Chashitsu Japanese Tea House - Beautiful, Small and Simple DIY Garden House You Can Build Yourself at 76 Without Building Experience

A 76-year-old psychologist in New Zealand fulfilled his dream, building a tea house








Interview with Chashitsu Japanese Tea House 76-year-old Builder
Interview with Chashitsu Japanese Tea House Owner in South America
Tea House Construction Process
About Chashitsu Japanese Tea House - Style, Concept, Origins




Interview with 76-year-old builder

Your Tea House looks very well and detailed built, are you a carpenter or did you have professional help?

I am not a carpenter or in any way, a general builder. I have no previous building experience. My background is in Psychology, Education, and Theology. I have always wanted to attempt a building project. I had no professional help, nor any help from my family and friends.

What did make you choose Chashitsu Japanese Tea House?

The initial idea was to build a garden summer hut, perched on a hill in the garden. With strong prevailing winds on that specific location, it was always going to be a problem sitting there and enjoying the view. I considered different ideas, such as movable walls to protect us from the varying wind directions. I found a picture in a Japanese garden book which was more of an enclosure, but I struggled with the “how-to”. Searching on the Internet, I found the “perfect-looking” teahouse.

What became the most challenging thing for you during the whole process and why?

Three days after the building material arrived at my property (beginning June 2020), I sustained a knee injury and subsequently was booked for surgery in September 2020. So, I started my project on crutches. There were a few physical challenges due to the injury, having to climb ladders and get onto scaffolds. However, two structural challenges stand out. The centre piece of the roof and figuring out how to build the sliding doors, the round window and the skylights.

Did you make some changes in comparison with our original plans?

I guess I was too much of a novice which made me tethered to the plans – did not want to deviate in fear of “losing the plot”.

How long did it take to build a whole Tea House?

All in all, over a period of 12 months, it took about 4 months physically to build, due to the injury, long periods of planning and figuring things out, and of course, at 76 you do get slower.

How did you deal with the building permit restrictions in New Zealand?

Fortunately, early 2020 a new building law in New Zealand was passed, which meant that anything under 30sq meters no longer requires a building permit. It does still require that building would still be according to regulations and building codes, which I considered throughout the process.

Are you practicing Zen Buddhism? Are you interested in Japanese culture?

I do not practice Zen Buddhism, but being a follower of Jesus Christ, I meditate and enter into prayer all the time. Yes, indeed I am very interested in Japanese culture and have travelled to Japan several times. I have a great interest in the people and their culture, also visiting their temples.

Any recommendations to DIY Garden Japanese Tea House builders who are just about to start their building journey or are deciding to buy plans?

To anyone, especially people of my age and people with no building experience, if you are up to it, then buy a plan of your choice and just enjoy the process. The plans are easy to follow. However, take time studying all the documents, draw your own little diagrams of how you understand certain aspects and how you visualise the process as well as the completed steps. If you are going to build solo, just make sure you have all the necessary tools, machinery and equipment AND lots of clamps!

Tea house DIY plans for sale you can find here

Beautiful Kitchens - Design, Cabinets, Ideas






Eco-friendly ideas for your kitchen - smart choices can save you money while helping to save the planet



Okay, so you buy organic food, shop at farmers’ markets, and fill the recycling bin every week. It also makes sense to go green when it’s time to remodel your kitchen, especially when the choices you make can save you some green by slicing your home’s energy use. Besides reducing your carbon footprint, some greener choices work far better than conventional products while improving indoor air quality in the bargain.

But knowing what is and isn’t green can be more complicated than it seems. “There is no perfect green product,” says Jennifer Senick, executive director of the Rutgers Center for Green Building. Even solar cells have to be manufactured and that involves pollution and waste, she says. So, going green often includes considering a product’s environmental impact over its entire life cycle.

That can also mean looking past what manufacturers and salesmen say about their products. “Companies have tacked the word ‘green’ onto just about everything they sell,” says Tony Brown, director of the Ecosa Institute, a sustainable design school in Prescott, Ariz. “But really they’re just doing what they’ve always done, with a minor tweak here or there. It’s lip service, not a green revolution.”

Here’s our guide to bona-fide environmentally friendly kitchen remodeling, from what products to look for and which green certifications you can trust to some simple design principles that yield the greenest results.

Buying Sustainable

Appliances. Any sustainable kitchen project should start with energy use and its long-term payback of lower energy bills. For dishwashers and refrigerators start by checking the energy use or efficiency scores in the Ratings in this issue. And look for the Energy Star label, although Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, has found that some products use more energy than their labels promise. And be sure to compare the “Estimated Yearly Energy Use” listed on the labels. For example, some non-Energy Star refrigerators may actually use less energy than similarly sized Energy Star models, with actual usage depending on configuration and features.

