Ethan Fierro - The Outdoor Shower: Creative design ideas for backyard living, from the functional to the fantastic

The Outdoor Shower

Creative Design Ideas for Backyard Living, from the Functional to the Fantastic

Ethan Fierro

The mission of Storey Publishing is to serve our customers by publishing practical information that encourages personal independence in harmony with the environment.

Edited by Deborah Balmuth and Carleen Madigan Perkins

Art direction by Kent Lew and Vicky Vaughn

Cover design by Karen Schober and Kent Lew

Text design by Karen Schober

Text production by Kristy MacWilliams

Cover and interior photographs Ethan Fierro

Illustrations Robert LaPointe

Indexed by Christine R. Lindemer, Boston Road Communications

Copyright 2006 by Ethan Fierro

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages or reproduce illustrations in a review with appropriate credits; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other without written permission from the publisher.

The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author or Storey Publishing. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. For additional information please contact Storey Publishing, 210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247.

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Printed in the China by R.R. Donnelley

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Fierro, Ethan.

The outdoor shower / by Ethan Fierro.

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN-13: 978-1-58017-552-4; ISBN-10: 1-58017-552-x (pbk. : alk. paper)

ISBN-13: 978-1-58017-606-4; ISBN-10: 1-58017-606-2 (hardcover : alk. paper)

1. Showers (Plumbing fixtures) I. Title: Outdoor shower. II. Title.

TH6492.F54 2006

696.182dc22

2005034731

Cool summer evening
illumined fireflies become
lighthouses in steam

To the beloved Moosi and all who appreciate
deeply residing in hot water.

CHAPTER 1
Shower Basics

CHAPTER 2
Choosing Building Materials

CHAPTER 3
Permanent Outdoor Showers

CHAPTER 4
Temporary Showers

CHAPTER 5
Planning and Design

SHOWERING OUTDOORS is one of the greatest ways to connect with the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Standing outside, washing away the stresses of a long day, while enjoying your natural surroundings creates peace of mind and a new level of relaxation. This delightful moment may be one that youll look forward to repeating every day, year after year.

In addition to their practical nature washing off sand and dirt outside helps keep the interior of your house clean showering outdoors also creates a sense of freedom that comes with bathing in a place set away from the pace of daily life. Add to that feeling a degree of personal satisfaction from having created this sanctuary yourself, utilizing your favorite materials, and you have the makings of a memorable showering experience.

I grew up in the woods of Marthas Vineyard using an outdoor shower my father built. It was a semicircular enclosure he had created by driving posts into the ground in a large curve and bending soaked cedar boards around the face. Over time, English ivy grew up the wall and over the open latticework on top, giving a lush appearance to the enclosure.

I loved using that shower. The open sky above, where the steam rose and dissipated, and the finely carved wooden door latch that made a soft yet distinct shah-thunk sound every time the door closed: all are beloved memories that have stayed with me through the years. That outdoor shower opened my eyes to a new way of working with my environment, and my fathers artistic example has inspired me in my own architectural designs.

I hope that, in addition to giving you a basic understanding of how outdoor showers work, the different options for materials and construction, and how to go about creating your own design, this book will also inspire you to think differently about the environment around you. Your outdoor shower project is waiting to begin.

The last drops of water fall from a curved showerhead pipe simply affixed to a wooden board pedestal.

ESSENTIALLY, THE OUTDOOR SHOWER, like its indoor counterpart, is a simple plumbing system with common components water supply, water drainage, plumbing, and fixtures. Most people like to shower with hot water, so water heating should also be considered. And because of its location outdoors, proper siting, enclosures, and lighting are additional variables that will affect how enjoyable your outdoor shower is to actually use.

There are other practical elements to consider while you are designing your shower that will help you determine what kind of structure to build and where to locate it. Will it be in operation seasonally or year-round? If seasonally, is it in a region that freezes in the winter? If it is, the plumbing will require drainage valves to be installed, and youll need to drain the pipes before winter to keep them from bursting. How much privacy should the shower offer? Some people prefer to have a complete visual barrier between themselves and potential onlookers, while others would rather not block the view of the surrounding landscape. Its often prudent to build for the most modest personality in the crowd, to allow everyone to enjoy the outdoor showering experience.

This oceanfront shower on Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, is constructed of weathered white cedar stakes attached to a curved metal frame.