Preventing drafts in your cabin is all about the details! In this video, I show you exactly where insulation needs to go to keep your cabin warm and efficient. From external wall joints to the gaps between your floor and walls, every single junction where two pieces of wood meet needs protection.
In this video:
Why external wall insulation is critical for preventing cabin drafts.
The importance of insulating joints where cabin walls and floors meet.
Tips for insulating window frames and timber junctions.
Follow the 4K series to see the full, deep dive into the complete cabin building process!
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLThb-0PXVjhY
#cabinbuild #woodworking #diy #insulation #construction #framing #homesteading
Building the Core: The Most Important Wall in the House!
In this update, I’m tackling a crucial part of the construction—the central separating wall for the corridor and bedroom. This isn't just any wall; it’s the absolute center of the structure where the apex of the roof will sit.
I'm using five pieces of timber joined together to create one massive support beam that aligns perfectly with the pile below. Accuracy is everything here—it has to be dead on to support the weight of the roof!
This layout follows a standard plan I had professionally redrawn by an architect to fit my specific build. Every piece of timber brings us one step closer to getting that roof up.
In this Short:
Setting the corridor and bedroom partitions.
Why the central wall is the most important structural element.
Aligning the roof apex with the foundation piles.
Working with a custom-adapted architectural plan.
#HomeBuilding #Construction #DIYHouse #RoofStructure #Architecture #TimberFrame #BuildingProgress #AHomeInMotherRussia
Building this cabin alone has been a massive learning curve! Here are the honest mistakes I've made so far—from bent timber to doorway heights. Subscribe to see how I fix them and finish the build! #cabinbuild #woodworking #solo"
Measure twice, cut once... or in this case, maybe measure three times? I realized too late that my doorway is 5cm too short! Has anyone else had a construction fail like this? Let me know your horror stories in the comments!
#DIYFail #ConstructionMistakes #HomeRenovation #Shorts
There is nothing quite like a Russian sunset! We’re enjoying the incredible views from our new property while planning out the next steps for the land. I’m currently clearing this area to create a beautiful open forest—and we just discovered there are at least five more apple trees hidden in here!
I’ve talked before about how important sun position is when building a house, and you can see exactly why people come to this spot just to take photos. It’s the perfect viewpoint for the new cabin.
Building this project is as much about the environment as it is the structure. How much does a "million-dollar view" factor into where you’d choose to build your own home? Let me know in the comments!
Stop drafts before they start! ❄️ In this quick tip for our cabin build, I'm showing you exactly where insulation is mandatory. The rule of thumb: if two pieces of timber meet on an outside wall, they need insulation.
From floor joints to window frames, sealing these gaps is what keeps a cabin warm in the Russian forest. Note: You can skip this for internal walls!
Full build video coming soon—stay tuned to A Home in Mother Russia!
The journey begins with a supply run through Veliky Novgorod, past nostalgic Soviet-era markers, and deep into the quiet wilderness. Upon arrival, the real test starts: unlocking a remote hut that has been dormant for months. It is a raw, unscripted look at the reality of off-grid living, where the simple act of turning a key reveals whether the structure has withstood the elements or if nature has reclaimed the space.
#HomeInTheForest #SupplyRun #RussianForest #HutOpening #VelikyNovgorod #CabinBuild #offgrid #cabinlife #wintersurvival #russia #wilderness #remote #exploration #velikynovgorod
After a long, harsh winter, the moment of truth arrives for this remote cabin build. Returning to the site reveals the structural integrity of the frame against the elements, with a surprising discovery waiting near the bedroom window. This footage offers an unfiltered look at the reality of off-grid construction in the deep forest, documenting the quiet resilience of the structure and the environment surrounding it. There is no commentary or music, just the raw sounds of nature and the visual proof of whether the work held up through the freezing months.
#SupplyRun #VelikyNovgorod #HutOpening #RussianForest #CabinBuild #HomeInTheForest #cabinbuild #offgridliving #constructionupdate #nature #remoteconstruction #wilderness
Discovering the cultural tradition of the banya reveals a common dilemma for new homeowners. While the appeal of a relaxing sauna session during cold weather is undeniable, the reality of maintenance and cleanup creates a serious debate about whether the luxury is truly worth the commitment.
#banya #sauna #homesteading #tradition #homeimprovement #russiantradition #lifestyle
After 17 years serving in the British Army, one man’s journey took an unexpected turn from the UK to Russia. What started as a daunting task of clearing dense, tree-filled land evolved into a profound connection with the peaceful local town. The transformation from raw, overgrown terrain to a rising home foundation showcases a commitment to authentic, hands-on building. This project strips away the digital noise, offering an honest look at the construction process without any artificial interference.
