We are Allen and Clair Mieluk, an environmentally conscious couple in our early 30’s. The project is located in the Manning Valley, Mid-north coast of
NSW. In need of a creative outlet, we decided to have a go at building our own weekender to take time out from the demands of everyday life. The challenge was to ensure it could be off grid, environmentally friendly and under $5,000.
We have both grown up holidaying in the Australian Bush so it is close to our hearts. Clair’s brother and some good friends have had to help us with big jobs like putting up the 2 storey frames and fitting the pre-loved roof. We would love to be able to share it with like minded family and friends once it is complete and share our story to show that sustainable living really is in everyone’s capability.
RECYCLED BUSH HOUSE
TIPS ON FINDING MATERIALS:
Everybody knows someone at some point who’s either built or renovated a property. Ask these people if they have any left over paint, timber or building materials, even a box of screws they have no need for and are happy to give you. Once people know about the project you’re doing, you find they want to help you. Builders or tradies always have leftover materials from jobs. They would rather someone pick it up for them then have to pay to take it to the tip themselves, this is another good source. We
have collected excess tiles, waterproofing, paint and windows this way.
TIPS ON THE DESIGN PROCESS.
The design of the house was dictated by the materials we knew we could source. The size of the floor was built to the steel frame we acquired, and we decided to build up as we had access to long lengths of timber, enough for a 2 storey dwelling. If you don’t know how to do something e.g. tiling,
turn to the online world. We have used youtube and google to overcome building techniques we hadn’t tried before. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Often natural or recycled materials won’t be perfect or you won’t have quite enough for the job. Half the fun is working out how you can make it work with what you have, like a puzzle. Remember the bigger picture of what you are achieving and have fun doing it!
UPDATE As we were designing the feature for this awesome couple to tell their story and showcase their beautiful bush retreat, I made contact with them to apologise for the delay in getting the concept back to them. During this communication with Allen and Clair, they informed me that they had in fact lost their home away from home to the bush fires that have been sweeping across the country.
In that instance my heart broke, my stomach churned and I was broken for them and many others who have lost loved ones, homes, and personal items and it brought the reality of this even closer to me and my little family and the pure devastation many are going through.
Allen and Clair went on to tell me “we are the few lucky ones who don’t need anything and have amazing support. We acknowledge that life in the bush is just that way unfortunately, and have made our peace with it”
They wanted us to still run the article as their perspective on sustainable living has not changed and are looking forward to rebuilding in the future although it may be some time away.
Full article featured in our December edition http://liquidlifeandleisure.com.au/magazine-editions/2019-magazine-editions/