Forest Cabin Built From Salvaged Materials Cost Only $800!
For a student without a lot of money, the idea of being able to avoid rent by building a cabin in the woods may sound like a far-fetched dream, yet for a young Jacob Witzling it was the perfect solution. Earlier, we visited some of Jacobs incredible cabin projects where he lived later in life but in this feature we go all the way back to where it began; a beautiful and secluded woodland cabin that Jacob constructed for an insane figure of only $800 and which he lived in during his Collage years in Olympia, Washington.
After finding a willing land-owner who was happy with him building a cabin and living on her property, Jacob got to work on his cabin. Impressively, this project was constructed entirely from reclaimed and salvaged materials. Jacob likens himself to a crow, always hunting for shiny supplies for his cabin. It is thanks to his thrifty eye and can-do attitude that he was able to complete the build for such a low budget.
Stepping inside the front door, you’re greeted by a wonderfully eclectic room, filled with whatever materials were available for the construction. When put together though, they create a coherent style in the cabin that brings all these items together to form a comfortable home. Today, the cabin is no longer occupied and is empty and sparse, yet hints still remain of its lived-in days.
One hallmark which truly stands out in this home is the placement of the windows, which provide spectacular views of the deep surrounding forest. The intention was to create the feeling of being inside a tree, safe and protected yet exposed to the brilliance of the surrounding natural world.
A winding ladder and platform provides access to the loft area above while becoming an attractive feature in the home itself. Climbing up into this space gives the feeling of the grown-ups version of a child’s playhouse and embodies a sense of adventure and playfulness.
The sleeping space in the loft is reminiscent of camping. A simple mattress, pillow and sleeping bag is surrounded by a solid and permanent wooden tent. Light comes from candles and oil burners. There is no running water or power going to this cabin. Jacob admits that life at the cabin could be hard at times, yet the value of the serenity and simplicity of the space overwhelmed any hardship.
For Jacob, the return to this cabin was a welcome visit to an old friend. A place where he cut his teeth in gathering salvaged materials and turning them into a functional work of art and a home all in one. A place which would ignite his fire for cabin building and kindle a life-long calling which has lead to some truly spectacular creations.
