The home of Simon Dale is often in my mind when I think about the idealized versions of home, community, and culture.

Mr Dale invested a lot of his time and not much of his money into building a unique home of his own design. He also posted his research, process, and conclusions on a website as he went along.

How did someone with little money and no previous experience accomplish something new and amazing?

• Draw on the resources you have. Access to friends, natural resources, the library, and the internet are all free resources.
• Invest time, not money. Mr Dale invested thousands of hours of his own time into the house, but spent just £3000 on materials.
• Quality through determination. A building of this caliber will take not only time but keen craftsmanship to construct. Be sure to remain steadfast and thorough throughout your plan.
• Focus on the future. The sustainable, low-impact design of the house isn't just a trend on which to bandwagon; it is a long-term plan that will save Mr Dale time and money for decades to come.
• Let the world know. Imagine that Mr Dale had not created the website. What proof does he have to show for what he has done? What has he given back to the community he tapped for its knowledge?

We all have that seed of a socially beneficial idea in the back of our heads. When you begin to water and care for that seed, you will be shocked at the result.