Cabin in the Woods

Martha's Vineyard, MA

During the Cabin in the Woods project Bob explores the concept of sustainable design, putting resource management theories into practice for everyday living. This newly-designed getaway house blends the latest in building textiles and technology, while achieving valuable savings and time efficiency. It's a down-to-earth, environmentally friendly dwelling, intended to be adaptable and expandable with respect to changing family needs and resources over the years. Along the way Bob visits with a university professor who has developed a prototypic modular home and a unique design and construction school in Vermont that teaches sustainable building practices hands-on. Sidetrips include excursions to high-profile getaway cabins large and small—the Vanderbilts' Great Camp Sagamore in New York's Adirondack mountains to a recreation of Thoreau's famous retreat at Walden Pond. Back on site Bob's cabin gets a pre-cast foundation system, earth-friendly septic system, energy-efficient appliances, recycling bins, mulching pile and more.

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	Show Information:	View all videos from this project

	Foundation, Framing and Septic System (HA0518) Dates Aired: January 2-8, 1995 \| July 3-9, 1995 Bob kicks off a new project, this time in a woody setting. We discuss the plans for the tiny, romantic weekend getaway cottage with constructor Bob Ryley and get started ... View show summary
	Framing the Cabin (HA0519) Dates Aired: January 9-15, 1995 \| July 10-16, 1995 Framing is well underway at the little cabin, starting on the first floor with the kitchen. In addition, the second floor deck is beginning to come together. In between Bob ... View show summary
	Framing and Chimney (HA0520) Dates Aired: January 16-22, 1995 \| July 17-23, 1995 More framing progress has been made on the cabin, and we look at what an 18/12 pitch in the roof will do for living space on the second floor. The ... View show summary
	Installing Skylights and Framing Staircase (HA0521) Dates Aired: January 23-29, 1995 \| July 24-30, 1995 Bob and Ryley install a new Cabrio skylight from Velux that opens outward to create a roof balcony. Next Ryley installs Thermasote panels on the roof, a new all-in-one nailable ... View show summary
	Installing Windows and Doors (HA0522) Dates Aired: January 30-February 5, 1995 \| July 31-August 6, 1995 The Marvin windows arrive and are installed, including the specially designed triangular windows on the gable ends. Next Ryley installs a beadboard back door. Also HVAC work is underway, and ... View show summary
	Electrical and Plumbing Work (HA0523) Dates Aired: February 6-12, 1995 \| August 7-13, 1995 Construction continues on the cabin in the woods with electrical and plumbing work and fixtures with a simplistic approach and creative use of materials. We tour the mother of all ... View show summary
	Interior Finishes (HA0524) Dates Aired: February 13-19, 1995 \| August 14-20, 1995 Bob begins by looking at the progress of the house today paying special attention to some new shingles. Inside new heart pine and Pergo laminate flooring is being installed. Bob ... View show summary
	Installing the Kitchen and Patio (HA0525) Dates Aired: February 20-26, 1995 \| August 21-27, 1995 The weekend getaway gets an earth-friendly "green" kitchen, complete with energy efficient appliances, recycling bins, mulching pile, worm bin, and innovative storage features. The patio and landscaping are underway, and ... View show summary
	Cabin Tour (HA0526) Dates Aired: February 27-March 5, 1995 \| August 28-September 3, 1995 It's the grand finale of the season here at the dream getaway in the woods, and Bob and Ryley take a tour of the finished exterior and grounds. Inside, the ... View show summary