Building a DIY GEODESIC DOME #19

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

For anybody interested, we bought our digger from TrackBul in Stara Zagora: trackbul.mobile.bg/

[@kenavo2001]

Hi, were moving from Turkey to Bulgaria. Could you please tell me the model of the digger?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@kenavo2001 Becker B13 :)

[@RosemaryS2127]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens thank you 👍🏻

[@UKVeteran2024]

This is the great thing about Bulgaria. You by a house, you get a huge garden as standard. Add 2 excited adults with dreams, and look at the results! :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely 😁💯

[@Leed216]

What a great video that you have edited together. You both have great smiles with your new toys. I would personally go for a green house with the dome. It will prolong your growing season into winter, providing food for the family and saving money. The kids can learn and watch things grow. The snug at the top of the property is a ‘nice to have” but not a ‘practical to have’. Seriously how many times would you really go up there, where as you could be growing food for the family. Think of fresh tomatoes into November, lettuce in Dec. etc.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

You are absolutely right. The dome at the top of the land would be our inner child option and I think the greenhouse is the more sensible choice. Sometimes it's hard to battle with your stubborn inner child though 😬☺️

[@robertrainey2640]

Not just building a home but great memories to for your family to look back at

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely. It's so easy to focus on an end goal but at the end of the day it's the process getting there (or not!) that actually has the biggest impact. We are literally living our best life and it's amazing 😍

[@TaniaDouglas-n3l]

The dome the deck the fairy lights the fire pit what a wonderful plan and memories for the whole family bam I say go for it guys😊🌺

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It's definitely not the most practical sensible option but I can't help but think it would be so wonderful 😍

[@neutonrenda2303]

Your new machine is a game changer for your place. Imagine how much time you've already saved, just in the video footage that you've shown. Great purchase.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes exactly - I cannot begin to explain how hard the soil is here and how much rock is on our land!

[@ВаняТанова]

Браво!Страхотно семейство сте!

[@indigowarrioress]

Wow 🤩 I have never been so excited to see a digger in all my life,especially after the epic movie like intro (drone footage, dramatic music and everything)😂. Loved seeing the boys so elated...start them young . Great Mum wasnt left out and got her project going too.Hugs to you all 🤗

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

You can tell that it was a boyhood dream coming true - I think Phil had that entrance music/movie style reveal planned for months 🫣🤣 My mobility is so much better now that it's great to be back and hands on again 💪

[@neutonrenda2303]

It looks amazing, it was much easier than I expected.❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Often when the instructions say it is easy I am doubtful, but I was honestly surprised with this kit!

[@stoilstoilov5572]

Such a machine like yours is of a great need in Bulgarian village because all the water pipes are very old and every thing must be removed and replaced. So you can start a good business in your village and the neighbouring ones. Success in all your adventures.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We're lucky that there are locals who go out with their diggers, just like the one we rented before. We've got so much work to do on our land we don't have much spare time at the moment to offer our services to others.

[@elizabethdunn2992]

The diggers a game changer! And what a great thing that dome is, cant wait to see what you do with it. Great video as always ❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

A massive game changer!! It's full steam ahead now 😍

[@TheVadrigar]

LOL! Loved how happy you looked when the digger arrived. The kid will definitely work in construction. :D

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes it was a long awaited moment and they were both counting down to it's arrival 🤣 Alex has always loved machinery and he has his heart set on being an arable farmer 😍

[@soniacoleman5247]

Well that's me caught up with you now, its 7am, your videos have made me again stay awake !!!! I was sure your garden was going to be a success. You need more beds, linger and narrower to be able to reach. Your dream was a greenhouse, keep it as such and buy another one for the bbq, chill out deck, view area. I look forward to your next video. Thanks guys

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

So pleased you enjoyed watching! Our next video is out this Sunday ☺️ I'm still undecided with the dome but as soon as we make up our minds we will be sure to share with you 😊

[@rachelwinter1273]

Great watch thank you! Hubby is well jel of your toys! 😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Tool envy is definitely a thing - he's always showing me what we 'need' next 🤣😁

[@outliersbulgaria]

No place like dome 🥰 Congrats on the digger!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks guys! Hope you're both doing good. Socks has grown SO much! 🐾🐶

[@travellingarts93]

A real game changer congrats it will make life easier no back breaking with those labour intensive tasks, nice vid love the progress .:)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes! You're so right - an absolute game changer!

