A DIY, Low Cost $300 House with Plant, Water, Food & Commerce Integration

DIY Low Cost Housing Integrated with Plants, Water Collection and Chickens

We were asked to create a DIY, low cost residence that would cost less than $300.  My final design for the $300 home is based on years of work in developing a low cost, lightweight and affordable living roof and wall system to feed the Urban Core, clean stormwater and restore biodiversity to the cities.

800 SF DIY Low Cost Plant/Water/Food/Commerce Integrated Home

The end result is a place one can be proud of, 75 square meters overall in total, about 800 SF.  

Cost Breakdown

The front living area is approximately 500 sf, the greenhouse/shower area is 200 sf and the poultry house is 100sf.

Overhead Three Room View

The frame contains 4 sections of 2 fencing pipe placed 12 in the ground with a small amount of concrete. 1 electrical conduit is placed in the top open end of the pipe and bent in an arch until the opposite end slides into the opposing anchor pipe.  

Integration of Food Production Into the Home

Once the arches are up, galvanized fencing is attached to the frame creating a skin covering.  

Energy Efficiency of the $300 House

The roof is covered with a heavy duty tarp that can be rolled up for ventilation. 

Water Reuse Component of the $300 House

The living area, greenhouse and poultry house are separated by walls with a fencing skin also.

Front View of $300 House

Rainwater is collected in a gutter that runs along a knee-wall and stored in an underground cistern.  Water is pumped via hand pump to a solar shower bag that feeds the sink also. 

Greenhouse, Bath & Coop Placement

Drain water flows to irrigate the plants in the greenhouse and then water the poultry.

$300 House Integrated with Plants, Water & Food for Shelter, Commerce and Community

Living roofs and living permaculture walls line both sides of the home, creating privacy and delivering much needed food.  The green roofs are soilless and based on an extreme lightweight design (see photos).

Note:  My email is now kssonger@gmail.com.  The old address kevin@metroverde no longer exists.