Building Off the Grid - Episode Guide

What do you do if you don't trust the world around you? You build a new one. That's the motto of Michael Reynolds, Architect and visionary that created the Earthship. Earthships are houses that are completely self-sufficient and totally off the grid with no electricity or water bills - ever. Michael Reynolds and his team of builders along with 50 interns, who have given up their lives to be part of this project, have just four weeks to build a house in Big Sky, Montana for Earthship enthusiast Jeff Saad. Michael and his crew battle nature and time to try and complete this amazing house.

The Perrins brothers are building an extremely remote log hunting cabin in the heart of the Alaskan Range. Steve Perrins II, a native Alaskan, is heading up the build. He will lead his team, which consists of his four younger brothers and his wife, 13 miles on horseback into the deep wilderness of Sheep Lake where they have just two weeks to construct an entire single-story cabin. The build process will include the use of archaic tools, materials, and pioneering techniques throughout. In addition to their tight deadline, unpredictable weather, encroaching wildlife and the daily adventures of building in remote Alaskan will challenge their every will and wit.

Builder and native Alaskan, Jeff Ward, has been building houses in remote locations all over Alaska for years. Now his son Bryce, who is also the current mayor of the North Pole, is lending a hand as they combine their talents to create an off-the-grid cabin not too far from Santa's house.

Chris and Catelyn Williams are building the home of their dreams, a 30-foot tall, 700 square-foot, off-grid yurt in Montana, complete with a breathtaking view of the mountains. And with solar power, its own stream, hot running water, a modern kitchen, all-weather insulation, a second floor loft, and even a guest room for friends and family, this definitely isn't your grandfather's yurt. Follow this young couple as they prep their own land and break ground to build their ultimate luxury yurt in the woods.

Ana and Jacob White and their two small kids are a modern-day Swiss Family Robinson, building an off-the-grid cabin on the Alaska Range. With all of their materials needing to be transported by snowmobile, this adventurous couple will have their work cut out for them as they create an entire home with no utilities available. And with the unpredictable Alaskan weather, not to mention aggressive wildlife, this family will be racing against the seasonal clock to get the cabin done before the dead of winter.

What do you get when a talented architect and a group of daring mountain bike enthusiasts come together to build an off-the-grid Oculus and tree house in the side of a mountain? We follow along as Colorado native Steve Novy and his friends from the Stomparillaz Creative Cycling Collective put the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain to the test in an area known for unpredictable mudslides, snowstorms, and mountain lions.

Matteo Lundgren is taking the art of natural building to a whole new level with his custom-designed Cob houses that blend with the environment surrounding them. Together with his designer, Peaches, they're creating homes built solely from the earth's ingredients, and he wants the whole world to do the same. Follow along as they hand-sculpt houses that are literally grown from the ground up.

Alaskan adventure guide Don Lee is building a remote survival cabin on top of a glacier where no man has stepped before. But in an area plagued with avalanches and unpredictable weather, this fearless bushman needs to time his construction perfectly. And when you're building in an untouched area only accessible by air, logistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

After getting engaged, Summer and Jack move away from New Jersey to fulfill their life-long dream of living off-grid; they buy a plot of land in Sedro Woolley, Wash., and commission Sunray Kelley to design and build their dream mud home.

The Busbys, young entrepreneurs and world travelers, have been living off-the-grid for two years already, but now they're ready to take it to the next level. Follow the adventure as they build a super efficient tiny house in northwestern Montana. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, they'll build it all by hand completely off-the-grid.

Jason and Crystal always wanted an escape in the middle of Maine's secluded coastline for their family to unplug and enjoy nature. With the help of a small group of friends, they set their sights on building a 320-square-foot cabin in just 12 days. Between the weather, rough terrain and limited access, it's a challenging and exhausting road to the finish line. Their hard work pays off when they can relax in their dream cabin complete with a loft, solar shower, water catchment system and custom touches.

Joe Donovan, an avid skier and adventurer, has found the perfect spot for his permanent base camp on a remote ridge in southwest Montana. Follow the adventure as he battles the elements to build his rustic, straw bale dream cabin. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, he'll build it all by hand and completely off the grid.

The Lighthiser family sets out to build their dream home overlooking the Yellowstone River. Follow their journey as the activists and adventurers battle the elements to construct an uber-efficient house in a windswept valley in southwestern Montana. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, they'll build it all by hand and completely off the grid.

