At 89, Lloyd Kahn has been building his own homes for over six decades, crafting spaces that include a few domes, at least one tower, and plenty of hand-split shingles. He’s documented his builds, as well as the makeshift homes of thousands of alternative builders all over the US and the world, with whom he manages to keep in touch one way or another.
source.image: Kirsten Dirksen
Back in 1971, Lloyd purchased his current half-acre homestead in Bolinas, California, for $6,000, with permits costing just $200, and he made use of salvaged and recycled materials—a feat he acknowledges would be challenging to replicate today. Despite modern builders’ hurdles, Kahn has advice and inspiration for anyone hoping to follow in his footsteps. Kahn’s impact on the world of alternative building and self-sufficiency extends beyond his personal projects.
Through his books, like Shelter (1973) and later works from Shelter Publications, he has documented and shared the journeys of owner-builders who, like him, have crafted unique and sustainable homes, often from unconventional materials. Known for his role as the former Shelter editor of the Whole Earth Catalog and as a pioneer of the green building movement, Kahn has inspired generations to embrace D.I.Y. architecture, from domes to driftwood shacks to recycled-timber cabins.
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By sharing his own path to self-sufficiency and those of other unconventional builders, Kahn remains a guiding force for the new wave of back-to-the-landers and even the Silicon Valley innovators looking for alternatives to mainstream living. Last year, Kahn lost his long-time partner in homesteading and wife, Lesley Creed, who shared his vision and helped shape their self-sufficient lifestyle. Her spirit and influence are still deeply felt on the Bolinas homestead, where her contributions remain woven into the fabric of their lives’ work.
