Done and done!

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

This is what our back yard looked like before the dwelling. We had a small deck with a gazebo.

Building (Also see our other posts for progress pictures)

Snow delays

Building the firepit

Finished – Exterior

Landscaping

Exterior

Nighttime

All lit up

Finished – Interior

Windows and door

Sofa-bed from Ikea

White ceiling

Interior

Projector screen & fireplace

Interior

Projector screen at night

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.