John Beal is ready to leave the city behind and embrace a life off the grid in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. He hires Richart Sowa and his son Eden to build an eco-friendly private floating island made from recycled plastic bottles. Despite facing many challenges, Richart, Eden and the crew work to make John's dream a reality.

Off-the-grid contractor Gregg Smith battles the elements to build a cliffside retreat for a family wanting to reconnect in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But for Gregg and his team, erecting this functional build in the middle of nowhere comes with its fair share of challenges. Will the harsh weather and terrain push Gregg and his team to the limits?

A realtor and his three children set out to build their dream home together on a wooded ridge top in the Ozark Mountains of Oklahoma. But they aren't building a conventional house. They plan to convert three shipping containers into an off-grid paradise. Follow the journey as they navigate the hardships of their remote setting and unorthodox construction project. Surrounded by stunning views and with a little help from friends, they'll build it all by hand completely off the grid.

A snowmobile guide and his wife build an off-the-grid cabin by the rivers and mountain ranges of their beautiful home state of Wyoming. The build includes a 272-square-foot cabin with a small shop and garage that are all constructed with zero fossil fuels, meaning no gas generators or grid power will be used and all of the heavy lifting will have to be done by hand. The team faces many challenges, including snowdrifts and visits from four-legged neighbors, but the five-week project will prove to be just as grand as the scenery that surrounds it.

In Spearfish Canyon, S.D., off-the-grid builder Jared Capp sets out to turn four shipping containers into a stunning two-story mountain hideaway, featuring five bedrooms, a well, a living roof, solar panels, and other high-end amenities.

An outdoorsman and his team build an Alaskan cabin in just seven days.

After witnessing the demise of Casco Bay's Halfway Rock Lighthouse, history-lover and Maine native Ford Reiche now has the chance to return this American icon to its former glory. It will take barges full of scaffolding, brave masons and the cooperation of Mother Nature to pull it off, but there's nothing worth doing 'halfway' when it comes to Halfway Rock!

A young couple is leaving their Air Force positions to build a log cabin together and start a new life in the last frontier of Alaska. With only three weeks to make it ready before the winter, they'll need all the family, friends and determination they can muster to get it done. Follow their journey as they endure the elements and long northern days to handcraft their new home from the ground up and completely off the grid.

A couple builds their dream home in a remote canyon just north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana; they create an earthen home suited to the climate; they'll navigate the hardships of their remote setting while surrounded by stunning views.

A creative family builds a three-story tiny house full of clever features on the easternmost property in the US. But with limited experience and a three-month deadline, they'll need the help of a few local Mainers to get it done. Follow their journey in the stunning North Atlantic as they handcraft their new off-grid home from the ground up.

The Walker family takes on a multi-generational construction project rebuilding their 100-year-old mining cabin in the Colorado wilderness; they're a family of engineers who are game for any challenges that will face them in the months ahead.

A family is determined to build an off-the-grid cabin along Idaho's Salmon River; the family members take on Class 5 rapids to portage out materials, and they must race to complete their cabin before low tide hits and they can't return home.

Beth wants a beach getaway on the white sandy beaches of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Construction manager Ken Grissom has experience building in the Caribbean and is just the man for the job. Ken and his crew transport tons of building materials to the remote island and attempt the impossible task of constructing an off-the-grid luxury getaway with the warm Caribbean water just steps away.

Specialty builders Jon and Amanda D'Aleo design and build "earth-sheltered" homes for clients in southern Colorado, but they weren't expecting a project this far off the grid. They'll have to work overtime to get a house constructed and buried before the Colorado winter hits.

After years of apprenticing for natural builders, Sonia Havill is putting her skills to the test by building her first house: an off-grid cob cottage on top of an Oregon mountain. She enlists the help of friends and family, but her lack of experience and the Pacific Northwest's notorious rainy season could wash away her dream.

Sage Stoneman is on the hunt for new ways to build off-grid homes that not only use natural building materials but blend them seamlessly into their environment. He teams up with world-renowned natural builder SunRay Kelley to experiment with a never-before used building material: mushrooms! Follow along as they not only design a mushroom-shaped house but virtually grow one.

Laura Williams is on a mission to build an off-the-grid home in the desert outside of Tucson, Arizona. Together with a group of volunteers, she'll build an earthen three-dome home completely by hand. The team battles a steep learning curve and Mother Nature in a race to finish before the scorching Arizona summer arrives.

