Fernwood Cabin ASmarter CircuitsPartner with the project

Fernwood · Oscoda County, Michigan — between Lewiston and Mio

Building Fernwood Cabin A

A 12×16 off-grid cabin on 10 acres of northern Michigan woodland.

A real, privately owned build documented from the first footing to years of daily use. Every product that goes into this cabin is chosen because the build needs it, installed on camera, and revisited after it has lived through northern Michigan winters.

  • Practical DIY construction
  • Energy-efficient design
  • Off-grid power
  • Smart-home technology
  • Real-world product testing
  • Long-term documentation
Partner With the ProjectExplore the Build
Line drawing of Fernwood Cabin A: single-slope metal roof with a future solar array, raised on posts with a service platform underneath
Conceptual elevation · not for construction
Cabin
12 × 16 ft
Footprint
192 sq ft
Property
10.3 wooded acres
Roof
3:12 metal
Power
Solar, 2 × 3 kW
Location
Oscoda County, MI

01 Overview

A small smart cabin, built and shown in full over a series of videos

Fernwood Cabin A is a compact, insulated, off-grid cabin at Fernwood--a 10.3-acre woodland property in Oscoda County, Michigan. It extends the Smarter Circuits channel's hands-on demonstration capability. The build is planned in phases and every step is documented.

01

Real world authenticity, not a set or staged production

Fernwood is privately owned land and the cabin will be used for years. Products go in because the build needs them, and they stay in--continuing to be part of the channel's story.

02

Transparency to supporters, sponsors, and the audience

Quantities, cut lists, budgets and open design questions are published. No mistakes or failures will be hidden at any point.

03

Documented end to end

Planning, site work, framing, envelope, systems, finish and long-term use. Each stage is filmed for Smarter Circuits and Life at Fernwood.

02 The Project

Ten acres of northern Michigan woods

The site is being developed gradually and deliberately, rather than cleared extensively, with the goal of keeping the woodland characteristics that make it worth building and filming on. For Smarter Circuits, the site provides an authentic backdrop for demonstrating smart, automated off-grid living. For Life in Fernwood, it is the setting for documenting everyday life in a northern Michigan woodland homestead.

Location
Oscoda County, Michigan — between Lewiston and Mio
Size
≈ 10.3 acres
Ownership
Privately owned
Land cover
Forested northern Michigan woodland, previously select-cut
Access
Private two-track spur off a public road
Long-term goal
A practical, low-impact, off-grid property that will remain in use indefinitely.

What grows here

  • Red maple
  • Red oak
  • White oak
  • Red pine
  • Black cherry
  • Bigtooth aspen
  • Native understory species

Fernwood is the property. Fernwood Cabin A is the first build on it. Life at Fernwood is the wider content concept around it. Sponsor-related coverage runs on Smarter Circuits, an established smart-home, electronics and DIY channel by default, but additional arrangements for Life at Fernwood are possible.

03 Cabin Design

12 × 16 ft, built for winter

A wood-framed cabin on an elevated floor, with a single-slope metal roof that will later carry solar. It is insulated to be used, not stored in. The drawings below are conceptual; final structural details come out of permitting and final design.

Side elevation

Conceptual · not for construction
Conceptual side elevation of Fernwood Cabin AA 16-foot-long cabin with an 8-foot low wall and 12-foot high wall. The metal shed roof rises 4 feet over the length for a 3:12 pitch, with 1-foot overhangs at each end, a horizontal run of 18 feet, and a future solar array on the roof. The floor framing sits 4 feet above grade on eight pressure-treated 4x6 posts. Between the posts, a service platform at truck-tailgate height holds a roll-out black tank and gives access to the diesel heater and electrical equipment. Post positions are schematic.black tankdiesel heaterelectricaltank rolls outService platformat truck-tailgate heightFuture solar arrayMetal roof · 3:1212312 × 16 ft · 192 sq ftWood-framed · insulated · structural sheathing2x12 floor framing8 × PT 4x6 posts — schematic; layout per final design16 ft cabin length≈ 18 ft horizontal run incl. overhangs · sloped length ≈ 18 ft 6⅝ in1 ft overhang1 ft overhang≈ 8 ft low wall4 ft posts≈ 12 ft high wall4 ft rise

Dimensions are approximate. The floor framing sits 4 ft above grade on eight PT 4x6 posts; post locations are schematic, with layout, footings and connections set in final design. The service platform between the posts sits at truck-tailgate height so the black tank can roll straight out, and the diesel heater and electrical equipment stay reachable without entering the cabin.

