Man uses strawbales to build 4,000-sq-ft Oklahoma house that doesn’t budge with the weather

In today’s world, owning a home can be a costly affair.

With rent prices skyrocketing, many are dreaming of their own space. But with high housing costs and steep mortgages, it’s a challenging goal.

What alternatives are out there?

Some people are turning to tiny or mobile homes as a solution.

This approach not only saves money but also reduces living expenses, including bills.
Others are choosing to live off-the-grid, cutting costs on utilities like electricity and water.

But one man in Oklahoma took a different path.
Meet Rob Brian, a hardworking individual who, after 25 years in the oil industry in Alaska, decided to retire.

He had spent a lot over the years, but fortunately, he owned a farm, had some savings, and possessed the skills to build his own house.

Rob’s vision was clear: to retire without debt.

He owned 330 acres of land, rich in natural resources, which he utilized to construct his home.

He purchased two old horse barns, one 50-foot and the other 30-foot, located on a hill.

For nine years, he dedicated himself to this passion project, working tirelessly day and night.

The outcome of his dedication is a stunning 4,000-square-foot home in Mulhall, Oklahoma.
Rob ingeniously connected the two horse barns to create this beautiful abode.

The house showcases the hard work and the beauty of natural materials like cedar wood from his farm.

Rob didn’t just focus on aesthetics; he ensured his house could withstand Oklahoma’s harsh weather.

He used robust materials like sturdy wood, straw bales, and stucco to make the house resistant to heat, rain, and tornadoes.

The engineering is so perfect, it’s hard to believe it was a one-man job.

The house is filled with charming details that reflect Rob’s creativity.
From uniquely carved baseboards to wine bottles repurposed as glass windows, each element adds a personal touch.

He even added a pool to his property, making it an ideal retirement haven.

Initially, no one believed in Rob’s vision.
“They just thought I was nuts, thought I was crazy,” he told KFOR. “It wasn’t until the very last year when everything came together, had windows in, had doors in, that they go, ‘Oh wow, that’s pretty cool.”

Rob’s goal extends beyond his personal achievement.

He wants to inspire younger people to embrace a debt-free lifestyle, starting with simple steps like picking up a hammer.

He encourages saving for land, materials, and tools, believing that these skills can help build a dream home in the future.

See Rob’s vision come to life in the video below!