A young cabin builder creates a one-of-a-kind cabin in upstate New York during the harsh winter months. Because of the new and complicated design, the crew must adapt to the environment, work efficiently and leave no room for mistakes. The end result is the ultimate off-the-grid cathedral in the Catskills.

A couple builds their off-grid dream home on a remote mountaintop overlooking the Southwest Montana backcountry. Together they've dreamed up a mountain base camp that's high tech and suits their outdoor lifestyle, but in this far-flung location where mother nature rules, they will be pushed to the edge and beyond.

Beau Dunavant bought a piece of land in Tres Piedras, New Mexico, as a gift for his girlfriend, Samantha Inman, where they can build a home made of mostly recycled materials and dirt. They plan to construct a modest, self-sufficient structure, but with blowing dirt, blistering sun and freezing temperatures, they may have underestimated the power of the desert.

A creative family builds a custom home where the mountains and desert collide in Colorado's last frontier. The dream project quickly turns into a job when the harsh terrain combines with the demanding pace they've set for themselves.

Adventure seeker Joey Caiafa sets out to build a mountaintop hideout outside of Leadville, Colorado. He enlists the help of his friends and an architectural designer to trick out the solar-powered space, but missed deadlines, brutal weather and multiple injuries could bring the build to a halt.

A Colorado couple attempts to build one of the most energy-efficient homesteads in the state. Mother Nature and bleeding edge technologies give them a run for their money as they race to complete their high-end alpine lodge before winter hits.

New York newlyweds escape the city to build their first home upstate in a secluded part of the Hudson Valley. Utilizing timber felled from their own property, they plan to craft their own tiny house completely off the grid, but the persistent weather, demanding pace and unexpected setbacks threaten to derail their honeymoon project.

Innovative designer and builder Graham Hill sets out to transform a steep Maui jungle plot into a 600-square-foot, hi-tech dream home with multiple moving walls and other space-maximizing features.

A family of six building a solar-powered dovetail log cabin gets waylaid by driving rain, broken equipment and hurricane winds. It's a race against time to get the roof and doors on before the first Maine blizzard hits.

A family of four builds an ultra-modern farmhouse completely off the grid in the Wisconsin countryside.

A young family sets out to build a silo greenhouse home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Their unique build comes with many challenges, however, including unpredictable weather and a treacherous path to the construction site.

A young man is designing his first home on family land in rural Illinois to be off the grid and on the go. He and his buddy combine their experience as long-distance travelers to improvise their build through a Midwest winter.

Outdoorsman Cal Clark and his friend, Billy Joe Dilley, build an off-the-grid hunting cabin for Cal in southern Colorado. However, an unexpected setback that threatens the halt the project.

A family of five is living out their ultimate homesteading dream and building a forever home on their 46-acre property overlooking the Smoky Mountains.

A husband plans to surprise his wife on their 10th wedding anniversary with a family vacation home on the edge of a rock quarry in the Appalachian Mountains.

The Dutton Brothers face a tight deadline while building a high-end, off-grid vacation home in the center of their family's 2,000-acre cattle ranch in Ohio.

A nature-loving architect plans to build a one-of-a-kind modern cabin deep in the California Redwoods that will rival the jaw-dropping views of nearby Big Sur!

An eco-friendly couple plans to build a timber frame, straw-bale cabin in a heavily wooded forest of Maine. But an early winter with single-digit temperatures threatens to end the dream before it even starts.

A couple faces sun, snow and a few slip-ups as they race to finish a modern, off-grid lodge overlooking Wisconsin's south shores of Lake Superior.

A couple faces torrential downpours, earthquakes and dangerous volcanic activity while building an off-grid home within the edge of an active volcano on Hawaii's Big Island.

A man wants to build an off-grid timber frame cabin on his family's 100-acre property in upstate New York. His dream of living off the grid before winter hits is threatened when the locally sourced wood will not dry fast enough.

Bamboo-home architect David Sands seizes the opportunity to build his own getaway in Hawaii that features a luxurious outdoor bath area and detached, starlit master bedroom. However, volcanic eruptions threaten to send the entire project up in smoke.

A family builds thousands of earth blocks while withstanding winter monsoons, freezing temperatures and more to finish their San Antonio forever home.