Footprint

Conceptual
Footprint: 12 by 16 feet, 192 square feet, with a 1-foot roof overhang at each end. Interior layout not shown.192 sq ftlayout not yet published16 ft12 ft- - roof outline, 1 ft overhangs

Roof plan

Conceptual
Roof plan: 12 ft wide by about 18 ft 6⅝ in sloped length, about 223 square feet, shown as four 36-inch metal panels with a future solar area.future solar≈ 223 sq ft36″36″36″36″12 ft≈ 18 ft 6⅝ in slopedhigh sideeavedrains

Roof

Type
Single-slope shed roof, metal
Pitch
3:12 (4 ft over 16 ft)
Overhangs
≈ 1 ft front and back
Run / slope
≈ 18 ft / ≈ 18 ft 6⅝ in
Area
≈ 223 sq ft
Exposed-fastener layout
4 × 36-in panels, buy ≈ 20 ft, trim to ≈ 18 ft 7 in

Why the roof matters more than usual. Solar will be mounted to this roof later, so durability, waterproofing, attachment points and long-term serviceability all count. Standing-seam metal is of particular interest because mounting hardware can clamp to the seams without penetrating the roof. Exposed-fastener panels remain a viable lower-cost option. The final roofing product is open.

Building envelope

Northern Michigan winters call for much more than a seasonal-shed envelope.

Planned wall assembly

Likely strategy for the 2x4 exterior walls, inside to outside.

  1. Interior drywall½-in; moisture-resistant in bathroom
  2. 2x4 stud cavityR-13 or R-15 batt insulation
  3. Structural sheathingWood structural panel
  4. Continuous exterior insulation≈ 1-in rigid board, ≈ R-5
  5. Weather-resistive barrierTaped and lapped; flashed openings
  6. Siding systemProduct not yet selected
Gross wall area
≈ 560 sq ft
Doors & windows
≈ 76 sq ft
Net insulated wall
≈ 484 sq ft
Floor (target ≈ R-30 or better)
192 sq ft

The cathedral roof is where building science matters most

The ceiling follows the roof slope (≈ 198 sq ft). The 2x12 rafters leave plenty of cavity depth, but the assembly is not decided. Options under consideration:

  • Vented roof: ventilation channel above cavity insulation
  • Unvented engineered assembly
  • Cavity insulation plus continuous insulation

Design questions:

  • Condensation control at the underside of the roof deck
  • Vapor management through the assembly
  • Ventilation — vented channel vs. unvented assembly
  • Air sealing at the ceiling plane
  • Achievable insulation value in 2x12 rafter depth
  • Compatibility with the metal roofing and underlayment
  • Northern Michigan winter conditions and snow load

The final roof insulation assembly has not been selected. It will not be described as code-approved until it has been.

Windows & doors

ItemSizeQty
Exterior door30 × 80 in1
Interior door30 × 80 in1
Window4 × 3 ft3
Window16 × 30 in2

Brands and models have not been selected.

Interior program

  • Living area
  • Kitchenette
  • Bathroom
  • Sleeping / living, per final layout

Plumbing fixtures:

Kitchen sink · Bathroom sink / vanity · Toilet · Shower stall

The final floor plan has not been published. The zones above describe the program, not a layout.

Structure

  • Floor raised 4 ft on treated posts (grade to 2x12 floor framing)
  • Service platform between the posts at truck-tailgate height
  • Wood-framed 2x4 walls
  • 2x12 floor and roof framing
  • Structural wood exterior sheathing
  • Single-slope metal shed roof
  • Fully insulated for year-round northern Michigan use

Final pier/footing dimensions, bearing, uplift resistance, frost protection, connections and load paths will be verified as part of permitting and final design. Northern Michigan snow load and the future roof-mounted solar array are both design considerations.

Framing take-off

From the working framing design, with stock lengths chosen to keep waste low.