[@BurtonOutdoors]

The most dramatic entrance of a new tool ever 👍👌 Why you guys have so little subs is beyond me, you should have 20x the amount at least. I stumbled on your channel ages ago and have followed your journey as I love BG, I think I mentioned before I used to own an apartment for 11 years in Bansko... but sold it when my children decided they would get older and didn't want to go to this beautiful country any longer, myself and Mrs Burton Outdoors still come every year for 2 weeks... starting this weekend in Plodiv for 3 nights, then back to Bansko. I love your content, guys... keep it up. Love the bloopers too 👍 Lee

[@NewBulgarians]

Totally agree with the subs comment!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Really quite speechless - thank you 🥲 I think it's all down to the KZbin algorithm as to whether you get 'noticed', but it's great building up a community of support ❤️ As for the dramatic entrance - I think Phil has been planning how to edit that for weeks 🤣🤣

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Aww thanks guys ☺️❤️

[@pithavy9243]

😂 you guys are just wilding 😅.. super fun

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Living out best life 😀

[@Cathy-ty3fp]

Brilliant video guys what great idea with the dome xx

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

They're great aren't they! 😁

[@MichaelAcres]

Hi guys great video, you should definitely use it as a greenhouse, just think of all the veg you can grow so much better to eat than bought stuff plus it will save you money and how often would you use it at the top of the land. Take Care Michael and Carol.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Hi Michael and Carol, yes that was our original thought too. Teaching the children how to grow their own food is really important to us. I'm putting a few designs together so we shall wait and see how they turn out!

[@justinlyward3010]

well done you two what a great idea outing the van and investing in the digger, that’s gonna save a massive amount of man/woman power, also get another kit and keep the original idea but also defo put one up the top as a chill out area what a fantastic space for you all👍👍👍 love to all keep up the great work of living your fantastic dream, i am very jealous 💕💕

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks Justin. It was really hard to say goodbye to it, especially with all the hours (two years!) worth of work we put into it, but the ability to have a mini digger has been a huge game changer. Appreciate you watching - hope you and the family are doing good. 👍

[@justinlyward3010]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens yeah i bet it was but it has enabled you to move forward with your project which is very cool 👌

[@DanipBlog]

Everything you guys are doing looks soo amazing and wholesome! It always brings me joy to watch you chase what makes you happy! When do you guys plan on starting to fix up the actual house?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely - life is for living 😍 As for the house, it's beyond repair. We have some BIG plans for it..

[@petyobenov]

Woow, good on you and congrats on buying the little digger! I was also thinking of buying one myself to do all the things needed in garden. And dome looks good. I can imagine with this gorgeous view from the top of your property, a perfect spot for a big deck and a dome prepared for your guests.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It was a bit of a no brainer as we have so much work to do on the land, especially before the winter months really kick in. It really has had the biggest impact and we've already achieved so much since it arrived!

[@petyobenov]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens really looking forward of seeing it in action

[@anthonytaylor1439]

Brilliant as always!! Than you guys !! Love the digger , perfect for the rock hard ground over there !! Get digging them swales!!’ Then come to Levka X

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

The to do list is VERY long!

[@carlyjonesart9815]

I would turn the domes into camping pods for either friends and family staying or rent them out for extra income. Great channel, enjoying your videos by the way!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Isn't it great that the possibilities are literally endless? 😍

[@NewBulgarians]

Love this content, you do make us smile. Got us thinking about a mini digger - so many possibilities. 🤔 Like the idea of the snug dome with that amazing view, however, we also had an amazing view and spent out on a lovely big raised terrace to enjoy it with, and barely used it after all. 🙃 Love to see Alex learning so many skills.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yeah, it's definitely not a big priority for us at the moment as we have so much to do. Now that Kayleigh is physically active again and the temperatures are cooling down it's full steam ahead with the big projects!