Marine scientists in Florida hire engineers Nicolas Derouin and Arnaud Luguet to create a first-of-its-kind floating home. They have nine months to complete it, but unpredictable weather and building hiccups may sink this project before it can swim.

First-time builders Shay and Shae set out to build a home using five shipping containers on a wooded lot in Oklahoma. They hope his background in electrical and welding, and their collection of building materials, helps them finish the job quickly.

Professional treehouse builder Michael "Murph" Murphy wants to build a cottage retreat for his family in Washington. He enlists his friends to create a natural siding and a massive fishing net for lounging above the living space.

A Texas family builds an oceanfront oasis on the majestic slopes of Maui, Hawaii. The Quonset hut they've chosen to go with will keep the budget low but a number of unexpected setbacks will push the hardworking family to their limits.

Cat Taylor uses her artistic and naturalistic background to construct a remote sanctuary for her and her husband in the woods of Northwest Texas. The two-story home uses a mixture of sand, clay and straw with a touch of comfort to entertain family.

Deep in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, a couple is building their 2,400-square-foot dream cabin. The location gives them amazing views but hauling heavy beams up dusty switchbacks on a six-month deadline pushes them to their limits.

Builder Phil Parr heads to the wilderness of northern Colorado to build the ultimate off-grid tent. Far beyond simple nylon and poles, this lavish tent has a custom fabricated wooden frame, canvas shell and 650-square-feet of livable elegance.

Jared "Cappie" Capp showcases the luxury of off-grid living by building a modern home in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This stunning all-solar-powered abode will have a wood-burning fireplace, gourmet kitchen and a 400-square-foot loft.

A family attempts to build a 400-square-foot cabin situated on a small island in Northern Idaho; access to the property is limited, and rough waters make it difficult to bring materials in; it's a race to the finish as winter hits the island early.

Pro builder Mark Smith is building an off-grid modular home stooped high on a cliff off the coast of Vancouver, Canada. The pressure is on as even the smallest mistake can result in the home tumbling 85 feet down into the ocean.

Novice builder Danny Clark attempts to construct a 600-square-foot stone cabin in Vermont's White River Valley; the home is sure to be a true work of art, but his inexperience, the harsh winter and the unusual architecture push him to his limits.

A couple constructs an upcycled off-grid homestead deep in the sprawling South Carolina islands; plans for the catamaran-style home include a luxury yacht aesthetic, but the couple must build during hurricane season to meet their deadline.

An adventurous couple builds a home with self-sustaining features near the Ozark National Forest. And while they both have renovation experience, building on the dangerous mountainside terrain in a location plagued by flash foods will be a challenge.

A group of off-grid-living enthusiasts come together to build a 300-square-foot bungalow. With a variety of eco-friendly features, including a solar-powered water pump, this house is a welcome addition to the environmentally friendly community.

Peter and Ashley Jensen build a sustainable straw bale panel house in the Hudson Valley -- the first of its kind in the States. With only three months to work, the race against nature is as they attempt to finish before the East Coast winter sets in.

A Montana carpenter has big plans to build a unique pontoon houseboat so he can live on Flathead Lake year-round. As both a builder and artist, he has the skills to turn his vision into a reality but an early winter threatens the whole project.

A father-son duo builds an off-grid home in Montana's Flathead Valley. The 720-square-foot stick-frame home takes advantage of the mountain winds using a wind-turbine generator for power and features plenty of upcycled materials from the surrounding area.

A mother-and-son team pulls up stakes from the crowded confines of Orange County to build an off-grid family commune outside Keaau, Hawaii. With the help of a skilled aircrete instructor, the duo overcomes a learning curve to make a dream come true.

A young family sets out to build a silo greenhouse home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. Their unique build comes with many challenges, however, including unpredictable weather and a treacherous path to the construction site.

A Missouri couple is cleaning up and building out their inherited property, but troubles multiply as hurricane rains flood the build site, a gigantic burn pile creates larger flames than expected and the materials that actually do arrive are broken.

A newly blended family is building an eco-friendly straw bale house for their daughter in the mountains of Southwest Colorado. With winter fast approaching, the family races to finish when the build is threatened by torrential rains and cold nights.

Deep in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, a Georgia family is building a remote A-frame cabin retreat. Under sweltering heat, over rough terrain and building from dizzying heights, they hope to see their twenty-year dream come to fruition!

