Build a "Climate" Cabin Series

Mikael Maynard of Johnny Appleseed Organic is building a “climate" cabin at the Johnny Appleseed Organic Village and documenting every step of the process!

What exactly is a “climate" cabin? Johnny Appleseed Organic's mission is to shift the current agricultural paradigm by minimizing greenhouse gases and increasing carbon sequestration in the soil. Likewise, Mikael’s goal with the cabin is to “build the most cost-effective, locally sourced, ecologically friendly, health-conscious” building out of ethical materials within the confines of their local building code in Charlton County, Georgia.

Although the cabin’s total footprint will be 1,080 square feet, only 678 square feet will be “heated,” making the structure a small home (but larger than what’s commonly called a “tiny home”).

Mikael, who's hosting this series exclusively for MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR ONLINE, admits to being completely new to the process, which is why she felt it would be important to document the build so others can learn and be inspired to tackle their own cabin projects.

Viewers will enjoy detailed tips and practical building advice along the way from Mike Shellman, head of construction at Johnny Appleseed Organic. You’ll want to watch all the way to the end of the course, when Mikael reveals the total construction cost!

Detailed construction plans and an itemized material list will be available when the build is complete and any modifications to the plans are accounted for. The plans will be available through the MOTHER EARTH NEWS online store.