Skip to main content

Infrastructure & living

To live on the land you restore, you need a few systems in place: somewhere to live, power, water, a connection to the outside world, and tools. Keep each at the smallest scale that works, and size it to the site rather than to a catalogue.

Non-negotiables​

  • Shelter that suits the climate and the rules. It has to handle the local weather and satisfy whatever building permission applies.
  • Water you can rely on year-round, including the dry season (this overlaps with method/water).
  • Power enough for your real needs, not a showpiece system.
  • Within budget, since the dwelling is usually the second-largest cost after land (see costs).

The pieces, with options​

Somewhere to live​

  • Tiny house or caravan: quick and cheap to place; limited space. Good to start. Off-grid cabins can be compact and cheap — a 215 sq ft off-grid cabin (Cabin Devín) or a ~$9k tiny house with built-in rainwater harvesting (example).
  • Renovate an existing structure: if the parcel has one, often the best value.
  • Build: most control and comfort; most cost, time, and permitting.

Power​

  • Grid connection: simplest where it exists and is close; a connection fee otherwise.
  • Solar, sized in tiers: from a minimal setup for lights and charging up to a full off-grid system with storage. Match panels and battery to daily use.
  • Hybrid: solar with a generator or grid backup for dark spells.
  • Agrivoltaics: panels sited so the ground beneath still does useful work, such as grazing or a shaded pond, where the layout genuinely earns its keep (agrivoltaics that do farm work, news).

Water​

  • Rainwater harvesting and storage: the off-grid default; needs roof area and tanks. Integrated micro-homes bundle power, water, and storage (Ecocapsule).
  • Well or borehole: reliable where groundwater allows; drilling cost.
  • Delivery or mains: a fallback or a bridge until other systems are in.

Connection​

  • Satellite (e.g. Starlink): works almost anywhere; higher running cost.
  • Mobile (4G/5G): cheap where coverage is good.

Tools​

Hand and battery tools matched to the restoration work, with a dry place to keep them.