G.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We love it out here! 🧡🏜️

[@deanwa8581]

i love it. i want to do something similar. you can put in a clothes line to cut down on the cost of using the dryer and also you can get a mitsubishi mini split for extra cooling. the swamp cooler is nice but i think the mini split would be quieter. i grew up with the swamp cooler. 😉

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It is working out really well. Yes, we put in a clothes line and also hang things inside to dry. So far we just run the evaporative cooler for an hour or so in the evening. It uses very little power, and is working great so far. Yeah, the old coolers can be pretty loud. Best wishes! 🌞

[@deanwa8581]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid you are living my dream. i cant wait to get off grid and get something built that gets me fully self sufficient. great job. cant wait for more videos.

[@shanthih9780]

Congrats on completion of your home. It has turned out awesome.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much!

[@bondpaz]

It definitely pays to do it yourself. Y’all do excellent work! Beautifully done. ❤❤❤

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@stephs.8082]

I was born in SE Alaska and my Dad built our house by himself, it took him years so watching your video I'm impressed with the thought to details and bargain hunting, also it is a beautiful house! most excellent, thx 4 sharing

[@sandracimonetti5307]

Your house came out so good and well thought out. I love it!🏠🌵🦉

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊🏜️

[@walkingwater893]

Great job you two! Thanks for taking us along. 🥳😊

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Appreciate you joining us! 😊🏜️

[@walkingwater893]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid Bet the current value of your investment close to doubled now!

[@OvertheRiverandThroughtheWoods]

We're so impressed! At the home and how affordably you made it happen.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It was a challenging year to build a home affordability!

[@johnhoward3271]

You're " LIVING THE DREAM " ( that the rest of Us dream of living.... but know We'll never live ) !!!! Congrats on job well done 👍

[@vivalaleta]

I do hope you marked where the gutter hose lies under the ground if you're going to plant trees there... I'm thinking of the shower line under the tile situation. 😜

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Yeah its all good. 😄

[@wontsay7923]

Wow, been watching your videos for a while. Love your channel.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@MelissaMalzahn]

Wow what a beautiful home you built. I really love the earth floors.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, we really love how all of the floors turned out. 😊🏜️

[@carmenrussell2562]

Lovely house built by a wonderful couple enjoy the fruit of your labour all the best

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@adventurereadyoffgrid]

Amazing job, you guys always build some awesome stuff!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much!

[@SamsLiberty]

Awesome to see it all done! Thanks for sharing! Truly inspiring 🙌!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It is nice to have it completely done! Thanks!

[@johns6119]

That is very amazing, very frugal people, very smart design

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@kurtdowney1489]

Great video, Great work, Great job at documented this journey, Great jab at actually showing the cost at the end and I especially loved seeing the garden. Bravo very well worth every day you all spent doing this. You are now free.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We are really enjoying living here! 😊🏡🏜️

[@loucinci3922]

Looks amazing. You'all did a wonderful job constructing a lovely home. Nice overview too. Thanks for sharing.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@deaconmma3048]

Beautiful home - well done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@JustAnotherSmith]

I would just like to say you all did an amazing job on your home and property. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with all of us and I wish you all the best in the future to come. Great job!

[@squeekhobby4571]

Beautiful construction with a lot of thought. I followed your build. Great job. Repurposing the old doors is awesome.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@timfiggins7764]

Thats pretty cool guys. Really enjoyed the series. Nice work 👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks, It's so nice to finally have it done! 😊

[@zyzzyva303]

Fantastic. Passive solar is awesome...