[@StevePotter-G6HOQ]

wow!, I am ordering a hub kit now, its going in my snug area which we created this summer.

[@JohnGuest45]

If you make it out of metal you can load it up with your MFJ-993B :) 73 de M0...

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Blown away by how versatile it is. You can make so many adaptations to them too.

[@JohnGuest45]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens I`ve always made my own hubs but these are a great option for your first dome. You`ll find it hard to stop at one :)

[@Gallivantinggriffiths]

If you haven’t named it, my suggestion is Boris…. Excellent addition to the clan

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🤣🤣 love it.. just needs a blonde wig on the top

[@houseofancients]

Nice machine guys !

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

..I haven't seen Phil for days now.. 🤣🤣

[@houseofancients]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens :)

[@derekbilston9290]

Cool digger. That could be in demand locally. Also a good location for a small garden type astronomical observatory.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We have the most incredibly clear sky here - it would certainly be a great spot for one!

[@marianamanolova6461]

A great video !

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We're so glad you enjoyed it - next one is out on Sunday 🙂

[@michaelbbb2271]

Very pleased for you looks great . Plus in time a income provider? All helps atb hope u enjoy it and it makes life easy . A game changer

[@NewBulgarians]

yes, good idea!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

A great idea but not something we are looking at doing at the moment - time is way too precious and are to do list just keeps growing!

[@RosemaryS2127]

The digger is a great investment. Not only in hire charges but, in time also. so many jobs/projects require a digger. People wrongly think that all equipment that comes out of China is rubbish......it is not. It is up to the company to provide a decent specification and it will be manufactured accordingly. Enjoy your new toys, sorry.....tools :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yeah Phil spent a lot of time researching our options and we did look into having one directly imported. I think we made the right decision with the available finances 👍🙂

[@RosemaryS2127]

@OffGridWithTheUdens absolutely time well spent on your research 👍🏻

[@DanfishinglifeUK.Bulgaria]

Another great Video, if I can achieve with the house we have brought in Bulgaria that you have I will be very happy. Happiness costs nothing, and the great thing about it is it's all done in your own time.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It really makes you focus on the basics again and what really matters. Congratulations on your purchase. What region have you bought in?

[@DanfishinglifeUK.Bulgaria]

We are in the Dobrich region. Just got out here today, weather is abit different from the 4°c in England this morning. Hard work pays off and the freedom is great.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@DanfishinglifeUK.Bulgaria Yes my mum facetimed us earlier and said she had the heating on already! We are hoping to explore the country a bit more next year, so do let us know if you have any must dos in your region! 👍🙂 New video out on Sunday.

[@DanfishinglifeUK.Bulgaria]

100% I will let you know, today has been full of cutting grass and strimming. Busy times.and of course the weather has not been too good today. 😂

[@guywhoknows]

Lol you big kids. Personally, a mini digger is a bit limited, a mini tractor could have been a better buy for ploughing and grass cutting, as well as the dig function. The dome, the covering I think would be more a pain, flat sheets on a round shape, I assume you can have them made, or cut triangles and stitch them together? If you could lay a circle of stone around the base to put it on I think it will last longer, you can also raise the height. As an off grid home, growing food would be the priority for me. Maybe then build a few as holiday rentals? Little tent thingies.. Time to start building and converting. Hope you had a nice break!!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes thank you, it was a well deserved break. Now that the temperatures have started to cool and Kayleigh's mobility has improved it's full steam ahead on the bigger projects. As for the mini digger, we had to do the best we could with the finances we had. For this stage of our build it made sense - but absolutely a mini tractor in the future is the way to go 😍👍

[@guywhoknows]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens I'm over next Wednesday house shopping!! I'll be watching the next video..

