Yonderosa Outpost Update

Progress was made on our last visit to the Outpost.

The Interior finish is showing real promise.



The exterior too!

Bear Camp Update

Last year I had the pleasure of working with CM to modify a version of the 'Outpost' into something that better suited his needs.  Now that the snow has retreated he's underway and off to a good start.

The 'Bear Camp' is structurally based on the 'Outpost' but encloses the porch and will add a full length covered porch on one side. 

I'm excited to see this one (and the others) progress.  I'll post pictures when I get them with the permission of the owners.  The 'Outpost' and its variations have licensed owners in a half dozen states now (FL, WA, OR, CA, TX and AZ) and so far the feedback has been good and the modifications give each one its own individual flavor.

Thanks to everyone for their interest.

Bear Camp

Last Summer C.M. contacted me about helping him with some plans for a remote property he owns.   The Yonderosa Outpost was close but needed some modifications to fit his site's orientation, the climate and various limitations.  With any luck he'll be pounding nails next Spring.

Underfloor insulation

The insulation is mechanically held (not show) by flexible wires to the warm side surface allowing a 1" air gap at the bottom of the joist bay. Ventilation is accomplished with screened holes in the sheathing.

Plywood was installed to "critter proof" the insulation.

With the building now fully insulated the temperature fluctuations were further reduced. Unheated or air conditioned the building is ~15* F cooler than the daytime high and 15* F warmer than the outside temperature in the mornings. The Temperature range for this trip was 45-90*F.

Yonderosa 'Outpost' update

Another Side mostly done.

Loft Floor / Porch Lid insulated

T&G Pine Porch Lid

Interior Loft Soffit

A look into the Loft

Adding a window

Window framed in and installed

Wall insulated and backsheeted for finish and trim backing

Unfortunately building remote limits your choices as to what materials are available. I did not plan to use this insulation but it was my only viable choice given my time and delivery options.

The Vaulted Main Floor area gives a spacious feel and affords many finish possibilities. We will likely use Pine T&G on the Lid and some Local Doug Fir for Wainscot, Panels, Base, Case, etc.

Exterior View of the new Window

Color Scheme

I also brought the first of the Cabinets over. There is a long way yet to go. We are pleased with how it is coming along.

May Progress

Started the Siding, installed some more windows and did the soffit under the eves and gable ends.


Plenty left to do







We're considering adding some windows on this side. I'm drawing a few options to run by the boss (Wife) and let her decide.

Yonderosa 'Outpost' 12' x 24'

The Mini-Delux under construction
"Dried in." Next step, windows, siding and decking.

The ease and speed of construction were the deciding factors in our choice to build the Mini-Delux - our site is remote and we had a limited time to build. Designed to utilize commonly available materials allowed us to locally source materials, get them delivered and keep the cost down. The 12' x 16' main floor is large enough to be utilized in a variety of configurations and uses. The 12' x 12' loft provides additional storage space and the 8' x 12' covered porch is a comfortable bridge between the scenery and the shelter.

A more detailed account of building this structure can be seen at my Yonderosa blog


Side Elevation

Framing Detail



Floor Framing Detail

Taking shape

A slideshow of the construction can been seen at http://s448.photobucket.com/albums/qq202/Yonderosa_photos/?albumview=slideshow

I've built dozens of houses and been involved in hundreds of other construction projects as a designer or a carpenter - the experience of building this simple little structure has been one of the most enjoyable and satisfying of my life. The environment, the challenge, the partnership with my wife, the accomplishment of a dream... all greatly enrich the experience.