Simple way to make a cottage on an island without any power tool

Since electricity was discovered, man has increasingly become over reliant on it in many ways. In almost everything that we do, we look for power tools that will make our task easy and manageable. There are however situations that can’t allow us to use power either because we are far away from the grind or because we just want to try and remember how it was to work without the convenience of these power tools is if you are on an island.

Have you ever thought of as situation where you have to do everything to survive? I mean, these are the questions that bombard my thoughts every time I watch the TV drama series Lost. The composer of this series, Michael Giacchino, must be applauded. He made it visual the circumstances that might face you if that bad fate happens to you. Contrary to the faces of fear and general desperation amongst the trapped passengers comes Bear Grylls, the legend of the Survivor. I swear this guy can live anywhere anytime, if he can snatch and eat a raw snake would it be a task for this guy to set up a simple cottage or shelter?

Now, I won’t want it to be that hard for you but if you are planning to go for an expedition somewhere in a remote Island then the issue of accommodation comes into play. If the island is inhabited than it is better for you but if you have to start from scratch then you could do yourself a great disservice if you are clueless of what you should use and the perfect location for your shelter.

Considerations when choosing your cottage location

Topography should be the first thing to look at. It is advantages to always set up your cottage at position that is sheltered from the elements. It should be very exposed to winds etc.

Availability of raw materials. This means that you should set up your cottage where you can easily source thatching materials, wooden planks and even fresh water source.

Security should be another concern. If the area is known for their predators, then why set up your cottage in their path. It will be good to make prior consultation.

Tools and supplies required

• Hack saw
  
• 12, 10” 5 cm straight poles
  
• 15, 10” x 1” wooden planks
  
• Knives
  
• 20, 5” narrow ropes
  
• Thin Polyethene sheets, 12” x 12’’ in size
  
• 2” Nails
  
• Machetes
  
• Claw Hammer
  
• Thatching material, palm tree leaves should do.
  

Building your simple cottage for two

Now that you have identified the location after considering the above, it’s time for you to make your shelter. I will provide a step by step guide to make an A-Shaped, Palm thatched cottage with elevated floor. So read this carefully.

Step one

Identify the location considering the recommendations above, then after that check the number of individuals who shall be housed in there as this will assist when deciding the overall dimensions of the cottage. Proceed and clear the area using your machetes or knives and if there are boulders around, move them away.

Step 2

This step should be the critical part in this process. Simply dig four holes using your machete to mark the corners of your cottage and place a strong pole at each hole, and then make sure it is firmly fixed to the ground. You can reinforce them by ramming small rocks on the side of the pole. As there is no power tool that means you have no reciprocating saw. Using your hack saw, cut the required dimensions of the wooden poles for the lengths and width and secure those using ropes at about 1.5m off the ground. Do the same at about 2m and that will act as the base of your roof?

Now that you have done that, arrange the wooden planks closely together to form the floor of your cottage and using your hammer, drive in nails along the lengths and width of your cottage. Using your hack saw, cut in a reciprocating motion the correct dimensions of the wooden planks that will act as your perimeter and secure then the same was as you did for the floor leaving only a small section which acts as your door.

Step 3

In a reciprocating motion, cut the remaining poles using your hack saw to your preferred dimensions depending on your initial base dimensions of the floor and create two A-shape trusses for each side of the cottage. You can secure the apex using rope as it is easy then fix them on each side of the cottage. Connect the two apexes with a straight pole and tie it firmly. Ensure your truss is rigid to avoid being blown away by wind. Now, reinforce your truss to create a base for your polyethene sheet and roofing by adding four to six more poles along the horizontal parallel with the ridge and some parallel with the trusses. Secure them tightly. Cut any protrusions with your hack saw and then lay your polyethene sheet to act as first layer of protection. Continue thatching with your palm trees to create a 30cm layer which will prevent infiltration of elements as rain water or cold winds.

Conclusion

At the end of this, you should have a very simple cottage using the natural resources available and some of your materials. Learning this simple procedure could mean the difference between safety and comfort during your expedition or cutting it short and returning home.