Building Off the Grid

What do you do if you don't trust the world around you? You build a new one. That's the motto of Michael Reynolds, Architect and visionary that created the Earthship. Earthships are houses that are completely self-sufficient and totally off the grid with no electricity or water bills - ever. Michael Reynolds and his team of builders along with 50 interns, who have given up their lives to be part of this project, have just four weeks to build a house in Big Sky, Montana for Earthship enthusiast Jeff Saad. Michael and his crew battle nature and time to try and complete this amazing house.

The Perrins brothers are building an extremely remote log hunting cabin in the heart of the Alaskan Range. Steve Perrins II, a native Alaskan, is heading up the build. He will lead his team, which consists of his four younger brothers and his wife, 13 miles on horseback into the deep wilderness of Sheep Lake where they have just two weeks to construct an entire single-story cabin. The build process will include the use of archaic tools, materials, and pioneering techniques throughout. In addition to their tight deadline, unpredictable weather, encroaching wildlife and the daily adventures of building in remote Alaskan will challenge their every will and wit.

Alaskan builder Jeff Ward, has been building houses in remote locations all over Alaska for years. Now his son Bryce, who is also the current mayor of the North Pole, is lending a hand as they combine their talents to create an off-the-grid cabin not too far from Santa's house.

Alaskan adventure guide Don Lee is building a remote survival cabin on top of a glacier where no man has stepped before. But in an area plagued with avalanches and unpredictable weather, this fearless bushman needs to time his construction perfectly. And when you're building in an untouched area only accessible by air, logistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

After getting engaged, Summer and Jack move away from New Jersey to fulfill their life-long dream of living off-grid; they buy a plot of land in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and commission Sunray Kelley to design and build their dream mud home.

The Busbys, young entrepreneurs and world travelers, have been living off-the-grid for two years already, but now they're ready to take it to the next level. Follow the adventure as they build a super efficient tiny house in northwestern Montana. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, they'll build it all by hand completely off-the-grid.

John Beal is ready to leave the city behind and embrace a life off the grid in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. He hires Richart Sowa and his son Eden to build an eco-friendly private floating island made from recycled plastic bottles. Despite facing many challenges, Richart, Eden and the crew work to make John's dream a reality.

Off-the-grid contractor Gregg Smith battles the elements to build a cliffside retreat for a family wanting to reconnect in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But for Gregg and his team, erecting this functional build in the middle of nowhere comes with its fair share of challenges. Will the harsh weather and terrain push Gregg and his team to the limits?

A realtor and his three children set out to build their dream home together on a wooded ridge top in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. But they aren't building a conventional house. They plan to convert three shipping containers into an off-grid paradise. Follow the journey as they navigate the hardships of their remote setting and unorthodox construction project. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, they'll build it all by hand completely off the grid.

A creative family builds a three-story tiny house full of clever features on the easternmost property in the US. But with limited experience and a three-month deadline, they’ll need the help of a few local Mainers to get it done. Follow their journey in the stunning North Atlantic as they handcraft their new off-grid home from the ground up.

The Walker family takes on a multi-generational construction project rebuilding their 100-year-old mining cabin in the Colorado wilderness; they're a family of engineers who are game for any challenges that will face them in the months ahead.

A family is determined to build an off-the-grid cabin along Idaho's Salmon River; the family members take on Class 5 rapids to portage out materials, and they must race to complete their cabin before low tide hits and they can't return home.

Laura Williams is on a mission to build an off-the-grid home in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. Together with a group of volunteers, she’ll build an earthen three-dome home completely by hand. The team battles a steep learning curve and Mother Nature in a race to finish before the scorching Arizona summer arrives.

A couple builds their off-grid dream home on a remote mountaintop overlooking the Southwest Montana backcountry. Together they’ve dreamed up a mountain base camp that’s high tech and suits their outdoor lifestyle, but in this far-flung location where mother nature rules, they will be pushed to the edge and beyond.

Beau Dunavant bought a piece of land in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, as a gift for his girlfriend, Samantha Inman, where they can build a home made of mostly recycled materials and dirt. They plan to construct a modest, self-sufficient structure, but with blowing dirt, blistering sun and freezing temperatures, they may have underestimated the power of the desert.

A family building a dovetail log cabin races to beat the elements.

A family builds an off-the-grid farmhouse in the Wisconsin countryside.

A young couple sets out to create their dream treehouse in Northern GA.

Bamboo-home architect David Sands seizes the opportunity to build his own getaway in Hawaii that features a luxurious outdoor bath area and detached, starlit master bedroom. However, volcanic eruptions threaten to send the entire project up in smoke.

A family builds thousands of earth blocks while withstanding winter monsoons, freezing temperatures and more to finish their San Antonio forever home.

Marine scientists in Florida hire engineers Nicolas Derouin and Arnaud Luguet to create a first-of-its-kind floating home. They have nine months to complete it, but unpredictable weather and building hiccups may sink this project before it can swim.

Montana for Earthship enthusiast Jeff Saad. Michael and his crew battle nature and time to try and complete this amazing house on Building Off the Grid.

Mark Smith builds an off-grid modular home perched high on a cliff off the coast of Vancouver, Canada; the pressure is on as even the smallest mistake can result in the home tumbling 85 feet down into the ocean.

A family attempts to build a 400-square-foot cabin situated on a small island in Northern Idaho; access to the property is limited, and rough waters make it difficult to bring materials in; it's a race to the finish as winter hits the island early.

Jared "Cappie" Capp showcases the luxury of off-grid living by building a modern home in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This stunning all-solar-powered abode will have a wood-burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen and a 400-square-foot loft.

A family attempts to build a 400-square-foot cabin situated on a small island in Northern Idaho; access to the property is limited, and rough waters make it difficult to bring materials in; it's a race to the finish as winter hits the island early.

Mark Smith builds an off-grid modular home perched high on a cliff off the coast of Vancouver, Canada; the pressure is on as even the smallest mistake can result in the home tumbling 85 feet down into the ocean.

A couple simplifies with an advanced off-grid home on Colorado's eastern front with solar, passive solar, septic and water catchment features.

A pro builder constructs an off-grid dream home for his family on a remote riverside plot of land in the heart of Canada's east coast.

A couple looks to build an eco-friendly, off-the-grid geodesic dome, cooled using geothermal caves, with a view of Tennessee's South Cumberland Mountain Range; uncertain weather; an intricate design; treacherous mountain paths.

A family is challenged while building a silo greenhouse home in Georgia.

A couple faces flooding and fire while building out an inherited property.

With winter fast approaching, a family races to finish a straw bale house.

A couple faces challenges as they build a watchtower 30 feet in the air.

A family must work together to build a luxury glamping escape in Texas.

A family faces Mother Nature’s forces while building an underground home.

A couple teams up with experts to create a dream glamping experience.

A young family builds an in-earth cavern in the mountains of North Georgia.

A couple plans to build their home out of straw bales in the desert.