We started with the excavation of the area a total of 10 hours with a backhoe and gravel truck. We hauled the gravel into the site from here on the property. We removes as few trees as we possibly could, leaving a good number for shade and their beauty.

Larry and I then began setting up the layout and then put in the stakes in for the forms. The forms were the next stage.

We have managed to acquire a lot of our supplies from recycle depots and friends, family and restoration companies dumpsters. Many companies are happy to NOT have to pay dumping fees.

This project is a large undertaking, with the help of friends and family it has become a lot of fun, too! Thank to all who have contributed.

Sept 1, 2010 Finally to the bale stage!!! With the help of my sister, Bev,  Lois, Larry, Gordon and Steve E we got the first bales up this weekend!! We completed the first third of the main floor of the in-law suite in a day and a half.

Oct 2010 Steve H came & put the mud on the outside wall, Gordon mixing and Steve applying. Little bit of frost but we put some heaters in the veranda and it dried before the winter settled in.

March 2011 Checked on the bales throughout the winter, to be sure it is keeping dry. We had a problem with the wall next to the kitchen window, water wicking down the roof and onto the bales. Mold is ;the bane of straw bales. A wall section upstairs also got wet when the poly came off during a rain storm. Both will have to be replaced when the weather warms up.

May 2011 Finished the reinforcing of the center bale wall and pulled the front door straight. We have been unable to put a lot of time into the house, so it is taking longer than normal to be finished and in waiting we are running into some issues. As soon as the weather clears up we will start replacing wet bales and finish the mud.

				Lois & Robert Wed in January 2011

		August 2011

 

You can come learn, work and enjoy, potluck meals and a camping area can be provided.

Please contact us first.

 

 

Yurts

In March of 2001  Larry built our first Yurt, in Lumby, BC. We live year round in our Yurt and stay comfortably warm; sometimes toooo warm!

In 2003 we added a 14' addition, which we use as a bedroom.

Larry & Victoria bought 60 acres of raw land in Central British Columbia, Canada in June of 2005.

In July of 2005 we built a Yurt 24 feet in diameter, with the assistance of family and friends, with a 3 foot hub, 11 foot 6 inch rafters, and the wall 5 foot 6 inches high.

For the next year we visited often, doing some grounds keeping and getting things cleared away so we could bring livestock. In August of 2006 we met John R and it was decided he would come back to Lumby with us for the winter. John had a backhoe which would help to clear some land a whole lot faster. Suzanne, another friend also visited the property that summer. Benjamin T came with us in July and help to cut some of the weeds down to a manageable level, thereby reducing the mosquito population.

In November of 2006, we had a phone call from friends to say that the roof had collapsed on the yurt!!! Unfortunately with the heavy snow load and the shorter rafters in turn itself inside, like a funnel. The roof did not leak however!! When we arrived in May of 2007 we had to drain approximately 3000 gallons of water from the inverted roof.!!!

Yurts are a wonderful home, we have now lived in one year round for the last 6 years. Restful, relaxing, cozy would best describe living in a Yurt.

Many people ask "Aren't you cold in the winter?" Our reply to that is "No, if anything it gets too warm with the wood heater going. Often we have to get up in the middle of the night and open a door as it gets too hot!"

Many friends come to visit and find themselves falling asleep, because it is so relaxing. Living in round has a very special feeling.

We have now built seven yurts, with a few changes to each one.

 

Number Eight - Center for Sustainable Living & Spiritual Enlightenment in Lumby BC

Gazebo in the summer and cozy center the rest of the year. Meeting and classes will be held here on our property. The Center is available for rent at reasonable rates.