[@ellafields9424]

Outstanding use of reclaimed and combining old and new materials. Wonderful. The energy efficiency of the house is best I've seen. I love watching / following your videos from land purchase to present. So educational. Wish more people would follow. But not many have that much talent And that motivation. Much appreciation for the videos. Thanks

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes this house is amazing to live in! It has nice stable temperatures and a very functional and artistic design. 😊

[@SharkFishSF]

Wonderful 👍, a home should bring in 5 elements of nature, space, earth, heat/fire, water and air. I think your home provides all that. You should focus on passive security like hiding the house behind lots of trees planted far away to not attract attention.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It all came together well, and the passive design works amazingly well. We have some decent sized mesquite trees around the house. We are watering them, and we have planted some new trees, but don't want to block our views too much. In this area a large clump of trees might make the house even more noticeable, especially from far away. 🌞

[@stuffinfinland]

This is what the KZbin should be all about. So fun to watch. Ps. have you thought about selling the electricity to your neighbours or join the grid and sell it via that way?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We are too far from power lines, and it would be very expensive to get them here.

[@scorpio6587]

A very lovely home. Super helpful cost breakdown. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the whole build, and the testing series for aircrete. Have you entertained the thought of solar water heating? It might be a nice little supplement to your system.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Appreciate you watching, and cheering us on throughout the process! The water heater is working well on electric. We have plenty of extra solar power coming in during the day, so we might as well use it for something. 🌞

[@craigsymington5401]

Thanks so much for sharing, this is inspiring, especially to see elements that I hope to incorporate in mydream final home. I hope my sons will do as yours has. I love the earthbag concept.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Glad it's helpful. We really love how everything turned out. 🤗

[@burtzorn4059]

Unreal !!!! , what a beautiful home you have. I know you have a lot of sweat equity . But still WOW 😳

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!! Everything came together really well, it's a very comfortable home to live in! 😊

[@markbutterfield2189]

Your home is beautiful, I'm impressed with your economy of build.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@kurtdowney1489]

Every memory is worth every penny. Great work thanks for sharing.

[@davidfarnsworth2901]

Thank you for sharing your experience in this build, it is very inspirational.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@jackoff6858]

Congrats Red & April! Thanks for taking us with you, on your home building journey. I sincerely have learned so much, I couldn't even list it all. You inspire me to keep tinkering and improving. Also big thank you for giving the cost breakdown. Looking forward to see what you do next : ) God Bless

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@JMgmkh]

All very nice ! Quality and total cost surprisingly good.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! It was a rough year to build a house. Prices had gone up and we had to dealing with material shortages. Glad it's done, and we love living in it. 🙂

[@GreenCreative-g1c]

Congratulations! Worth all the hard work and effort.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, it's a nice and very comfortable house. 🌞

[@carolanderson2648]

You did a great job on saving money. Just wonder what you could sell it at for now. Just to see what you could make. After your fruit tree come in and more landscaping even more. That total will really show how wise and smart you both are. Are you going to show that with your son's house also. Shows how you raised your kids to be as smart as you are. Make you realize all the hard work you did was totally worth it. Also the pride you get from it. You did a great job. You also showed family sticks together. Wish I you be more like you as far as making things. But our family does stick together and do things together. Good luck! Cam wait to see what's next after your son's house. Also how come you decided to do all of this, building?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! The minimum they would let us insure it for is $300,000. So that's what the insurance company values it's replacement cost. We have always wanted to buy a big piece of land so our kids could have the option to live close by. We finally found some land we could afford that was also in an area we wanted to live. It has worked out well. 🏜️ Thanks for watching! 😊

[@Jchathe]

Wonderful video, nice flow and very informative, thank you. Your house is just perfect!

[@KIMMy-KL]

Love the house! And really appreciate that YOU GUYS built it yourselves. I'm also amazed at how brilliantly you focused on keeping costs low (

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! Glad it worked out! 😄 Yes, I definitely would try the old cheap paint, and then if it doesn't work at least you can finally get rid of the can. Cheap paint has always worked fine for me. 😊

[@hotwireman49]

Super cute!! I love your kitchen!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We love it!

[@ExploringJ]

Wow what a good job.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thank you!