2x12 cut list · 71 pieces
Cut lengthQtyLinear ft
20′11220
11′ 11½″447.8
4′ 8⅞″1047.4
16′10160
5′ 5½″210.9
12′ 3½″18221.3
10′ 5″220.8
3′ 10½″1454.3
Net required≈ 782.5 lf
2x12 stock purchase · 47 boards
StockQtyLinear ft
2x12 × 8 ft216
2x12 × 12 ft448
2x12 × 16 ft10160
2x12 × 18 ft18324
2x12 × 20 ft13260
Purchased≈ 808 lf
Waste
≈ 3.3%
2x4 stock purchase · 169 boards
StockQtyLinear ft
2x4 × 8 ft1591272
2x4 × 10 ft220
2x4 × 12 ft448
2x4 × 14 ft228
2x4 × 18 ft236
Purchased≈ 1,404 lf
Pieces
≈ 301
Net
≈ 1,383.6 lf
Waste
≈ 1.5%

Lumber prices vary significantly by stock length and region, so a cost-optimized purchase may differ from the waste-minimized purchase shown here. Plus 5–8 additional 2x4x8 as jobsite spares. Posts: 8 × pressure-treated 4x6×16.

04 Off-Grid Systems

Sized for what the cabin actually needs

No 100 A utility service and no suburban-style panel. Fernwood Cabin A runs on two small, independent inverter systems. Power is managed on purpose, and the aim is off-grid technology sized to real loads rather than oversized hardware.

Power architecture

Conceptual · not a wiring diagram
Future · roof-mounted

Solar array

Installed on the metal roof in a later phase.

Owner supplied

Charge controllers

Already planned; not a sponsorship need.

Owner supplied

Battery storage

DC-side configuration to be finalized with the equipment.

Inverter System AHeating & refrigeration
Owner supplied

3,000 W inverter

≈ 25 A at 120 V

Branch distribution

Small load center A

Breakers, disconnect, protection

Loads
  • Heating load
  • Refrigerator

Independent · outputs not paralleled

Inverter System BGeneral cabin use
Owner supplied

3,000 W inverter

≈ 25 A at 120 V

Branch distribution

Small load center B

Breakers, disconnect, protection

Loads
  • Lighting
  • ≈ 4 general-use receptacles
  • Miscellaneous small loads

The two inverter outputs are treated as independent electrical systems. They are not paralleled; that would only be considered if the final inverter hardware explicitly supports synchronized parallel operation. 3,000 W ÷ 120 V ≈ 25 A maximum AC output per inverter.

Electrical scope

  • Two small load centers with branch breakers
  • ≈ 4 general-use receptacles; GFCI where required
  • Lighting: living area light, bathroom light, exterior front-wall light
  • 12/2 and 14/2 cable, boxes, switches, plates
  • Inverter-to-panel conductors, disconnects, grounding
  • Smoke / CO alarms

Receptacle count, circuit layout, AFCI/GFCI protection, neutral-ground bonding and disconnecting means will follow the applicable electrical code and the final inverter equipment.

Already owned

Not sponsorship needs, and excluded from the materials budget.

  • BatteriesEnergy storage for both inverter systems
  • Solar charge controllersFor the future roof-mounted array
  • Two 3,000 W invertersIndependent systems A and B
  • Wood stove (new)Possible stretch phase; install materials not in budget

Owner supplied

Efficiency is a system

Each step makes the next one smaller.

  1. Good insulation
  2. Air sealing
  3. Efficient appliances
  4. Efficient heating
  5. Modest electrical loads
  6. Solar generation
  7. Battery storage
  8. Intelligent energy use

Heating

Heating is still being evaluated. A compact diesel heater has been considered, with an initial allowance of about $200 plus fuel tank and components. The under-floor service platform gives it a serviceable location outside the living space.

Stretch phase, not committed: A new wood stove is already owned and could be installed as a later stretch phase. A safe, compliant installation would still need a chimney system, roof penetration and flashing, hearth, heat shielding, noncombustible materials and correct clearances.

Heating partners could include compact high-efficiency heating, diesel heaters, mini-splits where appropriate, ventilation, and monitoring and control equipment.

Plumbing & water

Fixtures: Kitchen sink · Bathroom vanity / sink · Toilet · Shower stall

  • ¾-in PEX supply
  • ½-in PEX hot and cold
  • Fittings, rings/clamps, shutoffs, supports
  • 3-in DWV (toilet / main drain)
  • 2-in drain and vent
  • 1½-in sink drains and traps
  • Toilet flange and fixture connections
  • Bathroom exhaust fan

A small water heater is needed; fuel and type have not been selected.

