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?

Prefab home kitchens

Prefab home bathrooms

Prefab home facades

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.

Cozy minimalist home

Black, white and light wood

Neutral palette and lots of wood

Top Design Ideas For Your Home You Will Love

Are you looking to give your home a fresh new look? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some great design ideas that will help transform your space into something truly unique and special. From bold colors and patterns to modern furniture pieces and accents, these ideas will bring life and personality back into your home. Whether you’re just starting out on your decorating journey or if you’re an experienced interior designer, these top design ideas for your home are sure to inspire creativity and unleash the potential of any room in your house!

Does House Color Affect Price?

When it comes to selling a home, the color of its exterior can have an impact on its final sale price. While factors such as location and square footage are more important in determining the value of a home, house color is still something that potential buyers take into consideration when making decisions about purchasing a property.

In fact, studies have shown that certain colors may be able to increase or decrease the amount of money you get for your home.

Let’s explore how house color affects price and what you should consider if you're looking to paint your home before listing it for sale.

Beautiful Pond Makes A Home Stand Out

A beautiful pond can make a home stand out from the rest. It adds an aesthetic touch to any backyard or garden, and it also provides a source of entertainment for family and friends.

Whether you’re looking to create a relaxing atmosphere in your backyard or add some fun activities to your summer barbecues, having a pond is sure to be the perfect solution.

With just a few simple steps, you can turn your outdoor space into an oasis that will be enjoyed by all who visit.

Dog House Can Also Be Comfy and Minimalist

Many pet owners want to ensure their furry friends live in a home that is as comfy and cozy as possible. The right dog house can also be stylish and minimalistic.

A well-designed dog house can be a great addition to any backyard, blending in with your existing decor while providing a comfortable place for your pup to hang out.

Here are some tips on how to choose the right minimalist dog house for your furry friend.

How to Sell a House Fast and Easily: Tips From the Pros

Are you looking to sell your house quickly? Selling a home can be time-consuming and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right strategies, you can make selling your home easier and faster. In this article, we’ll provide some tips from experienced real estate professionals that will help you get the most out of selling your property in a timely manner. From setting an attractive price point to using creative marketing tactics, these tips will ensure that you maximize your chances of finding a buyer for your house fast!

How to Hire a Residential Solar Installer: Everything You Need to Know

Is it time for you to go solar? Wondering how to hire a residential solar installer?

Each year, it becomes important for ordinary homeowners to consider solar power installation. For one thing, it allows you to save money on your energy bills while going green.

But, being able to find the right residential solar installer isn't as simple as you may think. After all, you want to go with someone who knows what they're doing and will charge you a fair price for the work. So, how do you find the right one for the job?

Not sure where to start? Here are some key factors to remember when hiring a residential solar installer for your job.

Area Rugs & 4 Ways They Can Give A New Touch To Your Home

Redecorating your home and installing new features is always an exciting and challenging process. It’s incredible how a new area rug can give the place an entirely different look, make it cozier and accentuate new vibes.

If you’ve tried different styles, colors, and motifs and experimented with neutral tones, yet you’re still unsure which way to go, don’t despair. Just be patient.

In this article, we’ll focus on how an area rug can give a new touch to your home and help you find the perfect look for each room. Even though adding a carpet can be the starting point of your interior design change, there are additional steps to consider to make everything blend seamlessly.

The Role of Property Developers

Property developers prepare the site for development, deal with the land's owner, obtain the required permissions, and secure funding. To determine the ideal place for development, they will also collaborate with the county and the city. Many services cater specifically to urban development.

Things to Remember Before You Buy a Pantry Organizer

Do you want to have your kitchen look organized professionally? Then, you need to be patient and keen as you sort your canned goods, cereals, snack pouches, baking ingredients, and all the items piled up in your kitchen. Organizing the pantry is challenging as you need the entire family's cooperation to tidy your kitchen pantry.

Top Tips on Styling Your Luxury Villa

"Everyone needs to be surrounded by beauty; the light reveals our hidden nature."

Beauty is the ultimate goal for everyone. Whether for health, happiness, or fantasy, we all strive for that beautiful place within ourselves.

A luxury villa can be the benchmark for this desire. The appeal runs deeper, though. A luxury villa can be a place of retreat, rejuvenation, and growth and provide a backdrop for creating unique experiences.

Below are a few tips to help your family create your luxury villa dream. Keep reading!

A Complete Guide to Luxurious Homes in 2022

If you've never had a home of your own, it's hard to imagine just how satisfying it can be. Building the home of your dreams is a rewarding and exciting experience, too. It can also be a little bit scary.

With so many choices and decisions to be made, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Fortunately, you've come to just the right place for help. With a look at 2022 luxurious homes, you can take the first step to building a home that's perfect for you.

Let's explore some ideas to help you make your dream home a reality.

10 Top Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Company

Roofing is an essential part of any structure. And, since it’s also a significant investment, hiring the best roofing company is crucial, whether you’re installing a new roof, or repairing or replacing an old one.

Since your roof acts as your first line of defense against weather conditions, it's wise to hire a roofing company you can trust. While most companies claim to be the best in the business, not all of them can deliver excellent roofing services.

Poor roofing works can lead to various home exterior mistakes. So, here are some of the top tips to help you choose the right roofing company:

A Definitive List to the Best Neighborhoods in Toronto

Toronto is an ever-growing and changing city. From the east side to the west, all parts of the city are improving in some way. If you're planning to move to this part of Canada, choosing the perfect area to call home can feel like an impossible task. After all, the best neighborhoods in Toronto can be equally tempting!

Whether you're looking for a safe place to raise a family, a vibrant place to settle down with friends, or a bustling metro to start your new business, Toronto has got you covered.

Now, let's discover the best of the best neighborhoods Toronto has to offer. Read on to learn more!

5 Luxury Home Buyer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

 

Buying a home is one of the most exciting but stressful times of your life. There's a lot to remember and prepare for in the buying process.

There's a detailed checklist you should go through to make sure you're making the right move and getting the best deal possible. It should be a fun and exciting process but it's also easy to make mistakes.

From waiting too long to dealing with pushy sales agents, there are a lot of luxury home buyer mistakes you could fall into that will cost you thousands of dollars in savings.

Don't let yourself be tricked into signing your life away and breaking the bank without a second thought.

Read on to learn about these often overlooked mistakes that you may be making in your buying process.

4 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A New Mattress

Sleep is a critical foundation of good health. As sleep consumes about a third of your day, choosing the right sleeping essentials can significantly affect the condition of your health and wellness. Often underestimated by many people, sleeping essentials make or break the quality of your rest and sleep. 

 
When discussing sleeping essentials, mattresses mainly facilitate daily sleep and rest. Your mattress can heavily impact how your day will go—influencing your performance at work, school, and even your social connections.