Though I failed to provide regular status updates on the dwelling, I thought I’d post pictures of our finished product, just in case anyone building their own MD100 happens upon this blog.
We treated the plans for the dwelling as opportunity. Treating the plans as a blank canvas allowed us to be really creative in terms of the structure’s capabilities and functions. While I envisioned a quiet reading space, it soon morphed into a very tiny theater. We have a 90-inch projector screen and wired for surround sound. We also have cable, a DVR, and wireless Internet in the dwelling, along with a very small air conditioner that we cut a special hole for in the back. Obviously, since our version of the dwelling uses quite a bit of electric, it even has its own breaker box (hidden behind the door behind the couch).
In terms of the outer structure, we stayed true to the plans, but did add a little “porch” to the front, where our dogs enjoy sunbathing. We also obviously insulated the walls, and added bamboo flooring, a ceiling fan, and several pendant lights.
It took Jason about 4 months (October-January) with a couple of snow-related delays, since apparently we thought it would be a good idea to build over winter. We also had to go through several electric inspections to get all of this done and Jason never had any building experience prior to jumping into this project, so it was a huge accomplishment! Costs are more difficult to estimate, since we went crazy with updates, but we imagine somewhere between $8,000-$10,000 – which would include everything from lumber to the projector, air conditioner, furniture, and landscaping. But it was well worth it.
Before
Building (Also see our other posts for progress pictures)
Finished – Exterior
Finished – Interior
We pile in with our three dogs almost every night to catch up on TV or to read and it has been an amazing addition to our home. We almost view it as going on a mini trip every night to our little vacation home in the back yard.
Looks awesome! I’m impressed. I was planning to just run an extension cord from one of the nearby power outlets we have around the pool. Now I’m wondering if I should just go ahead and fully wire the building. Thanks for the inspiration!
I ran across your blog via google a while ago. Thanks for posting a finished product summary!
Looks great. Do you think that the general construction is suitable for quite a wet climate (North West England, UK)? Does it feel weathertight and durable?
Definitely. We’re in the Northeast (US) and have had our fair share of torrential downpours/snow/heat over the past year and we haven’t had a single leak or problem. We also caulked the hell out of it, so I’m sure that helps. Feels very durable. We would highly recommend insulating it and even though we did plexiglass, we’ve heard that tempered glass is better for durability.
I really appreciate your reply. Thank you very much. And thank you for posting lots of photos!
hello, your back yard get-a-way is absolutely beautiful. You mention to different paint colors; which one did you uses inside, peacock feather or peacock teal?
Veronique – It is Peacock Feather by Behr
Can anyone help me find plans for the MD 100?
Is anyone constructing them in N.California?
If you contact Edgar Blazona directly, I believe he will send you a copy of the plans – edgar@truemodern.com