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@guywhoknows ooo that's exciting! Good luck 🙂

[@guywhoknows]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens fairly terrifying! A lot, if not too much choice. Varying degrees of work, don't speak more than two words.. the videos you guys and others are doing, don't really go into this part, can't wait till it's over!!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@guywhoknows yes we don't miss that.. it is like that with many processes out here. Patience is key!

[@JohnGuest45]

Let the kids have that one and build a bigger, more sturdy one on the top of the hill.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

It's surprisingly sturdy as it is - but not sturdy enough to be climbed on (which is what Ember seems keen to do!)

[@JohnGuest45]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens I`m with Ember, domes are meant to be climbed :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@JohnGuest45 😉👍

[@susanlecuirot1573]

Keep your digger in the geo dome ? , both happy bunnies 😂😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Hahah NO way am I letting that in there 🤣

[@dodgebusa]

Do you have have a link to who you ordered Alex’s digger from, as I’m interested in one myself cheers and keep up the great work

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes, it's from TrackBul in Stara Zagora. There is a link in our video description ☺️

[@nadyadobreva9904]

Wow..what a Beast! Beast 13! Congratulations!🎉

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much - she's already been put to work!

[@scottstevens2880]

Just a Word of advise with using the Chinese excavator with the coop engine, you need to fit fans and hydraulic oil cooler or they overheat here in Bulgaria (coming from personal experience) usually fine for an hour or so but you’ll feel the power drain away after a length of time. Great machines for little odd jobs around the property though!

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks for the comment. I've been paying close attention to the temps and its on the upper end but seems ok. I've still fitted a 9" fan though 👍😁

[@scottstevens2880]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens should be perfect for around the house. :)

[@terrinelson2677]

Love the dome kit!! It’s amazing and looks so simple for 2 people to put up. I’d love to know about the cost of this kit and make and what you use to cover the frame etc. Such a great idea. Depending on how expensive the kits are you could get a couple more. One for family nite with the firepit etc like Phil described and one for your green house you could maybe do out of plastic pipe and one for guest accommodation. Those would be my suggestions

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks so much. I'm working on the dome project slowly, as it's just not a priority in the grand scheme of things. But - I'm researching different suppliers for the covering at the moment and getting it raised up off the ground. Update coming soon I promise!

[@terrinelson2677]

Look forward to it ❤

[@mitkodimitrov8396]

Gratz,can dig ecopond for fishes and water lilyes,just get 1 fountain pomp 20wat and leave,to work all the time,hihi,can used for aquapontic.I had in Plovdiv,work 5 yeras hihi. Healt,happynes and good luck :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely! There are so many things we would love to do, but we have to prioritise ☺️

[@terrycostin2719]

So glad that you have a mini digger now which should make things a bit easier for you, I am sure Alex might even let you use it occasionally. The Geodesic dome kit looks awesome, a great way to build a simple structure. Will you fit it onto a small wall and what will you cover it with? I am sure it will be great at the top of your land. Does not appear to be any sign of a donkey yet Phil? or was this part of a "D" deal - you got a Digger Kayleigh gets a Donkey?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely part of the deal.. I'm just not sure he has realised it yet! One day it will happen 😁 I need to get some donkey education first

[@ivanarnaudov294]

👌

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

❤️

[@ourderelictdream]

Definitely a play area for the dome!!!!!! It's awesome

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

I have SO many great ideas.. a mud kitchen would be a huge hit with Ember and it would be great for playing during the autumn and winter months.

[@ourderelictdream]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens yes definitely, Hudson loves his mud kitchen! 😘

[@Firebreath1988]

Great idea's for the dome but for hangout/chillings i would go larger the connection system doesnt seem to matter wich lengts as i can see as long u keep the short distances/long ones the same and calculate the weight it could have or improve it with beams underneath to support the weight, big materials you have now with excavator etc use them for your advantage even lifting iff neded ;) great to see you back and in action and love the way you both support each other with choices ;) you will make it for sure dont stress and take the time neded as its not an easy thing to do either. And for the pool foundation the one your building is better then raised ground you would just get collapses eventually from ground running away with rainfall. so you would either how need a retaining wall anyway.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Hi! Thanks for watching again! 🙂 It's a constant priority shuffle living like this and we are always having to think five steps ahead. We're very supportive of each other - we are each others biggest supporter ❤️

