The Simplest House of All
by
Mark S.
Chenail
continued from
page three
DACHA 3: THE DOUBLE
DACHA. This design consists of two equal-sized, shed-roofed
structures that face each other across a 20’ wide open courtyard.
One structure has 3 sleeping spaces in it, two with double bunks and the
usual drawers underneath for
the children and the middle space, a double bed, intended for the
parents. The second structure has a large kitchen living space and an
adjoining storage room with a toilet closet. The central court can be
fenced at either end to contain the children and keep them safe and it can
be shaded by trees, an over head arbor or a canopy strung on wires that
can be opened and closed.
However, when the family has
built a more permanent house, the double dacha is designed in such a way
that it can be converted to a barn. The high front walls of the sheds
facing the courtyard can be used to support trusses, which in turn can
support a roof over the central court. The three sleeping spaces can
be converted into stalls by removing the built-in bunks and the kitchen
can become a workshop, summer canning kitchen or a space for processing
dairy goods. If the front posts on the original sheds are taller than
the roof line and left to stand proud, like the false front of a store
in the old west, there will be sufficient head-room when the court is
roofed to allow for a hay loft. The ends of the central space can be
enclosed with walls or standard sliding barn doors. The original
homestead will now have a useful second life after the family has moved
into a larger conventional home.
Every homesteader’s dream of a
safe shelter for the family can be accomplished if they remember to keep
the initial plans as simple and basic as possible. That first house
should provide all the bare necessities, but few frills. It can be built
easily and economically if you follow these few rules. The modified pole
method will make it possible for even one person working alone to build a
first home in perhaps a week's time, if they are sensible and diligent
about the work. Then the homesteader can stop and rest on the front porch
in the twilight and dream about the big house they will build in the
future. Meanwhile the family is safe, warm and secure. Supper is on
the table and all is right with the world. What more could you ask for?
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