Cabinets. Look for certification labels indicating that the wood was sustainably harvested and constructed with adhesives and finishes that are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds are unhealthy chemicals that off-gas from many manufactured products, especially flooring, fiberboard, and finishes). You also want products with no added urea formaldehyde (a common construction adhesive that off-gasses into the home and is a likely carcinogen).

Countertops. Among the earth-friendly alternatives recommended by Jennifer Schwab, the Sierra Club Green Home’s Director of Sustainability, are concrete, engineered stone (quartz), recycled-glass tiles, paper composite, and reclaimed wood. Of these materials, quartz did far better overall in our countertop tests and looks more like real granite or marble. Look for products certified for low VOCs and no urea formaldehyde.

Flooring. One way to go green is to reuse flooring from another building, known as reclaimed wood, or use flooring made from logs recovered from the bottom of waterways, called “sinker wood.” Pluses include the fact that you can often get “old growth” wood with striking patterns and even distress marks for a vintage feel. But neither of the reclaimed products we tested fared well. You can also use new flooring that’s been harvested sustainably. Cork and bamboo are renewable resources, and while they’re are harvested overseas, they are relatively lightweight to ship. The best bamboo also beat oak and other hardwoods in our tests. Also consider tiles made from recycled glass. And as an alternative to vinyl flooring, consider linoleum, which is made entirely from natural materials (cork, jute, and linseed oil), though it must be shipped from England, where it’s manufactured. Look for products certified for low VOCs and no added urea formaldehyde.

Backsplash. Use tiles made from recycled porcelain or glass, suggests Jennifer Senick. But keep in mind that some recycled products—like terrazzo tiles—can contain binders, such as epoxy, that can emit harmful chemicals. So, again, choose products certified for low VOCs and other emissions. Windows. If you’re installing new windows, look for Energy Star products, which means they’re more efficient than at least 80 percent of the windows sold today.

Vent hood. A vent hood that exhausts outside can reduce indoor air pollution by clearing your kitchen of fumes, moisture, and grease. But pass on that showpiece hood if its fan is rated for a larger space than your kitchen; you lose huge amounts of heated and cooled air along with the smoke. And note that exhaust fans built into over-the-range microwaves haven’t performed well in our tests.

Paint. Look for paints certified as low VOC, but don’t stop there. Also consider paints tinted with low- or no-VOC pigments. The best of today’s low-VOC interior paints also topped the charts in our performance tests. The Benjamin Moore Natura brand performed well in our tests, it’s low VOCs and is tinted with no-VOC pigments.

 

Beautiful Custom Prefab Homes, Manitoba, Canada








How does buying a prefab home work?
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Showroom location


Prairie Lights Country Homes offers beautiful custom prefab homes in Manitoba, Canada, and uses simple, straightforward and reliable process to help homeowners with proper design and customization for a new beautiful prefab home. No matter how spacious and big, or cozy and small new custom prefab home will be, homeowners can receive all possible help through every step to ensure the experience is stress-free, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Beautiful House/Apartment Balcony Design - Vertical Garden, Green Plants and Decorating Ideas











Urbn Balcony Video
About Meneghello Paolelli Associati


A modular system to transform urban balconies and terraces into multifunctional spaces, vertical gardens with green plants or a place to implement any decorating ideas.

“The city lives and the public and private areas evolve. There is a transformation in the use of areas and Urbn Balcony understands this change by creating new multiple solutions of micro-furnishings for a better use of city balconies or small outdoor areas. Urbn Balcony is a system which can be configured for modern terraces. Eating, reading, studying, working, hanging out washing, looking after plants and flowers, relaxing: these are just a few of the things one can do in this “renewed” space that, however small it might be, is of truly great value.”

Urbn Balcony is composed of a modular structure in iroko, an exclusive wood of undisputed quality, perfect for outdoor use given its great durability. Urbn Balcony can be fixed either to ceilings or walls providing support for a series of accessories in white aluminium: flowerboxes, pots, cupboards, shelves, worktops, clotheslines, screens and shades. Everything can be made to measure and adapted to create an environment ideal for any requirement for any vertical Garden, green plants, and house or apartment balcony decorating ideas.

Beautiful Scandinavian Homes - Interior, Design, Style

George Sand said that simplicity is one of the most difficult thing in the world. It's the result of experience, "the ultimate strength of genius." This philosophy defines these beautiful Scandinavian homes, their interior, design and style.






