Building a shelter or a bushcraft earth hut is essential for anyone spending time in the woods, especially during cold winter months. One of the most efficient and comfortable shelters you can construct is an earth hut with grass roof and fireplace made out of clay. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to construct this type of shelter step-by-step.
Step 1: Finding an Appropriate Location
The initial step in building a bushcraft earth hut is selecting an area suitable for construction. Search for a flat, dry area with excellent drainage that’s free from potential hazards like dead trees or rockfall. Ideally, the location should also be near water sources for drinking and cooking purposes.
Step 2: Clearing the Area
Once you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to clear away any debris or vegetation. Use a machete or hatchet for larger branches and shrubs; and use a garden rake for smaller items.
Step 3: Digging the Foundation
Now it’s time to dig the foundation for your shelter. Dig a circular hole about 10 feet across and 3 feet deep – this will provide ample room to move around and store gear. Use the soil you remove as fill for building up the walls of the shelter.
Step 4: Constructing Your Walls
Your earth hut’s walls should be approximately 3 feet high and constructed out of packed soil. Cover them with a tarp or plastic sheeting to prevent collapsing as you build them, then pack the soil tightly so that it remains stable and won’t collapse during construction.
Step 5: Constructing the Roof
Once the walls are completed, it’s time to construct the roof. Begin by placing branches or twigs across the top of the walls as a foundation for your grass roof. Next, pile bundles of grass or straw on top, securing them securely with cord or rope as you go.
Step 6: Constructing the Fireplace with Clay
A fireplace made of clay will bring warmth and cooking capabilities to your shelter. Begin by creating a fire pit in the center of the shelter, encasing it with rocks to form an outer ring. Next, gather clay from nearby areas and mix it with water to form a paste that coats the interior of the fire pit, creating a heat-resistant surface.
Step 7: Concluding Touches
It’s time to give your shelter the finishing touches. Cover the grass roof with a tarp or plastic sheeting for extra protection from elements. You could also add soil or leaves beneath for insulation. Create a door out of branches or logs, then fill it with straw or grass for comfortable sleeping quarters.
Conclusion
For anyone who spends time outdoors during the winter months, creating a warm survival shelter is essential. An earth hut with grass roof and fireplace made of clay bricks is one option for creating such an effective shelter. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can build your own survival shelter and enjoy nature even under harshest conditions.