Waste drains to a black tank on the under-floor service platform, which rolls out at tailgate height for emptying.

Separate future phases, outside the cabin budget: well, cistern / water storage (if used), septic system, major trenching, site utility infrastructure.

05 Build Phases

One system at a time

The cabin is built in phases, and each one is documented. Open a phase to see its materials and where partner products fit. Photos, videos and completion dates are added only as phases are actually finished.

1 / 17 phases complete

CompleteIn progressPlannedStretch phase

  1. Property acquired

    Complete

    10.3 privately owned acres of previously select-cut northern Michigan woodland, reached by a private two-track.

    Material needs

    No major materials.

    Partner opportunities

    None for this phase.

    Media

  2. Site assessment

    In progress

    Choosing the cabin location for access, drainage, tree retention and future solar exposure.

    Material needs

    No major materials.

    Partner opportunities

    • Tools

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  3. Site clearing & preparation

    Planned

    Selective clearing only where the cabin, access and solar exposure require it.

    Material needs

    • Site layout supplies
    • Hauling and clearing equipment

    Partner opportunities

    • Power equipment
    • Cordless tools
    • Safety equipment
    • Workwear

    Media

  4. Foundation & posts

    Planned

    Eight pressure-treated 4x6 posts set in concrete footings. Final footing design is verified during permitting.

    Material needs

    • 8 × PT 4x6x16 posts
    • ≈ 80 × 80-lb bags concrete
    • Post bases / connectors

    Partner opportunities

    • Engineered / treated lumber
    • Concrete
    • Concrete tools
    • Structural connectors

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  5. Floor & platform

    Planned

    2x12 floor framing 4 ft above grade, OSB subfloor, and the under-floor service platform at truck-tailgate height.

    Material needs

    • 2x12 joists and rims
    • 12 × 4x8 subfloor panels
    • Joist hangers, adhesive, fasteners

    Partner opportunities

    • Lumber
    • Structural connectors
    • Fasteners

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  6. Wall framing

    Planned

    ≈ 301 pieces of 2x4 framing: 8-ft low wall rising to a 12-ft high wall.

    Material needs

    • ≈ 169 × 2x4 stock boards
    • 20 × 4x8 wall sheathing
    • Framing fasteners

    Partner opportunities

    • Lumber
    • Fasteners
    • Cordless tools
    • Tools
    • Safety equipment

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  7. Roof framing & metal roof

    Planned

    2x12 rafters, roof sheathing and a 3:12 metal roof designed to carry solar later.

    Material needs

    • 2x12 rafters
    • 10 × 4x8 roof sheathing
    • 4 metal panels ≈ 20 ft
    • Underlayment, ice-and-water, trim, closures

    Partner opportunities

    • Metal roofing
    • Roofing accessories
    • Lumber
    • Structural connectors
    • Safety equipment

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  8. Weather-tight shell

    Planned

    Water-resistive barrier, tapes and flashing to close in the structure.

    Material needs

    • WRB
    • Flashing tape
    • Sealants
    • Flashing

    Partner opportunities

    • Weather barriers
    • Construction tapes
    • Flashing systems
    • Sealants

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  9. Windows & doors

    Planned

    Five windows and two doors, flashed and air-sealed.

    Material needs

    • 3 × 4×3 windows
    • 2 × 16×30 windows
    • 30×80 exterior door
    • 30×80 interior door

    Partner opportunities

    • Windows
    • Doors
    • Flashing systems

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  10. Insulation & air sealing

    Planned

    Wall cavities, R-30+ floor, and a cathedral roof assembly where building science matters most.

    Material needs

    • R-13/R-15 wall insulation
    • Floor insulation
    • Roof insulation (assembly TBD)
    • Air-sealing tapes and sealants

    Partner opportunities

    • Insulation
    • Construction tapes
    • Sealants

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  11. Exterior insulation & siding

    Planned

    Continuous R-5 exterior insulation, siding and trim suited to the wooded site.

    Material needs

    • ≈ 20 × 1-in R-5 rigid board
    • Siding ≈ 500+ sq ft
    • Exterior trim
    • Exterior fasteners

    Partner opportunities

    • Rigid foam / exterior insulation
    • Siding
    • Exterior trim
    • Fasteners
    • Paint & coatings

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  12. Electrical

    Planned

    Two independent inverter systems, two small load centers, modest lighting and receptacles.

