Building an Arched Cabin Compound in Colorado

Welcome to the documentation of my 3-year journey building a unique off-grid retirement compound in Colorado's San Luis Valley. This project combines modern sustainable living with a one-of-a-kind architectural design.

The Project at a Glance

• Location: San Luis Valley, Colorado (5 acres at 8,000ft elevation)
• Design: 4 arched cabin buildings arranged around an octagonal courtyard
• Total Living Space: 1,776 square feet across 4 buildings
• Budget: $106,500 ($60/sq ft) - DIY construction with strategic contractor help
• Timeline: 3 years, 8 seasonal trips from NYC
• Status: Planning phase

The Compound Layout

Four arched cabin buildings positioned in a cross pattern around a central octagonal deck and courtyard:

• Main House: 24' x 32' (768 sq ft) - Primary living quarters
• Cabin 1: 14' x 24' (336 sq ft) - Guest space
• Cabin 2: 14' x 24' (336 sq ft) - Workshop/Studio
• Cabin 3: 14' x 24' (336 sq ft) - Office/Storage
• Central Feature: Octagonal wooden deck with green courtyard

Off-Grid Systems

• Power: 5kW solar array with battery storage
• Water: 200-foot deep well with pressure tank
• Waste: 1,500 gallon septic system
• Heat: Wood stoves in each building + propane backup
• Insulation: R33.6 in arched roofs, built for -20°F winters

Why Arched Cabins?

Using pre-fabricated arched cabin kits from Arched Cabins LLC offers several advantages:

• Quick assembly (2-3 days per building with helpers)
• Superior snow load capacity for Colorado winters
• Unique aesthetic that stands out
• Cost-effective ($36,000 for all 4 kits vs. $100k+ traditional)
• Minimal foundation requirements
• Excellent insulation and energy efficiency

The Build Strategy

8 Trips Over 3 Years: Flying from NYC to Colorado for 10-14 day working trips during optimal weather windows (Spring, Summer, Fall). Winters are spent planning and ordering materials.

DIY with Help: Doing most work myself with 2-3 helpers for major tasks like kit assembly. Hiring contractors only for well drilling, septic, and major concrete work. This approach saves ~$85,000 in labor costs.

Phased Funding: No construction loans. Paying cash for each year's work from NYC income. Year 1: $38,500, Year 2: $39,000, Year 3: $29,000.

Follow the Journey

Explore detailed information about each aspect of the project:

• About - Who I am and why I'm doing this
• Timeline - Detailed 3-year build schedule with seasonal trips
• Property - Land details, systems, and infrastructure
• Layout - Visual site plan showing compound design
• Finances - Complete budget breakdown and cost-saving strategies
• Blog - Progress updates, challenges, and lessons learned

Project Status

Current Phase: Planning and land acquisition

Next Milestone: Purchase 5-acre parcel in San Luis Valley

First Build Trip: Spring 2025 (target)

This site will be updated regularly as the project progresses. Check the blog for the latest updates!