[@jgl2117]

Hi Red and April. Fantastic job done. I have really enjoyed following you two and learning from you. Could you please organize this entire series into a playlist? It will really help. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Yes, here is the link to the complete playlist. 🙂🏜️ kzbin.info/aero/PLW_v9VWGwCM-02d7Wmm7amZ4w_mkIc9Rf&si=as_yq-UyPAGiYzXS

[@jgl2117]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid thank you

[@robertkerby2581]

I really enjoyed watching your journey ! Well done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much!

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video, Congratulation. You are very skilled and intelligent. I was with day one with you . We learnt lot, You worked hard and finally finished , Mam Thank you very much to share with us

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Appreciate it, thanks for joining us!

[@raymondflavin8708]

Wonderful videos, and great shot of owl at the end.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much!

[@jill6477]

Awesome off grid build!!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@tinabellrock]

Awesome job guys. Hope you stay safe out there

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊🏜️

[@michaelmike5709]

I am in shock by the temperature swings and how cold it can get , in Arizona, additionally at peak 105 degrees wow.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Yes, the cold was a bit of a surprise to us too. We are often 15° to 20° colder at night than it is in town! It was rough living in the RV last winter! Fortunately we usually just have a couple of weeks before the monsoon rains begin where we get up over 100°, then it cools back down into the 80°s. 😎🏜️

[@michaelmike5709]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid you guys are great, accomplished a lot, only saw a few of your videos, not only the actual work on your well thought out home, which, yes I understand as I did it myself, a three story home, this is not about me , it is your research, and the hard editing work you have done, well - take the time to smell the coffee, look at each other , at the table and toast to each other, as you have done well for each other, make a toast, and speech to each other, as life goes by, my hat is off to the two of you, I found you guys , and learned some info on solar, as I will be doing mine in 2024 and am planning and learning now , Your channel does make a difference, and you have paid it forward, thanks to the both of you. Best wishes.

[@TheRealPlato]

Congrats on the build and thanks for the upload. Nice attention to building science details and aesthetics. Beware moisture getting trapped behind the guest mirror. You may find a 3d printer very useful for offgrid problem solving. "Filament" technology is generally more practical, "Resin" technology is better for fine detail but is messy.

[@hevpjf]

it s a beautifull house in a beautifull place. good job.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@Tainowarrior-js3cj]

Great job guy’s it looks beautiful 👍🏻

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😊

[@mikeunum]

I remember the first video. A long way to here but amazing. You hsowed all the struggle and that is 100% right because nothing goes perfect. I love you way you have done it and i support it always. - How the Solar Energy is doing now with the new added batteries?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching! 😊 It's doing great! We are used to not running major appliances after the sun goes down, so we probably haven't tapped into the extra power much. It's also been mostly sunny for the last few weeks. 🌞

[@mikeunum]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid I hope all goes based on yourwishes. God bless you and your family

[@williamlewis8741]

what a great read-out of cost

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@gregorybstewart]

Amazing work. I’m curious, anything you’d do differently now that it’s done?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! The concrete floors are slick.so we probably need to do something about that, but otherwise we can't think of anything. Everything has worked out really well.

[@patrickrussell1888]

Great overview. I thought the cost for land and utilities appear comparable to a fully accessible subdivion lot with a range of utilities (water, sewer, power, natural gas) in a rural community. Of course the land entails acreage which is a big difference.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Land around here isn't cheap, and the price has gone way up since we bought ours. Our only utility bill is propane, which is less than $15 a month. The extra land is a huge benefit too, it's great not having any close neighbors besides family. 🧡🏜️

[@tiffanym4202]

Your home is wonderful and is an inspiration to me. Judging by your southern and western views, I am quite certain you are located within a few miles of where I plan to purchase my land. Since passive solar is at the top of my list, I will be binge-watching all of your videos and will likely have tons of questions. Smashing the Like and Subscribe buttons now!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Best wishes on your build! 🌞🏜️

[@TariqKhan-77]

I just came from binge watching the hyperabode build, fantastic work on that and the main house. I wonder a few things, how much might have been spent on labour if you did none of it yourselves? what would the price for build only materials have been pre covid inflation and whats a love seat? Thankyou for choosing to share the build, all the best to the rest of the clan. Slainte Tariq

