Life Travel

Australian Man Uses Ancient Techniques — and His Bare Hands — to Build His Dream Home

Australian Man Uses Ancient Techniques — and His Bare Hands — to Build His Dream Home October 16, 2018

australian man uses primitive technology to build

There are guys, an elite few, who can win Olympic gold medals. And there are others, an even more elite few, who can eat record-setting numbers of hot dogs in less than 10 minutes. But how practical are those skills? How do they apply to everyday life? Because those guys can't, say, build a house with their own two hands. But John Plant of Queensland can. Because, among many other skills, this Australian man uses primitive technology to build things. He's a DIY god. Here's how he does it...

Buying a Home Is a Nightmare

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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It takes a lot of commitment to buy a home, not to mention a lot of money. Between applying for a loan and signing a mortgage there is a lot of red tape you have to cut through. But is all the hassle worth it?

It Should Be Easier

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Buying a home may not pan out the way you thought. You might have to deal with noisy neighbors, outdated appliances and unexpected costs. It’s no wonder people wish they could build their own homes. That's not an option for many of us. But for other, more talented folks, it's more than a fantasy.

Hire This Man

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
If shopping for a new home is making your blood pressure rise, then you might want to hire John Plant to build you one. But he’s not what you would expect either.

He’s One of a Kind

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
When you see the way Plant works, your jaw will drop to the floor. Sure, after seeing him work, you'll kind of feel like you can do it too. But building a house is only easy if you know what you’re doing.

DIY God

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Most people automatically think of going to the hardware store when building a house. It makes total sense. Where else would you go? The supermarket? Well, how about the middle of nowhere, like a forest?

He Prefers the Simple Method

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Plant has figured out the ultimate solution when it comes to building things: The simpler the better! While this may not be the philosophy everyone can jump on board with, he has managed to accrue a lot of fans.

He’s Oh So Popular

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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Plant has more than 8 million subscribers on his YouTube Channel, “Primitive Technology.” But some of his videos have been viewed more than 55 million times. So why are so many people watching his channel?

He’s the Ultimate Tool Guy

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] Most people would prefer to buy their own tools. Of course, hiring your own contractor would probably be easier too. But Plant doesn’t need any of that because if he needs a tool, he’ll make it himself. But how does he do that?

You Should Make Him Your BFF

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Youtube / Primitive Technology
If you’re ever stuck on a deserted island, you’re going to want this guy with you. Plant is so resourceful that he can create a fire by rubbing two sticks together just like in the movies. But that’s not all. He has other skills that will make you raise your eyebrows in disbelief.

He’s So Multi-Talented

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
According to his YouTube channel description, he can create pyro technology, shelter, weapons and tools. He’s even got the knowledge to cultivate land and grow food. Oh, and he’s a total genius when it comes to weaving and fiber. But where do his many talents come from?

He Uses What’s Available

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] This guy uses primitive technology to build things using only what’s available in the wild. He believes this has helped him to become more inventive. But can these techniques do for you what it did for him?

The Modern Caveman

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Many people can’t help but wonder if he’s a freaking caveman. Well, if he is then he’s quite a modern one. But if you were to ask him, he'd rather think of himself as a guy who chooses natural materials over modern tools. But to understand this, you have to see what he can do with his overly talented hands...

It’s a Hobby

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Youtube / Primitive Technology
Primitive technology isn’t a way of life. It’s a hobby, according to Plant. So he goes to a remote area in Queensland, Australia, and starts building things from scratch. But there’s a rule that he never breaks...

The Rule Book

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Youtube / Primitive Technology
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] In order for his projects to work, Plant follows a strict set of rules. “If you want a fire, use a fire stick — an axe, pick up a stone and shape it — a hut, build one from trees, mud, rocks, etc.” But what does he do after he’s done building these things?

He’s a Bush Man

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
“I don't live in the wild but just go into the bush to make these projects,” Plant said. While he might not call the jungle his home, he does occasionally like to camp out there. But despite being incredibly resourceful now, he wasn't always this knowledgeable.

Trial and Error

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
How did he learn how to do all of this? Is he a magician? Well, according to his YouTube page, he became so skillful after “researching books and internet plus trial and error. I'm not indigenous and have no army training.”

From the Ground Up

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] He built a tiled roof hut in the middle of the woods using basic tools and materials. But he didn’t build this shelter to live in. “This is not a survival shelter but an experiment in primitive building technology,” Plant said. Quite impressive, huh? Wait until you see his next project...

It’s All Hand-Made

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Plant wanted to build a tiled roof hut, so he used a stone chisel and Celt stone axe to cut and carve wood. He even made his own pots to carry water too. Then he used a wooden shed to store the dry, unfired tiles and fire wood he would need to build the hut.

Precision Is Everything

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
“The wooden frame was built with a 2x2-meter floor plan and a 2-meter-tall ridge line with 1-meter-tall side walls,” Plant said. With the help of six posts, he was able to attach three horizontal roof beams. But the rest of the frame was easier to build...

It Swayed a Bit

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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Lawyer cane strips were used to lash the rest of the frame together. But there was one problem according to Plant: “The frame swayed a little when pushed so later triangular bracing was added to stop this.” The mud wall that enveloped the posts also put an end to the swaying.

He Dislikes Cold Floors

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Plant built an underfloor heating system into the hut by digging a trench. Then he covered it with flat stones, which had a firebox on one end, and a chimney on the other side. This caused the flames to travel, causing the floor to warm up so that anyone who would be staying there would feel nice and warm. But what about the walls?

Things Got a Bit Muddy

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Clay mud and stone were used to create the walls. To do this, Plant laid down a stone footing, and from this, he built a wall of mud. Once the hut was complete, he used sticks to create a swinging door. Now it was time to focus on the inside of the hut.

Let There Be Light

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
[dx_custom_adunit desktop_id="RTK_K67O" mobile_id="RTK_5yk0"] You can’t live in total darkness, especially in the wild. So, Plant came up with a solution: “The inside is dark so I made a torch from tree resin.” The broken tile with resin acts like a lamp that lights up the interior. But how long did it take him to finish it? Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was this primitive hut.

It Took Some Time

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
IMAGE BY: Instagram / @primitive_technology
Had it not been for a bunch of unseasonal rain, Plant would have finished the hut in 66 days. But instead, it took him 102 days to complete. “The end product was a solid little hut, that should be fire and rot resistant,” Plant said.

It’s Your Turn

Guy uses primitive technology to build things
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The huts Plant has been able to build are also wind-resistant and rain-resistant. And he’s managed to inspire others to channel their own primitive skills. So how about you? Are you up for the challenge? Or would you rather spend a little extra on a contractor? Whatever the case may be, it'd be pretty cool to be able to build your own home, huh?