Jesse Hartman, a builder by profession, is the creator of this haven that he has crafted with his very own hands by using reclaimed material sourced within a radius of 10 miles. As amazing as it may sound, this true environmentalist had virtually razed down his plot of land in East Austin in order to build an environmentally-friendly abode from scratch. His dream project took a good six years to construct, while Hartman and his wife were living in a Silver Streak Airstream trailer on the property.
For Hartman, building a house out of recycled material was not only his passion but also his desire to customize the house according to his own requirement. He finally built two structures – one that houses the living room and kitchen and the other that functions as the duplex bedroom for his wife and 2-year old son. Upon touring the property built by Hartman, you not only get astonished at the way old things have been refurbished in a creative manner, but you also get an insight to the genius and hard work put into the great piece of architecture.
There is the brilliant concept of a no-staircase system in the couple’s bedroom by the incorporation of a fireman’s pole for exiting. Then, there is the brilliant concept wall that has the bottom portions of wine and Topo Chico bottles embedded inside that create a beautiful circular pattern. The living room has a brilliant concealed closet within an old oak wall. The most striking feature of Hartman’s creativity comes out in the backyard patio oasis where he has created a pleasurable ‘green’ decor.
He has not added any special features as the patio contains very regular amenities such as a pool, a dining table with a shade and a grill – however, the manner in which he has crafted them is beyond imagination. The concrete patio has a spot where the table and chairs are kept – so, in order to save themselves from the hot sun, he invented a trampoline pergola, wherein a trampoline is affixed atop aluminum poles that are 8 feet high.
Hartman states that the trampoline not only provides shade but is also fun for jumping as high as the rooftops – a thrilling activity. Located next to the trampoline pergola is the one-of-a-kind pool made out of a galvanized trough for cattle 5-feet in length which can get converted to a hot water tube as it is attached to a coal-based heating lamp and a water pump – which again are are recycled material. The grill is also skillfully made on top of a truck toolbox and can be ignited with newspaper inside a chimney starter.
The fencing around the property is again done by using old tires that have been flattened out and joined together to create a 6-foot high fence – tires have also been used or re-used to create planters for various plants and herbs. Hartman believes that it is not necessary to spend a fortune in order to create a luxurious home, as salvaged material can not only be cheap but also gives you the liberty to do things your own glamorous way making you a true ‘environmentalist’ in the right spirit!
Via Statesman