Einfache Lauben und Hütten selbst gebaut

The book for big kids

When adults build arbours, huts and tree houses in the garden and experiment with materials, tools, structures and shapes, they regain a little bit of freedom.

The first part of the book describes how to build simple structures – from a makeshift shelter that can be put up in a few hours with an axe and materials found in the woods, through to an open log cabin. Traditional dwellings such as the wigwam, tipi and hogan are also presented, and their construction is explained step by step. The second part shows the wide range of constructional and design possibilities when building your own arbours and huts.

Arbours and huts have a special connection with nature and it makes sense to make use of sun, wind, (rain)water and other tried-and-tested natural resources as well. A model arbour is described in detail, equipped with a grass roof, greenhouse, solar collector, solar panel and composting toilet, and it has been replicated many times in recent years.

Two of their replicas show how different and varied the design of garden arbours (Ökolauben) can be, even with the same basic concept. Whether tipi, tree house, raft or arbour – all the building projects presented in the book are described in a practical way in words and pictures and can be built in a short time with simple tools.

“… Practical tips and detailed instructions for a wide variety of situations. Alongside classic structures such as George Bernard Shaw’s writing hut, there are also unusual structures such as a raft with a hut on top, which makes you want to take a river trip.” Schöner Wohnen
“… Accounts of first-hand experience, precise building instructions … and plenty of construction drawings.” Die GartenIdee