From Blueprint To Beauty: Designing Dream Home Spaces With Ease



Imagine waking up in a space that energizes you. Envision entertaining in a gathering spot that impresses guests. Picture relaxing in a personal oasis after a long day. This is the power of thoughtful design.

Transforming your home into a dream sanctuary is an exciting journey. But it can also be overwhelming with countless design choices. Fear not! This post will guide you through a simple process to create stunning spaces that reflect your style and exude comfort.

By defining your vision, crafting a functional layout, and curating furnishings with purpose, you'll transform your home into a haven. Let's embark on this adventure together!

The Pros And Cons Of Using Shipping Containers For Home Construction



In the quest for innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective housing solutions, shipping container homes have emerged as a fascinating alternative to traditional construction methods. This transformation is not just a trend but a growing interest in recycling, modularity, and architectural innovation.

That said, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to shipping container homes, exploring their benefits and drawbacks through detailed analysis.

The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Best Student Accommodation



As a student, your living situation can significantly impact your academic performance, mental well-being, and overall college experience. Finding the right accommodation that strikes the perfect balance between comfort, affordability, and convenience can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to navigate the student housing market and secure the best possible living arrangement.

Things You Need To Look For In A House If You Own A Boat

In 2024, the housing market presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for boat owners seeking a new home.

After a turbulent 2023, characterized by soaring mortgage rates and a constrained housing supply, the market is gradually stabilizing, with a slight decrease in mortgage rates providing some relief to buyers.



This shifting landscape is particularly relevant for boat owners, whose housing needs often extend beyond the conventional.

How to Get Good Water Line Repair or Replacement Services



Have you recently started noticing some signs of a broken water line? Perhaps the water pressure is low, or your pipes are making noise, or you may have noticed discoloration in the water.

How to Organize Your Bedroom to Secure a Good Night's Sleep Every Single Day

The quality of our sleep is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, and it's significantly influenced by our bedroom environment. In recent times, particularly in 2023 and 2024, there has been a notable shift in sleep patterns and habits.

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What to Consider When Finding A Reliable Roofing Company In Pittsburgh



Roof replacement is one of the largest investments you will make for your home, so it is wise to conduct proper due diligence on any company you may consider hiring in order to ensure they are reliable.

To start with, you should always read reviews online and seek references from previous customers before hiring roofers with significantly varying price quotes. Be wary of roofers offering too many different solutions at different costs and read the following information before making your final decision.

Reviving Your Refuge: A Guide to Transforming Your Bathroom Oasis



Revamping your restroom retreat can be a thrilling endeavor that breathes new life into your daily routines and infuses your home with fresh elegance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essentials of a bathroom overhaul, ensuring that your sanctuary is a place of respite and reflects your exquisite taste.

What Are Some Modern Aircon Installation Techniques?



It's vital to realize that correct air conditioner configuration and installation play a key influence in its performance and longevity if you're thinking about updating your air conditioning equipment. In order to optimize efficiency and guarantee the best possible comfort, it’s a good idea to talk about the best methods for installing a cooling system with your local HVAC experts, or the HVAC company you do business with.

Specialist Electrician Jobs



In our homes, there are few things more important than electricity. Plumbing is probably the only thing most people would consider to be more vital. Otherwise, though, it’s at the top of the list as far as what we want to keep working in our homes.

Interior Painting Tips



Learning the right techniques for painting a space is a skill that's useful for everybody, from novice DIYers and new homeowners to seasoned pros. After all, it's not too tedious, it's not too expensive, and if anything goes wrong, it's not too hard to fix.

Turning a Home into a Smart Home

The smart revolution is nothing new. Since the turn of the millennium, the rapid development and iteration of new consumer technologies have irrevocably transformed our lives and the way we lead them – from the phones in our hands to the app technologies accessible within them.

Unlocking the Secrets of Efficient Waste Management

In the bustling heart of urban landscapes, the quest for efficient waste management is a story that often goes untold. It's a tale of sustainability, innovation, and the surprising elements that play pivotal roles in the process. This narrative isn't just about getting rid of what we no longer need; it's about transforming our approach to what we deem as waste, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

Exploring the World of Trees: A Guide for Young Explorers

Trees are more than just big plants. They are a vital part of our world, providing air to breathe, shade to cool us, and beauty to inspire us. However, sometimes trees get sick, just like people do. That's when a special expert is needed – someone who knows how to care for these gentle giants. This expert is known as a tree doctor. In this article, we'll learn all about what tree doctors do and how they help keep our leafy friends healthy and happy.