The photographs by Michael Schmelling present an intimate look at the quirky, self-made structures that emerged from the 1970s counterculture in Northern California. From geodesic domes to cabins built with salvaged redwood and ad hoc additions, the book celebrates improvisation, resourcefulness, and the radical desire to live differently. The imagery captures both the whimsy and the practicality of these off-grid d…

Kramer and Schmelling spent four years documenting these homes, many of which are still occupied by their original builders. The images are not merely documentation but a homage to a generation's audacious hope, offering a compelling visual record of an alternative American landscape that continues to inspire contemporary builders and dreamers alike.