    Material needs

    • 2 load centers + breakers
    • 12/2 and 14/2 cable
    • Devices, GFCI, boxes
    • 3 LED fixtures
    • Disconnects, grounding
    • Smoke / CO alarms

    Partner opportunities

    • Electrical panels
    • Electrical devices
    • Lighting

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  13. Plumbing

    Planned

    PEX supply and DWV for a kitchenette and small bathroom. Well and septic are separate phases.

    Material needs

    • PEX + fittings
    • 3-in / 2-in / 1½-in DWV
    • Water heater
    • Exhaust fan

    Partner opportunities

    • PEX / plumbing systems
    • Plumbing fixtures
    • Water heating
    • Ventilation

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  14. Interior finish

    Planned

    Drywall, flooring, trim, paint, and a modest kitchenette and bath.

    Material needs

    • ≈ 24 sheets drywall
    • ≈ 215 sq ft flooring
    • Trim and paint
    • Cabinets + countertop
    • Fixtures

    Partner opportunities

    • Interior wall products
    • Flooring
    • Paint & coatings
    • Cabinets
    • Countertops
    • Plumbing fixtures

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  15. Solar

    Planned

    A roof-mounted array feeding the owner-supplied charge controllers and batteries.

    Material needs

    • Roof attachments / seam clamps
    • Solar modules
    • PV wiring, disconnects, protection

    Partner opportunities

    • Solar roof mounting
    • Solar panels
    • Solar / off-grid equipment

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  16. Systems commissioning

    Planned

    Bring heat, power, water and monitoring online, then measure what the cabin actually uses.

    Material needs

    • Heating appliance
    • Monitoring and sensors
    • Controls

    Partner opportunities

    • Heating
    • Energy monitoring
    • Sensors
    • Smart-home controls
    • Compact refrigerators

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  17. Long-term testing & use

    Planned

    Living with the cabin through the seasons and revisiting installed products honestly.

    Material needs

    No major materials.

    Partner opportunities

    • Energy monitoring
    • Sensors
    • Appliances

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

  18. Wood stove installation

    Stretch phase

    The stove is already owned. A compliant install needs chimney, roof flashing, hearth, shielding and clearances. Not committed.

    Material needs

    • Chimney system
    • Roof penetration flashing
    • Hearth / noncombustible materials
    • Heat shielding

    Partner opportunities

    • Heating

    Media

    Photos and videos will be added as this phase is documented.

06 Materials & Budget

Roughly $20,000–$22,000 in building materials

Every line of the current materials estimate is below, from framing to smoke alarms. Totals are calculated from the line items, and the sponsor columns update as partnerships are confirmed.

Material quantities and prices are planning estimates and may change as engineering, permitting, product selection and construction progress.

Base material estimate
$18,735.60
15% planning contingency
$2,810.34
Working material budget
$21,545.94Base + contingency
Sponsor-covered
$0.00No partnerships confirmed yet
Remaining projected cost
$21,545.94Working budget less sponsor-covered

Base estimate by category

Select a bar to filter the list below

Showing 15 of 79 linesBase subtotal $18,735.60 · optional $22.80

CategoryItem / specificationQtyUnitEst. unitSubtotalStatusSponsor status
Structural lumber
2x12 × 8 ft
Floor/roof framing, low-waste stock plan
2pc$13.50$27.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x12 × 12 ft
Floor/roof framing
4pc$21.00$84.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x12 × 16 ft
Floor/roof framing
10pc$30.00$300.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x12 × 18 ft
Floor/roof framing
18pc$35.00$630.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x12 × 20 ft
Floor/roof framing
13pc$43.00$559.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 8 ft
Wall framing
159pc$3.80$604.20EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 10 ft
Wall framing
2pc$5.20$10.40EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 12 ft
Wall framing
4pc$6.40$25.60EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 14 ft
Wall framing
2pc$8.20$16.40EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 18 ft
Wall framing
2pc$11.50$23.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural lumber
2x4 × 8 ft jobsite spares Optional
For damaged, twisted or mis-cut boards (5–8 recommended)
6pc$3.80$22.80EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Treated posts
Pressure-treated 4x6 × 16 ft
Primary cabin support posts
8pc$41.25$330.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Concrete
Concrete mix, 80 lb
≈ 48 cu ft total; footing design verified in permitting
80bag$7.00$560.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Structural hardware
Structural connectors Allowance
Joist hangers, hurricane ties, post bases — per final design
1allowance$380.00$380.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Subfloor
OSB subfloor panel 4x8 Includes the service platform; not a larger cabin.
Cabin floor plus under-floor service platform
12sheet$25.00$300.00EstimatedSeeking sponsor
Base estimate (excl. optional)$18,735.60

Not included in this budget

This budget covers the cabin's construction materials, not every piece of site infrastructure. Several of these may become separate project phases.

