I wanted to make a self-sustaining rainforest habitat that was both reliable and functional as well as environmentally friendly.

According to rainforests.fsnaturelive.org, a true rainforest is categorized by the following criteria:

Receive rainfall regularly throughout the year (80-400 inches per year)
Remain warm and frost free all year long (mean temperatures are between 70° and 85°F) with very little daily fluctuation
Relative humidity is typically around 70% in the daytime and 95% at night.

As you can see, this is a very unique climate and could be a demanding task for someone to live in it for an extended period of time. However, my self-sustaining rainforest habitat should make it a way more comfortable stay. Some important features of the habitat include a water catcher on the top of the habitat which is funneled down and filtered into safe drinking water. The water is then stored and cooled in the water storage unit under the living area of the habitat which is capable of supplying a continues access to clean water. Additionally, to keep the temperature inside of the habitat regulated with the humidity I built a 3 door access system. This will minimize the humidity in the living area and keep it at a comfortable temperature at all times!

Other Key Features:

Huge storage access under doors
Large glass viewing window
Living area above ground level
Interior for 1-2 people

Supplies

Main Supplies Include:

Metal
Carbon Fiber
Recycled Plastic
Filter Box
Glass

Step 1: Creating the Structure

Step 1 includes the base of the habitat and main structure for out living area. This can be made bigger if you need to fit more than 2 people in the habitat. The circle cutout in the living structure will later have glass installed to act as our main viewing window. The main base of the habitat is our water storage, dry storage, and base for our entrance doors.

Step 2: Rain Catcher & Stairs

The next step is crucial as it is one of the main reasons this habitat is self-sustainable. The rain catcher will be placed on the roof of the main living area. It is comprised of a cone shape and lip around the bottom which will catch the abundant amount of rain water that the rainforest experiences each year. Next, add two steps onto the main base which will eventually give us access to our door system into the main part of the habitat.

Step 3: Rain Filter & Storage

In the 3rd step we will be adding the rain funnel, filter, and storage. We have a way of collecting the rainwater, but now we need a way to filter it into safe drinking water. For this, we will add a straight cylinder-shaped funnel that will transport the rainwater from the catcher down to the water storage unit. Next, we need to add the filter box about halfway down the rain funnel which will fully filter our rainwater as it passes through. Additionally, we will be adding a large dry storage unit under the other area of our main base. After cutting out the desired space for your storage (the bigger the better!), we will add a functional door that opens up and down.

Step 4: Doorway Base

In step 4, we need to add the doorway base for our 3 door access system. To do this we are essentially adding a hallway on top of our main base. It needs to span the whole length of our main base to make room for 3 full-sized doors. Before we attach the doors we will add an intended space where every door goes, which will allow us to actually attach the door hinges!

Step 5: 3 Door Access System

In step 5, we are adding the doors for our 3 door access system! This allows us to regulate the temperature inside the main living area since the rainforest is an extremely humid and warm climate. We will work from back to front, adding the first door going into the main living area of the habitat. Next, we will add the middle door following with the final front entrance door.

Step 6: Glass Window & Final Product

In the final step we add the finishing touch of the window glass! This gives us a stunning view from inside your self-sustaining rainforest habitat! Once the building process is complete you will be able to install it in any flat surface area of a rainforest climate. With this, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful nature that the rainforest in comfort, not having to worry about water access or temperature control! Even better, we are creating an environmentally friendly habitat that sustains itself, leaving no impact to the rainforest ecosystem!