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 😄 It's a custom house, so it's hard to guess what it would cost to have it built. We estimate the materials would have cost about 1/3 less pre-covid. A loveseat is a sofa that seats 2. 😊

[@Doublehacres]

Wow you guys have done an amazing job.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@joansmith3492]

very nice! congratulations for sure!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@Trex450S]

Fantastic job!!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@lcotee]

Bravo, well done!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@wadesmith7041]

Like what you did awesome house thank you for sharing I would ask where it is but you probably don't want to disclose that I live in Prescott Arizona well done video👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!! We are in Cochise County. 🌞🏜️

[@timerickson7056]

Nice place I'm going to look into the earthen floor

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We have videos on how we did it. We really like how it turned out.

[@banjobenson9348]

nice colors too

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@toechop]

Thankyou so much for sharing your this video. I plan on watching it several more times, so much to absorb. I want to build a mono slope passive solar home someday and am studying as much as I can to reduce mistakes. My father had a home in Casa Grand AZ and I loved to visit him there, I found the dessert so peaceful and relaxing. Hope to see more of you videos. Are you able to receive reasonable internet there? Thanks again.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Glad it is helpful! The passive solar has performed much better than we expected! We thought we might need to install a wood stove, but we definitely don't need one, which is great. We use the hotspot from a cell phone for our internet. With the metal siding we don't get much reception without a booster. It's slow at times but usually does what we need it to. The desert really is a beautiful place. Best wishes on your build! 😊🏜️

[@douglasb8558]

I really like your home. Really Great Job! I was wondering if you are installing any swales on your land to save water for your orchard.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

The property has an old berm along one side, and we have added a pond and swale. We have recently been hand digging more trenches and making the existing ones deeper. They are now large enough that all of the roof water soaks in near the trees and does not run off.

[@desertdirk1]

Thanks for sharing your journey. What a wonderful space to live in. Congratulations. I was a bit surprised by the septic system cost. What was the single biggest cost with that?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It was pretty expensive. The soil test was $1,500, the tank and backhoe rental were also a large portion of the cost. The quote for our daughter's septic was $9,000!

[@desertdirk1]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid I got a quote of $6000 install from a local contractor. I thought that was outrageous but i guess it is in the ball park

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

@@desertdirk1 That sounds great! Our son's quote was $13,000! His soil is caliche, and the required leach field is 275 feet, ours is only 100 feet!

[@offgridburbia]

Thanks for the tour!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

🤗

[@kbird529]

Very nice, thanks for sharing

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks for watching!

[@MemoryPallace]

Finally a video with knowledge and skill! Do you think passive solar would work for a 600 foot house? It’s my dream to be off grid! I’ve looked at earth ships to underground homes and have a rough idea of thermal mass. Also do you guys do anything for air circulation or purification? Air filters stuff like that? I helped a friend lay vapor barriers in crawlspaces and it got me thinking of air circulation, mold, and temperature control.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We guessed on a lot of things, and didn't expect it to work as well as it does. Amazingly, this house design works perfect in our area. The sun is our only heat source. We got down to 15° last night, and it was still 69° in our house by morning. Yes, any size home can be passive solar. The long side of the house with the windows need to face south, and you need the right amount of overhang to shade the south side in the summer. We put in a basic radon gas system under the floor, which also adds some air circulation under the floor. We also have bathroom fans, an evaporative cooler, and a high vent in each bedroom. We definitely don't get as much air exchange in the winter, but we do get some. The evaporative cooler vent is typically uncovered during the day. Our climate is generally dry, we get a lot of sun, and the high desert has big temperature swings from night to day, which all works great for a passive solar design home. 🌞🏜️

[@Benfry57]

Curious about the temperatures in the hot summers of Arizona. I am curious if passivhaus design (windows and light on south side) should be adapted for hotter climates.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