  • Batteries, charge controllers and inverters (owner supplied)
  • Septic system
  • Well or complete water system
  • Driveway and site development
  • Major excavation and trenching
  • Utility grid connection
  • Labor, where work is DIY
  • Permit fees
  • Major appliances, unless listed
  • Optional wood-stove chimney / masonry installation
  • Some future solar equipment

Owner-supplied equipment

Listed for transparency. $0 in the budget, and not sponsorship needs.

  • BatteriesEnergy storage for both inverter systems
  • Solar charge controllersFor the future roof-mounted array
  • Two 3,000 W invertersIndependent systems A and B
  • Wood stove (new)Possible stretch phase; install materials not in budget

07 Sponsor Opportunities

Interested in putting your product to work in a real long-term build?

Fernwood Cabin A is being built one system at a time. Product and project partners can take part wherever their equipment genuinely fits the build, from individual products to complete project phases.

Long project lifespan

The cabin is built over many phases, so products show up again and again, not once.

Natural product context

Every product on camera is there because the build genuinely needs it.

Long-term follow-up

Installed products can be revisited months or years later, in real northern Michigan conditions.

Technical audience

Smarter Circuits already serves viewers interested in DIY, electrical systems, automation and hands-on projects.

Evergreen content

Construction and how-to videos keep earning views long after they are published.

Authenticity

The property and cabin are real, privately owned and will stay in use.

Flexible integration

Participation can be a component, a category, a full phase or the broader project.

A product's life in the build

  1. Selected
  2. Installed
  3. Tested
  4. Used
  5. Revisited

Current priority opportunities

Categories where the build needs a decision soon. Status is kept up to date.

Metal Roofing

Seeking sponsor

Needed≈ 223 sq ft plus trim and accessories

Single-slope 3:12 roof that will later carry the solar array, so durability, waterproofing and attachment points matter. Standing seam is of particular interest for non-penetrating solar clamps.

Exterior Insulation

Seeking sponsor

Needed≈ 20 sheets of 1-in, ≈ R-5 board

Continuous insulation over structural sheathing to cut thermal bridging through the 2x4 walls.

Windows

Seeking sponsor

NeededThree 4×3 ft and two 16×30 in

Flashed and air-sealed into an exterior-insulated wall — installation details will be shown on camera.

Electrical

Seeking product partners

NeededSmall dual-inverter branch distribution

Two independent load centers fed by owner-supplied 3,000 W inverters. Panels, breakers, devices, lighting and protection.

Plumbing

Seeking product partners

NeededCompact kitchen and bath plumbing system

PEX supply, DWV and four fixtures in a cabin that must survive northern Michigan winters.

Exterior Siding

Seeking sponsor

Needed≈ 500+ sq ft wall system plus waste and trim

A practical, natural-looking cladding over exterior insulation that fits the wooded setting.

Ways to participate

Partner opportunities range from individual products to complete project phases.

Component

A single product where it genuinely fits — a fixture, a tool, a connector line.

Category

A whole system category, such as the roof, the windows or the lighting.

Phase

An entire build phase, from material selection through installation video.

Project

A broader partnership across Fernwood, agreed case by case.

Twenty stages of documentation

This is not a one-video placement. The build gives products a place across the whole project.

  1. Planning / design
  2. Site preparation
  3. Foundation / posts
  4. Floor system
  5. Wall framing
  6. Roof framing
  7. Metal roofing
  8. Weatherproofing
  9. Windows / doors
  10. Exterior insulation
  11. Siding
  12. Electrical
  13. Plumbing
  14. Heating
  15. Interior insulation
  16. Drywall / interior finish
  17. Kitchen / bath
  18. Solar installation
  19. Off-grid energy optimization
  20. Long-term use & follow-up

All partner categories

Every category shows its current status. Owner-supplied equipment is marked so it is never double-counted.

