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Tuesday, 4 October 2011

DEBRIS SHELTER, USING A CUT BANK, ROCK,OR STUMP, AND A SUPPORT BEAM

File:Beaverlodge.JPG
File:Beaver lodge.jpg
The original debris shelter--POSSIBLY THE FIRST IGLOO-- and still the most, climate  controlled, economical to build, earth quake resistant, energy efficient, space efficient, environmentally friendly, non carcinogenic/health wise, non polluting, non-fire susceptible, easy to maintain, practical, year round shelter in Canada--probably the world.
THE DEBRIS SHELTER IS TRULY THE CUTTING EDGE, WORLD LEADER, IN ARCHITECTURAL EFFICIENCY AND DESIGN. YET BASICALLY IT IS JUST A SMALL BURROW OR CAVE. 
THE TYPE USED BY MANY OF THE MOTHER'S CREATURES BORN WILD AND FREE.
YOU KNOW, THE "DUMB" ANIMALS.
 Notice also: the similarity between a beaver lodge and an all snow igloo. Some people, those that are living in an actual survival situation, do actually learn--from the "DUMB" animals.

For warmth and ease of construction, this shelter is one of the best.

To Make a Debris Hut:


  • Build by making a tripod with two short stakes and a long support beam or ridge pole--or by placing one end of a support beam on top of a cut bank, rock, stump, tree (about waist high) or any other, sturdy base--this, the forerunner of the SMALL BARK TEEPEE (TIPI) OR WIGWAM is after all, a survival shelter and it is very versatile.
  • Make sure the support beam is secure and is not going to break (due to the weight of covering material or snow) or otherwise fall on you.
  • Prop other large branches, debris, sticks --most anything available--along both sides to create a wedge-shaped ribbing. Make sure the ribbing is wide enough to accommodate your body, provide a comfortable abode,  and steep enough to shed rain or other moisture.
  • Place finer sticks and brush crosswise on the ribbing. These form a latticework that will keep the insulating material and other debris(grass, pine needles, leaves, what ever) from falling through the ribbing into the living area.
  • Add light,dry, soft, if possible, debris over the ribbing until the insulating material is at least three feet thick--thicker the better, just so long as it is not too heavy.
  • Add a layer of material inside, on the floor, for insulation and comfort.
  • Use a tarp, or, at the entrance, place a pile of insulating material that you can drag to you once inside the shelter, to close the entrance, and form a door.
  • As a final step in constructing this shelter, add shingling material, or branches, on top of the finer debris layer, to prevent the insulating material from blowing away
©Al (Alex Alexander)D Girvan1995-2012. All rights reserved.

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