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The Lord of The Rings movie series rocked the film industry in the early 2000s, grossing nearly $3 billion at the box office and winning a total of 17 Oscars – a record the trilogy still holds to this day! Because of these movies popularity we get many requests to plan & build Hobbit inspired dwellings. Our team has advised many on this style, especially vacation rentals. Here are a few examples we like to inspire your project: Examples - Images from the Movie Many of the images for the movie were modeled, but not actually built, though some spaces are open to the public to visit in Matamata, New Zealand. Example #2 - Hobbit's Dream, Virginia, USA Stepping inside, this vacation rental's main living room features a framed map of the Middle-earth and a cosy fireplace. Through the rounded door frame sits the double bedroom and bathroom. Randy ~ Linda / Airbnb “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.” – Sam Example # 3 - Several architects have creates Hobbit inspired projects: These are but a few of the Hobbit architecture we like. We'll share a few more and then share additional examples on future blogs. When you wish to start your project contact us and share your ideas. First consultations are free. Example #4 - A DIY Hobbit project in Simondale, Wales: A true DIY! These owners built with salvaged materials & their own labor. Spent only about $4000 in cash. Humble, unique and rustic, yet quite comfortable. Example #5 - Sketching & Modeling Hobbit Projects Our team of architects, designers, 3D modelers, drafters, interior designers, engineers and builders help you create your ideas, then we develop the construction documents and permitting application packages needed so you can permit and build your ideas. Contact us when ready to build your earth-sheltered, underground and above projects. DREAM BIG! How do you want to live? Start Now. It takes a year or more to plan & permit most custom builds, so best to start your planning soon. Contact us at BuildEarthShelter@gmail.com

With all the magic of Middle-Earth, these innovative hobbit houses appear to be plucked from the pages of The Lord of the Rings . Whether buried beneath the earth, or above, these fascinating homes are far from fictional. Grab your hooded cloak and let's explore the real-life hobbit holes located around the world... #1 - Halfling Hideaway, British Columbia, Canada Surrounded by rolling hills and mountain views, this whimsical home sits in the town of Bridesville in British Columbia. Known as Halfling Hideaway, the home is surrounded by 400 acres of pristine countryside in the Okanagan Highlands, which is ideal for hiking and skiing in the winter months. #2 Many visit The Hobbit House movie set in Matamata, New Zealand: You can opt to take a trip to the place where it all began. Located near Matamata, on New Zealand's North Island, this beautiful landscape is the most famous of all the hobbit holes. This movie set was built for The Lord of the Rings trilogy and covers 14 acres with 44 hobbit homes. The set also has a dedicated gardening team who have planted almost 3,000 native seedlings on the surrounding farmland to maintain biodiversity in and around the area. #4 Earth House Estate - Peter Vetsch / Vetsch Architektur - Dietkon, Switzerland Vetsch is known for his sustainable homes that are sympathetic to nature. The aim of his earth homes is to allow residents to live within the ground, rather than simply on it. The hobbit-worthy housing estate sits in the city of Dietikon and has nine cosy earth-covered homes grouped around an artificial lake. These magical homes could be straight out of the movies with their grass-covered roof, giant arched and round doors. Inside, an abundance of wood, cosy interiors and fireplaces, and ornate decorative elements inspired by Tolkien's world creates an enchanting, yet light modern atmosphere. What Magical Middle-Earth features do you want in your next project? This team has been building Earth-Integrated features into clients' projects for 20 years. We're ready to share all our resources and experience with you to create your ideas more connected to Nature. Contact us when you are ready to begin at BuildEarthShelter@gmail.com I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. Henry David Thoreau The true secret to happiness and meaning lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of our daily lives and building environments around us that nurture our imagination and well-being. We all have a responsibility to build the most beautiful and resilient spaces around us, so we and the generations after us are inspired and supported by what we make. Imagine your best creations and then GO FOR IT!

Typically only a few people are qualified to act as their own general contractor (GC) so our team offers construction consulting support when you wish to save on your overall build. Most general contractors charge between 15 % to 20 % of the overall cost of construction, and this includes on materials and sub-contractor's labor. It's a fee that amateur home-builders often find worthwhile, especially if they require a lot of their time to work at another job. A few things to consider when deciding what works best for you: Pros: 1. Can save building costs by reducing overall cost by 10 to 25 percent 2. Gives owner more control of timing, especially if the build is an open-ended project 3. Allows making design adjustments during the build without charged penalty fees. 4. Gives owners flexibility in shopping and purchasing the materials they like most. Cons: 1. Not knowing the GC's network of subcontractors. 2. No personal experience with building and construction 3. Harder to receive wholesale discounts 4. Little know-how of coordinating the construction steps. Tip: LANDSCAPING can be an area where owners can save money, but remember to have a cash allowance for landscaping in your budget. Nothing more disappointing than a project without curb appeal. + Our experienced Design/Permit/Build Team can assist you with estimating & budgeting for your WHOLE project. REMEMBER TO PLAN & SAVE FOR ART, PLANTS & FURNITURE: There is nothing sadder than a brand new house without a budget to stage your space with at least a few new items to start fresh: New Sofa (or at least slip cover) & Pillows New Potted Plants Newly framed ART A new or freshly cleaned rug that ties your room together. Our experienced design team includes interior designers who can advise on your interior design at reduced costs in YOUR STYLE. Late-stage, post-contract projects can be done by the homeowner rather than by the contractor if arranged in advance. These late-stage projects are better for do-it-yourself work because you do not risk slowing down the house building project: Building patios, pergolas and walkways Planting trees , shrubs, flowers, and grass Painting the house exterior Painting the house interior Adding wallpaper and curtains/shade s Contact us when you are ready to start planning your project and save by including DIY projects. Keep in mind it usually takes at least a year to plan and permit your project, so best to start soon. Contact us for a free consult at BuildEarthShelter.com

Many of our clients seek to build projects that are more sustainable and helps them become more self-reliant. They want a lifestyle the better reflects their values. This is the primary focus of our Design + Permit + Build Team. Fire Resistant Concrete & Steel projects are perfect for all seasons and offers far more protection. This team helps you plan and permit and build what you want. Ask yourself,"What is most important to me?" Then make a list of what you want your life to look like. This often starts with where and how you live. START NOW. Share your ideas with us and we are happy to explain the choices available and even help locate land if you do not yet have a building site. Contact us for a free consult to get started. What does self sufficiency and resilience mean to you? BuildEarthShelter@gmail.com When looking for an environment that promotes a less consuming and wholesome lifestyle and creates better opportunities to share with your family and friends, new-construction homes have an undeniable allure. A new house can be designed exactly for your needs and priorities without the problems, that might need fixed later when buying an older building. Plus, when planned with greener features, it INCREASES Your Fire & Disaster Protection and DECREASES Your Utility Costs. Whatever your project style or size, we are here to support you. Offering over 20 years of experience in how to design, permit, build, waterproof, insulate custom underground and above projects from preliminary planning, engineering and local permitting to the interior and landscape design of your project. Buildings with a lower energy footprint that lasts for generations. Ask yourself,"How do I really want to live?" Make that list and start your journey towards a more self-reliant and rewarding future. This team is here when you are ready to GO FOR IT!