Structure & foundation

Lumber

Seeking sponsor

≈ 808 lf of 2x12 and ≈ 1,400 lf of 2x4 framing stock.

Appears in: Floor & platform · Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof

Discuss this category

Structural connectors

Seeking sponsor

Joist hangers, hurricane ties, post bases and connections along the load path.

Appears in: Foundation & posts · Floor & platform · Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof

Discuss this category

Fasteners

Seeking sponsor

Framing nails, structural screws, sheathing and exterior fasteners.

Appears in: Floor & platform · Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof · Exterior insulation & siding

Discuss this category

Roof & solar

Metal roofing

Seeking sponsor

≈ 223 sq ft single-slope roof, 3:12 pitch, ≈ 18 ft 7 in panel length. Standing seam of particular interest.

Appears in: Roof framing & metal roof

Discuss this category

Building envelope

Insulation

Seeking sponsor

Wall cavities (≈ 484 sq ft net), R-30+ floor (192 sq ft), cathedral roof (≈ 198 sq ft).

Appears in: Insulation & air sealing

Discuss this category

Sealants

Seeking sponsor

Air-sealing, exterior and metal-compatible sealants.

Appears in: Roof framing & metal roof · Weather-tight shell · Interior finish

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Windows, doors & exterior

Siding

Seeking sponsor

≈ 500+ sq ft of wall cladding that suits a wooded setting.

Appears in: Exterior insulation & siding

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Interior finish

Plumbing & water

Electrical & energy

Sensors

Seeking sponsor

Temperature, humidity and leak sensing so the cabin can be monitored remotely.

Appears in: Systems commissioning · Long-term testing & use

Discuss this category

Solar / off-grid equipment

Owner supplied

Wiring, protection and disconnect hardware around the owner-supplied core.

Batteries, charge controllers and two 3,000 W inverters are owner supplied. Balance-of-system parts may still be open.

Appears in: Solar · Systems commissioning

Appliances

Seeking sponsor

Efficient, low-draw appliances matched to an inverter budget.

Appears in: Interior finish · Long-term testing & use

Discuss this category

Heating & ventilation

Heating

Seeking sponsor

Compact, efficient heat for a tight 192 sq ft envelope; diesel heater under consideration.

A wood stove is already owned (possible stretch phase).

Appears in: Systems commissioning

Discuss this category

Ventilation

Seeking sponsor

Bathroom exhaust and whole-cabin fresh air for a well-sealed building.

Appears in: Plumbing · Systems commissioning

Discuss this category

Tools & jobsite

Tools

Seeking sponsor

Layout, measuring and hand tools used through every phase.

Appears in: Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof · Interior finish

Discuss this category

Cordless tools

Seeking sponsor

An off-grid jobsite with no utility power — batteries and charging matter.

Appears in: Foundation & posts · Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof · Interior finish

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Power equipment

Seeking sponsor

Site preparation, hauling and charging on a remote site with no utility power.

Appears in: Site clearing & preparation · Foundation & posts

Discuss this category

Workwear

Seeking sponsor

Four-season work in northern Michigan woods.

Appears in: Site clearing & preparation · Wall framing · Roof framing & metal roof

Discuss this category

Example collaboration formats

These are examples, not a fixed package. Specific deliverables are agreed case by case.

  • Product integration into the relevant project videos
  • Installation demonstrations
  • Practical, real-world testing
  • Sponsor acknowledgement in videos
  • Links in video descriptions
  • Acknowledgement on this website
  • Inclusion in project materials and resources
  • Follow-up coverage after extended use
  • Dedicated content where appropriate and separately agreed

Editorial standards

Technically accurate coverage and real long-term use are worth more than scripted praise.

  • Coverage is technically accurate. Positive reviews are never promised, and editorial conclusions are not for sale.
  • Products are installed because the build needs them, and they stay in the building.
  • Raw footage is not made available.
  • Paid-advertising whitelisting is not offered as a standard deliverable.

Have a product that belongs in this build?

Tell us what it is and where you think it fits. Product, cash and combined partnerships are all welcome.

Partner With the Project

08 Channel

Smarter Circuits

A smart home, electronics, technology and DIY YouTube channel focused on practical projects, testing, installation, repair, automation, home technology and hands-on problem solving.