A young family in Alabama breaks ground on their forever home during peak hurricane season. Between the delays from flooding, waiting for their building kit to arrive and falling glass, it will take everything they have to make this dream a reality!

Two renovators purchased land in remote Colorado to build a new home away from home. They've decided on using a rammed-earth process to construct all-natural walls, but when winter comes early, they realize this process is more laborious than anticip

An overworked gymnastics coach begins work on his dream cabin in Utah's Wasatch Mountain Range. Malfunctioning equipment, being far from town, extreme weather and unpredictable wildlife threaten to turn his dream into a nightmare.

A New York couple with a passion for snowboarding begins building a smart timber frame cabin in remote Vermont. Troubles soon begin when the home's instructions lead to confusion, making this dream nearly impossible to finish before the harsh winter hits!

A Georgia couple is ready to tackle their next off-grid build: the ultimate watchtower guest house in the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, building 30 feet off the ground presents its challenges and leaves them wondering if they can complete the project.

A family of four is building a luxury glamping escape overlooking the Texas Hill Country, but the build process is anything but glamorous. With the rain, challenging terrain and critters, they must work together to get to the finish line.

A family of eight sets out to build an underground home in the rolling foothills of Idaho, but Mother Nature has other plans for them. Before they even pour concrete, they face a decision that will make or break their build.

An eclectic builder is ready to take on his next challenge of constructing a Greek cottage in the East Tennessee Valley. When turbulent weather turns his build site into a mud pit, he questions whether or not his vision will ever become a reality.

An Indiana farming family combines old with new to create a grain bin retreat on their busy working farm. They're up against snow, wind and freezing temperatures as they race to complete their build before farming season begins.

After experiencing a devastating tornado, a family wants to build an off-grid retreat overlooking Tennessee's Ocoee River. As amateur builders, they must rely on the help of friends and family, and each other, to reach the finish line.

A couple looks to bring the shores of Key West to their donkey sanctuary in Missouri. Despite having experience with building off-grid properties, they face new challenges as they attempt to construct a double container home deep in the woods.

A couple plans to build a unique outdoor living space in Colorado by using donkeys to get materials to the top of their steep build site. When their plans go haywire, however, they are left scrambling for solutions to finish the project.

A family of three in the North Georgia mountains are building a unique, geodesic dome home at the top of their property. After endless rainstorms, their build site becomes nearly inaccessible and they question if their forever home will ever be completed.

An outdoor enthusiast works to build his dream retirement home in the Idaho mountains, but weather and material shortages slow his timeline. As things get back on track, he receives devastating news that brings his build to a grinding halt.

A young family embarks on their biggest and most challenging build yet -- an in-earth cavern in the mountains of northern Georgia. But building on a mountain will be anything but easy as they deal with a rocky terrain, extreme heat and heavy rain.

A Texas couple teams up with two South African canvas tent experts to create their dream glamping experience. But they soon find the build is anything but luxurious. With rain, heat, and critters, they have to work together to reach the finish line.

A couple plans to build their forever home out of straw bales in the Arizona desert in only six months. Using Earthship architecture as their motivation, they hope to make this structure modern, durable and unique.

A fantasy-loving family decides to bring their dreams to life by building their own underground home in the hills of Virginia. With shipment delays, errors and severe weather, this couple must fight against all odds to make their dream world a reality.

Needing to get out of the city, a Las Vegas couple and their son head to southern Utah to build a modern A-frame. But with strong winds, winter storms and a challenging terrain, they must work together to build their dream getaway.

A couple heads to Arkansas with their kids to build a dream mountain getaway. While the views of this location are breathtaking, this build is anything but a breeze. The family will have to work together through severe weather to get this job done.

In an effort to spend more time with their kids, a couple sets out to build a treehouse in remote Maryland. With a $400,000 budget and a two month timeline, they hope to build their home in time for foliage season -- but Mother Nature has other ideas.

Friends and natural builders set out to construct a family adobe dome home using the earth onsite in a mountain range in Calif; just as they get into a rhythm, Mother Nature hits them hard with heat waves, fires, earthquakes and a hurricane.

A couple wants to build a country cottage on their remote family farm in southeast Georgia despite the fact that building that kind of structure in four months will be anything but easy; the novice builders face material delays, hurricanes and wildlife.

Two brothers want to build a yurt that can survive the harsh Maine winter.