Building the Bunkee: A Photo Anthology of Custom Log Cabin Construction and One Man’s Retirement Dream

After a full career in industry, Dan Ellens follows his dream to hand-build a log cabin in the forest, using supplies off the land where possible. Building the Bunkee - A Photo Anthology of Custom Log Cabin Construction and One Man’s Retirement Dream is a step-by-step photo guide for do-it-yourself construction of a small, high-quality log cabin, outhouse, and woodshed. The book’s techniques and designs focus on ensuring a trouble-free off-grid shelter for decades to come.

Throughout his book, Dan describes the materials, tools, and hand-built fixtures used in the project, along with the work and love involved to finally bring the project to completion.

Learn the construction sequence involved in fabricating a charming off-grid 14’ x 16’ log cabin, a luxury rural outhouse, and a durable woodshed!

The cabin, made using hand-hewn logs, includes a large, covered porch, an open loft with queen-size bed, and two hand-made Murphy wall beds. It has woodstove heat, oil lamp lighting and a fully equipped kitchenette with gravity-fed water. Its beams, braces and columns are connected using hand-chiseled mortice and tenons, secured with wooden pegs. The log cabin, set up with all things necessary for off-grid life, could easily be classified as a ‘Tiny House’.