What Fernwood Cabin A adds

Fernwood Cabin A applies the channel's existing DIY and technical approach to a full construction project:

  • Construction
  • Off-grid systems
  • Solar
  • Energy management
  • Building science
  • Smart-home technology
  • Practical homestead infrastructure
YouTube subscribers
Available on request
Recent monthly views
Available on request
Average views per video
Available on request
Annual channel growth
Available on request
Audience geography
Available on request
Sponsor / project video performance
Available on request

Figures are published only once verified, with an as-of date. Detailed analytics are available to prospective partners on request.

09 FAQ

Questions partners usually ask

Straight answers about the project, the power system, and how partnerships work.

What is Fernwood?

Fernwood is a privately owned 10.3-acre wooded property in northern Michigan, and the name of the long-term project to develop it into a practical, low-impact, largely off-grid place. The first build, Fernwood Cabin A, is a small insulated off-grid cabin. The wider project is documented as Life at Fernwood, with sponsor-related coverage on the Smarter Circuits YouTube channel.

Where is the project?

Oscoda County, Michigan, between Lewiston and Mio. The land is reached by a private two-track off a public road.

How large is the cabin?

12 × 16 ft, about 192 sq ft of interior footprint, on eight pressure-treated 4x6 posts. The single-slope metal roof rises about 4 ft over the 16-ft length (≈ 3:12), from an ≈ 8-ft low wall to an ≈ 12-ft high wall, with ≈ 1-ft overhangs front and back. The floor framing sits 4 ft above grade, with a service platform between the posts at truck-tailgate height for the roll-out black tank, the diesel heater and electrical equipment.

Is this an actual permanent project?

Yes. The property is privately owned and the cabin is being built to be used for years. It is insulated for northern Michigan winters, not built as a seasonal shed or a temporary set.

Is the cabin off-grid?

Primarily, yes. There is no conventional 100 A utility service planned. Power will come from solar, batteries and two independent inverter systems. Well, septic and water storage are separate future phases, outside the cabin budget.

What power system will it use?

Two independent 3,000 W inverters, each feeding its own small load center. System A is intended mainly for heating and the refrigerator; System B for lights, receptacles and small loads. At 120 V, each inverter delivers roughly 25 A.

The two outputs are not paralleled unless the final inverter hardware explicitly supports synchronized parallel operation. Circuit layout, protection and bonding will follow the applicable electrical code.

What products are already supplied?

The owner is supplying the batteries, solar charge controllers and both 3,000 W inverters, and already owns a new wood stove. None of these are sponsorship needs, and none are counted in the materials budget.

What sponsorship categories are available?

Structure, roofing and solar mounting, insulation and envelope products, windows and doors, siding, interior finishes, plumbing, electrical, lighting, monitoring, heating, ventilation, tools and jobsite equipment. The Sponsor Opportunities section shows the current status of each category.

Can a sponsor provide products instead of cash?

Yes. Product partnerships are the most natural fit, because the build needs the materials anyway. Cash and combined arrangements are also welcome.

Can sponsors support an entire phase?

Yes. Partners can take part at the level of a single component, a whole category (such as the roof or windows), a full build phase, or the broader project, depending on the fit.

Will products remain installed?

Yes. Products are installed because the cabin needs them and they stay in the building. Nothing is installed for a video and then removed.

Will sponsored products receive honest coverage?

Yes. Coverage is technically accurate and based on real installation and use. Positive reviews are not promised, and editorial conclusions are not for sale. If something doesn’t work as expected, that becomes part of the documentation.

Is raw footage available?

Raw footage is not made available.

Can sponsors use project footage in paid advertisements?

Paid-advertising use and whitelisting are not offered as standard sponsorship deliverables. Any request of that kind would have to be discussed and agreed separately, and it may be declined.

How can a company get involved?

Send an inquiry through the contact form with your product category and the kind of partnership you have in mind. Say where you think your product fits the build. That gets to a useful conversation fastest.

10 Contact

Partner with the project

If your product fits a real, long-term off-grid build, we'd like to hear about it. Product, cash and combined partnerships are all welcome.

Project
Fernwood Cabin A · Oscoda County, Michigan
Channel
Smarter Circuits
Helpful to include
  • The product and where it fits the build
  • Product, cash, or both
  • Any timing tied to a build phase
Optional
Type of partnership
Optional. A rough product value or budget is enough.
* Required. Inquiries are read personally. Please allow a few business days for a reply.