Before going any further, ask yourself a question: “Why?”.

Building a house on your own, especially without prior construction experience, is a path few dare to take. It demands immense effort, perseverance, significant financial resources, considerable time, and a readiness to embrace the unknown. That’s why it’s crucial to have a clear and compelling answer to the question, “Why are you doing this?” Whether it’s driven by the dream of creating a deeply personal space, the satisfaction of working with your hands, or the challenge of learning new skills, your “why” becomes the foundation of your motivation. Without a strong sense of purpose, the inevitable hurdles of such an ambitious project can feel overwhelming. But with a clear “why,” you’ll find the resilience to see it through.

Do you have a compelling and deeply motivating answer to this question? Have you assessed the risks and are you ready to take full responsibility? Below, I share my personal reasoning—one that may be unconventional, perhaps even irrational, but entirely my own.

Disclaimer: there’s a solid 98% chance this won’t resonate with you… but a curious friend insisted I share anyway.

TLTR;
To whom it may concern:
House, home, dwelling—whatever you call it, it’s more than just a structure. In the modern world with a finite amount of vital energy, the economic crises and stress, accelerated “speed of life” and the mind bombarded by the virtual input, tumbling through daily multi-tasking schedules, – people use homes just to take a break between busy days. Yet, most would agree that a house is also a sanctuary—a retreat where we can safely decelerate, relax, and recharge. It’s a place to host celebrations, gather with family, or provide a nurturing environment for kids to grow. And now, more than ever, it also needs to double as a productive workspace, equipped to handle the demands of remote work and focused living.

When reflecting on the original question, it boils down to the essence: Do you truly care about where you live and sleep? What kind of energy fills your living space, and can you feel it? What do you see when you look out of your window? Is there an architect or carpenter gene stirring inside you? Is geomancy more than a myth? Why do concepts like Feng Shui, Vastu shastra, or the precise symmetry of churches, pyramids, temples exist, with all their careful orientation to cardinal points? Do you have a desire to reconnect with nature on your own private property? Are you content with a life immersed in virtual reality, punctuated by brief escapes to manicured parks for light & sun exposure, or do you dream of creating a natural retreat where you can cultivate creativity, embrace self-sufficiency, and grow into a role of land custodian?

Harmonizing dwellings, living spaces and surrounding landscapes has captivated human minds for centuries… There were no resources or technologies to scale and apply to every home until the “industrial revolution” happened and gave birth to a ingenious model of real estate expansion and standardization. It placed the majority of the population under mortgages, offering convenient and comfortable urban infrastructure for those who were ‘in,’ while relegating those who were ‘out’ to an off-grid existence with poorly developed infrastructure.

My personal answer to the “Why?” question:

• To unleash the creative drive and prove that impossible vision can be realized through action, despite the odds
• To “hack” the system, abstain from taking loans and implement a “hybrid approach” (described further)
• To embark on a unique, end-to-end DIY journey, embracing personal growth, with a high stake on self-reliance