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

What Are Some Modern Aircon Installation Techniques?

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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.

Things to Consider When Choosing Furniture

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When To Paint Your House?

Now that the summer is coming to a close and the cooler weather is finally rolling in, a lot of us are thinking about getting work done around the house. After all, who wants to do it when the temperatures are so high, even up here in Seattle? Of course, the rain doesn’t help with certain projects either, so it can be a bit tricky to plan out projects like this.

Are You Financially Prepared for a DIY Move?

On the surface, a DIY move promises to save you and your family a lot of money. After all, you won’t have to pay the professionals the big bucks to lug your stuff around. You can enlist your friends and family to help you to get from point A to point B for the much cheaper price of beer and pizza.

Deciding to forgo a moving company means you’ll avoid their fees, but you could run into other costs as a DIY mover. Truck rentals and household damages are two things you need to consider.

From Bland to Beautiful: Creative Interior Home Painting Ideas

Our homes are our sanctuaries, and how we decorate and paint our interiors reflects our individuality and taste. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into a room, transforming it from dull and uninspiring to vibrant and inviting. If you want to revamp your living spaces and express your creativity, these creative interior home painting ideas will inspire you to turn your house into a beautiful and personalized oasis. Read on!

Top Window Treatment Ideas for Your Home

Windows are the eyes of your home. They let in light, offer beautiful views, and provide an opportunity for fresh air. However, finding the right treatment for these necessary features can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are countless window treatment ideas to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your windows. This article explores some top options to help you make the best choice for your home.

Transform Your Bathroom with Stylish Shower Doors

The bathroom, often a sanctuary of solitude and relaxation, should not be overlooked when it comes to home design and decor. One key component that can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your bathroom is the shower door. A well-chosen door not only serves the practical purpose of containing water but also acts as a focal point in your bathroom, reflecting your style and taste. Let's delve into how you can transform your bathroom with stylish doors.

The Importance of Insulation in New Home Construction

Home construction is a complex process involving several critical steps. One aspect that often gets overlooked but plays a significant role in the overall comfort, efficiency, and durability of a new home is insulation. This article delves into the importance of insulation in new home construction and why it should be a priority for every homeowner.

Lawn Maintenance: Simple Steps For A Beautiful Lawn

The key to a lush, green lawn lies not in the stars, but in our diligence and understanding of the basics of lawn care. From regular mowing to proper watering and fertilization, every step contributes to your lawn's overall health and appearance. In this article, we’ll go through simple but effective steps to maintain your lawn and keep it at its best all year round.

Best Outdoor Lighting Ideas To Enhance Your Backyard

Your backyard is not just an outdoor space; it's an extension of your home, a place where memories are made, and tranquility is found. The right lighting can elevate this space, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing, even after sundown. There are numerous ways to illuminate your backyard beautifully, providing security, highlighting architectural elements, and creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Here are some of the best outdoor lighting ideas to enhance your backyard.

The Importance of Professional Expertise in Construction Projects

Construction projects are complex endeavors that require careful planning, skilled labor, and the expertise of various professionals. When it comes to ensuring the successful completion of commercial construction projects, one crucial factor is often overlooked: the role of professional commercial contractors. In this article, we will explore why hiring professional commercial contractors is essential for achieving high-quality results and avoiding costly mistakes.

Modern Living: Factors to Consider in New Apartments in Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, Australia, is known for its cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, and cosmopolitan lifestyle. As one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne continues to attract a diverse population, from young professionals to growing families, all seeking to embrace the urban excitement and lifestyle this city has to offer.

How to Choose the Perfect Oak Door for Your Space

When you are the person directing the design and building of a space, every detail matters to you. How do I tie these rooms together? What options should I choose to keep the look and feel of this space unified? These types of questions are commonly running through the mind of the person in charge of making the final decisions.

Another important consideration for anyone in that position is, “What type of oak doors should I choose”? When choosing the right door for your project, there are a few defining factors that will help you make this decision. What are some of the most important of these factors?