Log cabin with grass roof (sustainable and energy efficient)

[1982FMJ]

is the odour of chemical protection treatment inside log homes noticable? I wouldn't mind the natural smell of wood but not wood treatment chemicals. I've heard some people don't like the smell log homes have

[pkauto]

There is no chemical protection treatment as this timber is naturally rich in tanins.

Cypress Macrocarpa has a very pleasant smell.

[jannevellamo]

@1982FMJ If the building is properly made, that is, off the ground and with a roof that actually keeps water from dripping down the walls, it needs absolutely no chemicals at all. Chemical companies would probably suggest coating the whole thing with cyanide or arsenic, though. If they could make money selling you paint made out of plutonium, they would. In my country these things have been made for a thousand years or more with no need for any but natural paints used for aesthetics only.

[iwantosavemoney]

nice job looks great

[djkingpersia]

like the previous commentator what you are you going to do when the grass gets tall?

probalby a week eater would be better than taking the lawnmower up there

eventually though those seems will crack and you will have to take all that grass off and put roof coating

but you will probably be dead before that happens(age)

your kids will do it

[slottjeoz]

enjoyed your video. could you please advise where you can purchase Malthoid Oldroid XV Membrane. Did you use another layer of turf after you put the soil on the upside down turf putting this layer the right side up.

Thank you for your reply

Jonathon

[analogboy3]

Wow. I never expected to hear Icehouse on a video about building a cabin. Nice suprise!

[pkauto]

Thanks for your comment. This was my first video so I apologize for text sometimes being unclear.

I did a lot of experimenting with a smaller roof before building the cabin and found you need a minimum of 100 mm of soil although in Norway many cabins are using moss .Other than superb insulation the soil also contributes to keeping the logs tight. I would use as much as the strucyure and footings can handle safely. Cheers

[pkauto]

When calculating weight remember to double the dry weight allowing for water saturation not to mention snow (where applicable)

[Marpymellow]

Thank you for putting this video on-line. You've produced a fantastic cabin there. I'm considering adding a grass roof to my log cabin, mainly for insulation, so I found those details very helpful. One query I have is about the thickness of the topsoil layer - 15 centimetres seems quite deep, is that correct? My only slight criticism is that the dark, blocky text on the video is sometimes difficult to read, but luckily there is the 'pause' button!

[19Spencer80]

Never mind I found it Icehouse Great Southern Land...you forget a lot as you get older.

[19Spencer80]

What's the song? I cant remember

[chessbruno]

Nice. Really nice work, but this is not a log cabin. No ax, no log cabin. Enjoy it for what it is, a pre-fab bunch of boards- not a log cabin.

[pkauto]

I agree to an extent, however i wouldnt call 150 x 300 milled timber as boards and every corner (saddle notched)

is done by hand.If we had modern tools to simplify this type of construction 100 years ago I think we would have used them. The critical work is the notching which as mentioned was painstakingly done by hand.

Even in Norway these days the chainsaw is widely used.

Appreciate the comment.

[Ninyae1]

Great cabin, good choice of music! Interesting gutters for the runoff. Do u have a watertank attached? Really like how u finished it inside, (and out). The best sort of work is hard work. I see no virtue where I see no sweat! Where in Oz are u?

[pkauto]

Thanks for your inspiring comment!

All excess water not absorbed by the soil is guided down both sides onto garden beds and trees( which thrive ). Im in northern victoria

[wasabikidd]

ausome ausome ausome

[amiri001]

I admire your work specially doing it together with your family and friends..You guys deserve the best!!!

[mightisright]

Nice job. Norwegians have lived in turf roof houses for over a thousand years, mostly for the insulation.

[DrLsw]

oh thats cool i want to buy a peice of property and build a cabin on it with woods and cows so i can just get my own food im saving up for it now so when i move i'll have enought money to buy the property. you must spend alot of time in that cabin i like how its got the stones and trees next to it

[DrLsw]

nice cabin. but why a grass roof?

[pkauto]

Firstly its environmentally friendly , second it has extremely good thermal properties . Its a nice feeling having a living roof over your head

Many countries , I believe Germany and China are among those promoting this type of roof construction.

[DrLsw]

phone: hello

phone2: hey!

phone: ya

phone2: why the hell's your cow on my roof

phone: what.. i dont have a cow

phone2: yea you do he's on my roo.. HEY STOP THAT NOOOO :( he pooped on my roof

phone: haha. click

[MrLeN76]

5 Stars -- nice.

[justaguy123456]

I admire the Australian pioneer spirit. Did you need to deal with buidling codes? Or could you just go for it?

[rancher21]

Interesting but in Canada we like round logs.Although insulation and heat index are likely to be the same.You will find in long run maintenance of your roof too much of a pain.

[pkauto]

The cabin has been up for 2 years now and even in this hot Australian climate the only maintenance is trimming the grass every 6 months. The "couch" grass likes the climate and does not grow tall. This type of roof is used on houses and cabins in Norway some of which have been up for hundreds of years even without the use of modern day membranes.

[seveprim]

Mate great cabin but how do ya get the victa on top to mow it !!!

[MrLeN76]

No silly -- he puts a cow up there. Don't you know anything?

[EdmundSquid]

Its beautifull but why build it in you own backyard????

[pkauto]

Built it for when overseas visitors stay and also I ... oops family members need somewhere to escape. Need some land up at Bright.

[EdmundSquid]

makes sense, just wondered. It is pretty.

[ihateyotube11]

too many synthetic materials!

Nice build though.

[Zarbod]

Cool. What is that first song you used?

[pkauto]

Great southern land by ICEHOUSE

Thanks for your comment

[skoove]

Wow!! Amazing work as always Per!! Keep it up.

When you have to mow the roof, please put that video up aswell =]

[pethelord]

this is the best cabin i have ever seen i have been to norway so i have seen some good ones but this is awes everyone u need to watch this video, he has from start to finsh. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!