Outhouse reimagined
In these early years of Taliama, we are an off-the-grid property with no bathrooms, running water or facilities. So when nature calls, you know, you need a place to go.
After some research, Pinterest boarding and sketching, we assembled a team of worthy weekend warriors to build an outhouse. I love these volunteer building projects because it’s so much fun to come together around a mission, gather materials, pick up a tool, and build something. Outdoors in the fresh October air. Essentially make something out of nothing.
Mind you, we aren’t builders or carpenters. But we know how to swing a hammer and use a circular saw. With some pressure-treated lumber as our foundation, we were ecstatic to use the lumber we saw-milled this past Winter from the downed trees on site. With lumber prices out of control, we delighted in the fact that we were using our own hand cut lumber from the poplar, pine and oak trees that were felled 100 feet away. Old school, like the pioneers did. See our saw-milling journal entry to learn more this lumber.
We call this DIY facility the “Office of Relief.”
After site selection past the Trout Pond, out of the way yet close enough for quick access, we hauled material to this small patch of forest pitched on a gradual slope. We didn’t communicate that much among ourselves about detailed steps or process, we looked at the sketch, grabbed some wood, and started. It was more like playing basketball, unlike swimming where everyone stays in a lane. It was free form but focused. And so much fun to step back every few hours and see our layman progress. The time lapse videos below give a sense of how our basketball team performed.
Our volunteer, weekend warrior projects usually take place on Saturdays. We start at 8am with coffee and sketch, work like crazy for hours, take water breaks, then celebrate our work effort with an open fire cookout at 3pm. Damian and boys bring some marinated flank steak and vegetables, I bring the rest and a case of Modelo beer for the guys. No better way to top off a productive work day in the woods!
About the design
I wanted a wet composting toilet that is easy to service and maintain, but most importantly, a decent experience for humans without any explanation. I also wanted a sink to wash hands. And I wanted our Office of Relief to be well-designed, handmade and decidedly not the kind of crappy experience of old country outhouses. No pits, no sawdust, no fowl odor. Off-grid civilized if we could.
Since we don’t have running water, we are using a rain catchment system from the roof and run it to a faucet in the wall over a salvaged porcelain sink. This grey water, while not potable, is fine for washing hands.
While doing your business, I wanted to make sure the interior was well-lit and not tomb-like. With no electricity for lights, I decided to use a clear roof to let the natural light in. And I had some antique, weathered topo maps from years ago that found there way on the white-washed poplar boarded interior walls.
We like the look of nearly black stain on the exteriors. It looks embedded in the forest with a slight, modern Norwegian look. I bought a few hand forged iron towel hooks off Etsy, to help finish off our inspired, humble structure.
I can’t thank the volunteers and guys enough for lending a hand on this project that spanned three Saturdays. Everyone had a great time and have asked when are we going to start building our own cabins. After baby steps like this, we’ve gained some rookie confidence and are ready for the next build. I have to admit that re-purposing the saw-milled lumber is an added bonus.
Come visit soon. We have a place to do your business.
