Building Wild

Building Wild is an enthralling National Geographic series that premiered in 2014. This show presents the incredible world of complex and unconventional off-the-grid constructions in remote wilderness locations. Fans of creativity, nature, and architecture will be captivated by this show, which highlights not only the bottomless resourcefulness of human beings, but also their strong connections and relationships with the wild.

The series is principally driven by the partnership between Paul DiMeo, a carpenter, and Pat “Tuffy” Bakaitis, a savvy fabricator. DiMeo, who is best known as one of the adroit designers in the popular reality TV show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, brings to the table his expertise in constructing mind-blowing dwellings, while Bakaitis brings an expert approach to deal with big-construction with little capital, especially in remote locations. This creates an interesting and charismatic dynamic between the two, contributing a compelling element of camaraderie and collaboration to the series.

Each episode of Building Wild chronicles the duo's unique journey, typically over just five days, to design and construct an innovative, fully functional, and often luxurious wilderness retreat for their clients. However, these are not just plain cabins in the woods - the projects range from a treetop escape to a mountaintop lodge, from a riverside camp outfitted with a suspension bridge to a retreat built around a retired aircraft.

The challenge lies in the fact that these structures are not being built in convenient urban or suburban environments, but in the wild places where the only construction materials available are those that can be scavenged or repurposed from the immediate environment. And then there is the added challenge of transporting all the necessary tools, prefabricated parts and other equipment to the building site, which can often only be reached by foot, by helicopter, or by water. The concept of teamwork under pressure to beat the clock is integral to the show's narrative, and it's thrilling to see these realities play out episode by episode.

Beyond the building mechanics, Building Wild brilliantly showcases the untouched beauty and serene tranquility of the North American wilderness. The show acknowledges nature as being a powerful, guiding element in the building process and the final design of these structures. The series implicitly advocates for a harmonious, sustainable relationship with nature, where human ingenuity becomes a tool to existing more efficiently and sustainably in these remote spaces.

Moreover, the show often incorporates elements of the clients’ personal stories, their connections to the build sites, or the dreams that they wish to achieve through these custom-built retreats. Thus, along with witnessing feats of manual labor and problem-solving in unpredictable environments, viewers also get an emotional investment, understanding why these builds are so important to the clients. For instance, the clients might want to maintain their family traditions of camping, their hobby of hunting or their passion for nature and solitude, and the cabins therefore are built to cater to these specific needs, rendering a personal touch to each episode.

The show is a creative amalgamation of reality-TV challenges, the drama of close-knit teamwork, and the aesthetic appeal of design and architecture. It combines instinctual survival tactics, innovative design and fabrication, and the sheer human will to push boundaries, making it an ultimate viewership magnet for those drawn to adventure-the ones who believe that there should be no limit to how and where they can make a home.

Building Wild, with its troubles and triumphs, offers a breathtaking and inspiring view into what humans can build when they are left to their imagination and the resources nature provides. The striking landscapes, the evolving camaraderie, and the unforgettable building projects make this show a truly captivating watch. The audience leaves not just with a deeper appreciation for the raw power and beauty of the wilderness, but also with a new understanding of their own potential to innovate and adapt under challenging circumstances.