Watch Alternative Dwellings

Alternative Dwellings is a captivating television series brought to us by Janson Media that explores fascinating and innovative housing solutions from around the world. The show takes eco-friendly homes, alternative live-work spaces, and other dwelling structures and brings them into the spotlight, examining their history, construction and functionality. The concept of alternative dwellings may seem like a modern idea, but the show quickly proves that humanity has been experimenting with housing almost since the dawn of time.

The series begins by examining some of the world's oldest human dwellings that were built thousands of years ago. These ancient abodes may not be what we would think of as an alternative dwelling, but they sparked the idea of utilizing natural materials and the environment to create housing. Through the show's insightful narration, viewers will learn that the ancient dwellings were built not only as a place of shelter from harsh climates, but also as safe havens in hostile environments to protect their inhabitants.

Jumping to more modern times, the show highlights how alternative housing has become more of a necessity than a luxury. With rising housing prices and environmental concerns, alternative dwelling solutions often offer a more viable option for people around the world. The series showcases a range of solutions from tiny houses, yurts and modular housing to shipping containers, treehouses and even converted buses. There has never been a time where the possibilities for alternative housing have been greater, which is why the show is so timely.

One of the most interesting aspects of Alternative Dwellings is how it takes viewers into the homes and lives of people living in these unique living spaces. The show features interviews with homeowners and architects who share their experiences, the reasons why they chose to go down the path of an alternative dwelling and what they love about their homes. Viewers will witness some of the creative ways that people have made their homes work for them, such as designing modular homes that can fit into existing and often unusual spaces, or building homes with a minimal environmental footprint.

The show takes us to some of the world’s most remote and treacherous landscapes, including deserts, mountains and jungles. These are environments where traditional housing would be near impossible to construct or maintain, but where alternative solutions thrive. We see homes that incorporate natural features, like the famous hobbit-style houses of New Zealand’s North Island, which literally blend into the landscape. Alternative Dwellings also takes us to more urban settings where tiny homes, shipping containers and modular homes are a common sight.

Along with the remarkable structures themselves, Alternative Dwellings takes a close look at the people who design and build them. The series introduces us to talented architects and builders who, along with the homeowners, create these alternative living spaces. Their ingenuity and passion for design shines through as they transform materials such as bamboo, recycled metal, and even ice into beautiful and functional homes.

Overall, the show is informative and thought-provoking, providing viewers with a glimpse into a world of alternative housing solutions. It is a great source of inspiration for those thinking of downsizing their living spaces or looking for a more sustainable way of living. Ultimately it’s not just about the aesthetics of these homes but the way of life that many of the dwellers have embraced. It’s about living with less and living closer to nature as they fundamentally believe in reducing their impact on the world we all share.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a show that is not only entertaining, but also informative, Alternative Dwellings from Janson Media is definitely worth watching. It explores unique and intelligent solutions to the pressing issue of housing and environmental sustainability. The show provides valuable insights into an often-overlooked part of the world of architecture and design, showing that there is much more to housing than just traditional styles. With its beautiful camera work, inspiring stories and insightful narrative, Alternative Dwellings will leave its viewers enchanted and inspired, encouraging them to reimagine what's possible in the realm of alternative architecture.

Alternative Dwellings is a series that ran for 5 seasons (40 episodes) between January 1, 2016 and on Janson Media