How to Build Huts

Whether you are in an actual survival situation, are practicing for a wilderness adventure or just enjoy the outdoors, creating a debris hut is a useful skill to know. By using the materials around you, you can construct a shelter that will keep you relatively warm and dry until morning. Additionally, huts made of natural materials will leave no carbon footprint on the environment. Try debris hut building at your child's next party or sleepover.

Things You'll Need

  • String (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Collect a branch that is at least eight feet long and is relatively sturdy. Break off any twigs that stick out the sides so that it is just one long pole. This will be the main support for your structure.

    • 2

      Place one end of the stick against a stump or tree so that it is about three or four feet off the ground. The other end of the stick will rest on the ground. The angle the stick should rise off the ground is about 45 degrees. Check to make sure the stick is secure.

    • 3

      Prop several smaller sticks perpendicular to the long stick so that the small sticks rest against the big one. The frame should ideally look like a set of ribs.

    • 4

      Collect dry leaves and other types of debris and begin to pile it on top of the frame as if it were a type of matting. Lay some sticks up around the base if you are having trouble getting started. Allow some of the debris to fall inside of your hut and become floor padding. Do not fill the gap at the side of the hut -- it will be your entrance.

    • 5

      Continue adding layers of thicker debris and more sticks (laying perpendicular to the ribbing sticks) so that wind will not blow your walls away.

    • 6

      Construct a door to your hut by attaching some sticks together with string or filling sweaters and shirts with leaves.