#homesteading #construction #offgridliving #russia #diyprojects #buildinghome #exmilitary
You saw the cabin opening video. But what did we REALLY find inside?
Behind the scenes. The real take. No mold. No mice. Just... something unexpected.
Watch to the end.
#CabinOpening #BehindTheScenes #BearScare #RussianCabin #OurHouseInTheForest
After 17 years of service in the British Army, including time during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, a major life transition was in order. Following the disbandment of battalions during the peace process, the path led to working abroad and eventually settling in Staraya Russa. This build is a completely authentic experience, featuring live updates and the unfiltered process of creating something from scratch without any artificial assistance or shortcuts. Witness the raw, real-world journey of starting over.
#BritishArmy #LifeTransition #StarayaRussa #RealLife #NewBeginnings #MilitaryVeteran #AuthenticBuild
After a 17-year career in the British Army and the disbandment of battalions following the Northern Ireland peace process, the path led to an unexpected new chapter. What started as an uncertain land purchase in Russia quickly transformed into a story of gradual discovery. Despite initial doubts about clearing the dense terrain, witnessing the landscape transform sparked a profound change of heart. It is a powerful reminder of how unexpected places can become home once you give them the chance to grow on you.
#landownership #homesteading #expatlife #lifechanges #personaljourney #movingabroad #newbeginnings
Penetration. No hammer. Just weight, wet ground, and 3 meters of steel sinking itself.
#PilePenetration #FoundationWork #SoloBuild #RussianConstruction
Imagine searching for your dream property only to find the reality is far from ideal. One location greeted visitors with the overwhelming stench of a nearby tarmac factory, while the next was so heavily forested and prone to water issues that development seemed impossible. This journey highlights the unexpected hurdles faced when trying to build a new life abroad after leaving a military career behind.
#realestatefail #landhunting #propertysearch #buildingdreams #movingabroad #lifechangingdecisions
After a long, harsh winter, this rugged off-grid solar setup remains fully operational. Maintaining 14 volts despite the freezing temperatures, the system continues to power security lighting without fail. As the seasons shift and the landscape begins to thaw, this resilient power source proves just how reliable simple, sustainable energy can be in remote conditions.
#HomeInTheForest #CabinBuild #VelikyNovgorod #RussianForest #HutOpening #SupplyRun #solar #power #off #grid #living #sustainable #energy #winter #survival #homesteading #renewable #energy #off #grid #tech
After a grueling winter, this wooden structure stands as a testament to durability. Despite concerns about potential decay, the frame remains remarkably intact, showing no signs of mold or structural compromise. A subtle touch of sap reveals the timber is still reacting to the elements, while the residual antiseptic confirms the precautionary steps taken months ago. It is a quiet study in construction resilience, proving that with the right preparation, nature's harshest season can be weathered without a scratch.
#HomeInTheForest #VelikyNovgorod #CabinBuild #SupplyRun #HutOpening #RussianForest #woodworking #construction #homesteading #winterbuild #carpentry #offgridliving
The open road leads toward Staraya Russa on a crucial supply run. Cabinets, tools, and essentials are packed tight for the road ahead, bypassing the historic streets of Veliky Novgorod and passing classic Soviet markers. Upon arrival, the scene shifts to the stillness of a winter-worn hut, revealing the structural bones of a house frame waiting for spring. This glimpse offers a purely atmospheric look at the preparation and quiet beginnings of a construction project, captured without narration or distraction.
#CabinBuild #HutOpening #SupplyRun #RussianForest #VelikyNovgorod #HomeInTheForest #roadtrip #diy #russia #construction #offgrid #winter #travel #project
Stepping inside this off-grid cabin after a long winter reveals a minimalist approach to survival. Every square inch serves a purpose, from the mattress secured against the wall to deter pests to the sparse layout designed for total visibility. It is a masterclass in living with only the essentials, where a tiny kitchen, a simple sleeping arrangement, and a basic cupboard form the entire foundation of daily life. This glimpse into such a stripped-back existence highlights the dedication required to maintain a remote homestead, proving that sometimes, having nothing is exactly what is needed.
#HomeInTheForest #VelikyNovgorod #RussianForest #CabinBuild #HutOpening #SupplyRun #offgridliving #cabinlife #minimalism #wintercabin #homesteading #simpleliving