[@Firebreath1988]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens Hey thanks alot for your kind respond as always :) Good to hear that you support each other as you will need it for big projects like you have started, love to watch your vids stay healthy and speak again next time :)

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

@@Firebreath1988 ❤️❤️

[@anthonytaylor1439]

We’re all coming over in the beginning of October, if you guys fancy a BBQ ? X

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Drop us a DM 👍

[@davidbulley4393]

What was the price and where did you order it from?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Hi - sorry the link is in our video description. It's from TrackBul in Stara Zagora.

[@BurtonOutdoors]

The DOME Make one into a camping type hut, rent it to hikers etc, like wild camping but not... have a compost toilet... Job done 👍 supplement your income in the warmer months. I'm not sure where you are but there must be some great hiking trails and beautiful towns and villages to explore. I wild camp a lot and have camped in the hills above Bansko but the facilities already there are not good if you want to stay in a hut and not a tent or hammock. You could even let people camp on your land for a fee. Just an idea

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

They would make the most amazing little camping huts, we've seen how others have linked two together, one with a hot tub inside. Our area isn't a big tourist attraction so I don't think it would be worth the investment for us. There's some great new campsites popping up in our region 👍

[@SerendipitySharon]

I'd build a wooden circular frame underneath the dome, then a deck and firepit

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes that would be a lovely idea too!

[@deborahbasel184]

Keep it as a greenhouse.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

👍☺️ I'll be sure to show you what we decide!

[@acespead6537]

You trun to tent for staying for holidays rental

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Yes that was also one of my thoughts too! 😍 You can see why I'm struggling to decide 🫣🫣

[@vladivladi6004]

Super Video 😊❤

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks so much! Next one is out on Sunday 👍🙂

[@neutonrenda2303]

I think you'll be buying more lol 😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

I think you could be right 🫣

[@mememe332]

Greenhouse

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Sooo many options! 😬😍

[@andylee1622]

What village area are you in? Looking at buying property and trying to find area with alot of kids for family to grow up with, and is there a school in your village

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

We're in the Haskovo region. We don't have a school in our village so Alex has to travel to school.

[@andylee1622]

@@OffGridWithTheUdens AHH right we are looking in yambol region and over this month, seems alot don't have schools in village may end up doing same ❤️ good luck to you all

[@countryguybg]

Hi. Very nice excavator. I want to buy one also. I am from Bulgaria, also live in a village, but in different part in the country - in Pirin mountain. Can you share what is the price of such cool machinery? 😊

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks very much. This is the company we bought from trackbul.mobile.bg/

[@deehalpern8988]

Boys and their toys 😂😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

.. don't forget us girls 😉 Embers already mastered how to operate the bucket 🤣

[@andyswainson8114]

First

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

🙂

[@Hanna-e8b]

Привіт з України. Ваші відео заспокоюють під час обстрилів. Про купол- можна зробити щось на зразок кемпінгу, а для теплиці краще політунель із затіняючою сіткою. Баба Ганна.

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

баба Ганна - Бережіть себе міцно. Дякуємо за ваші ідеї. Приємно знати, що наші відео можуть пролити світло в такі темні часи по всьому світу. ❤️

[@cathhumphreys3113]

Boys and toys 😂

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Absolutely... But Ember and I are definitely going to be showing the boys how it's done in no time at all 😉💪

[@thewheallons]

Who doesn't want their own mini digger! Kayleigh's walking/movement has improved incredibly. The dome, OMG, I so want one (2, 3, 4.....) of those. Defo agree with the decking idea, what will you cover the the dome with?

[@OffGridWithTheUdens]

Thanks guys! I've worked SO hard on my recovery and it's really paying off ❤️ You absolutely should get some - the question is what would you do with them! 🤣🫣 As for covering them, we've seen a few different ideas but some have come out as quite expensive. Think I might need to do some saving before I complete the dome project 😬