We are very impressed with how well the house is performing. The outside temperatures have been near or over 100° for most of the summer. Up to 106°. The hottest it has ever gotten inside our house is 88°. That was when we were out of town for a few days and had the windows closed. We run the evaporative cooler for an hour or two in the morning and an hour before we go to bed. We keep the windows closed during the day, but open a few at night. It helps a lot that the desert cools off at night. The front of the house is shaded in the summer. The sun is just starting to creep up to the windows now. The reflective insulation covering the whole house, and the thermal mass has been very effective in summer and winter keeping the temperatures stable and comfortable. 🌞🏜️

[@BrianOpdenkelder]

Thank you for building my dream home! I can’t imagine a more efficient floor plan for a single-storey, passive home. Well done. 👍 My wife and I have enjoyed watching your journey so much, it has inspired us to consider undertaking a similar one in northern Ontario, Canada. Q: What are the outer dimensions (footprint) of your home… ?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks so much! We love the size, it's 24 ft by 50. The design has worked out awesome. Best wishes! 😊

[@BrianOpdenkelder]

Thank you. I estimated it at 24’ x 48’ - which are the dimensions of the home I began designing last year. I have already made a few changes, based on your floor plan, and love the new look and feel. Later this week, I will be heading north to look at a few potential homesites. Wish me luck - and please keep those inspirational videos coming! 😉👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

@@BrianOpdenkelder I was worried the bedrooms would be too small, and the kitchen too spread out, but everything is perfect! We love how it all came together. The whole house feels very roomy. Best wishes! 😊

[@ToIsleOfView]

Thanks for sharing, I learned a lot. Your idea of bare concrete interior and dirt floors is cheap, but I would get tired of it. What you call the industrial look is the prison cell look for me. Industrial for me is 10x this size. Sunlight from the windows will eventually get overwhelming. Sunglasses in the living room? I like wood and shaded windows, so I would opt for a solarium on the south side to harvest heat in winter.

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you find a style you like better while still incorporating some passive solar design elements. Passive solar is amazing. It makes for such a comfortable home. After living in the house for over 1.5 years now, we wouldn't change a thing. We don't need to use any fuel for heating, and it has comfortable and even temperatures year round. I love natural lighting. The sun shining through the windows in the winter hasn't been an issue at all. I wouldn't want it shining directly in my face, but that's not usually a problem because the sun shines in at a downward angle. It's also easy to close the curtain if needed. The sun feels fantastic when it warms my lap on a cold winter morning. The floor feels great on the feet, and I love the texture and color variations, but I get that it's not for everyone. Best wishes 🌞

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thank you

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks for watching!

[@Bryan-yq9pz]

Nice job.

[@Jchathe]

Hi both, what are the overall dimensions of this build? Thank you! Just watched again and still amazed at your ingenuity and eye for beauty!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

It is 24×50. Aww, thanks! We love everything about how it turned out. It's a great house to live in! 😊

[@Jchathe]

@@RedandAprilOff-Grid That's great, thank you! In the UK we have slightly more favourable regulations for building what they term a 'lodge' or 'static caravan', which allows a build of up to 22 x 66 (roughly), so a reconfiguration to around 22 x 56 would seem around the same amount of square footage, so it gives me an idea of what is possible. It's a dream of mine to do something similar to yourselves and you have really inspired me. Thanks again, both! 😊

[@elizabethblane201]

Very nice!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@nolandlacroix3130]

Wow so sad you guys would not know the joys of paying a mortgage.... good job 👍👍👍

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! 🌞

[@harleco1]

Very nice Job

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@briandavis7353]

great job

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks!

[@Alex-eo9of]

Nice build. My only question is why not paint it all one color? The three colors on one side look odd

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! Since it's such a simple design we wanted to add some trim and different colors. We intended to order light gray, but somehow ended up with the blue grey color, but we still like it. We could have saved some money if we sided the whole house with white or silver, but we like this better.

[@williambowers5783]

This is awesome great job where in az is This?

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Thanks! We are in Cochise County.