![photo-18.jpg photo-18.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340055-469b5210bff602925f0bd3c4ffb7d38e.jpg)
The Plans
as complete modular panels. I wanted to be able to walk in.While I was waiting for the chicks I went on the Austin Funky Chicken Coop Tour (this was great fun), I noticed everybody had more than one coop, I took this to mean that I should build as big as practically possible right off the bat.Two months between ordering my chicks and their arrival meant I had plenty of time to plan the coop. I rent my house so I need to be able to move it someday, therefore the walls are designed And of course it needed to look good. after a bit of brainstorming and lots of sketches on napkins and envelopes this is what I came up with: 7' 5" wide and high, 12' long, with the house elevated above the run. This should be plenty big enough for 7-8 chickens with room for growth.
![photo-19.jpg photo-19.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340056-6214a8e5208920240b4127f7d06cdd62.jpg)
Sketchup
I like Sketchup, using it to make the final draft of my plans really helped me get exactly what I wanted, it also made it easier to spot and problems that might come up in constuction.
![photo-20.jpg photo-20.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340057-e3891be0e140d7b616a4f3a36b03b6e1.jpg)
Constuction
I built the wall panels one at a time outside the workshop.
![photo-21.jpg photo-21.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340058-bcdcabc7757be6bca3020879ee4379b1.jpg)
Test-fitting everything before fitting the clading and chicken wire.
![photo-27.jpg photo-27.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340059-a3e5d2061e1ef96b49c80c08393c080f.jpg)
The Experiment
I read about Architect Terunobu Fujimori siding some of his projects in charred ceder, a 15th century Japanese technique that seals against insects and rot but is nearly forgotten.
I was intrigued, after an afternoon of experiment with scraps I had a method that yielded results I really liked.
![photo-28.jpg photo-28.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340060-e18014f2abc047fd57f69f25784016dd.jpg)
![photo-30.jpg photo-30.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340061-e2434be082d5c41f620626d3966d8024.jpg)
![photo-22.jpg photo-22.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340062-328025b9deb0443163cd00d811a259dc.jpg)
Almost Finished
After attaching the charred ceder, laying the foundation and rebuilding the coop on it's permanent site I had something that was starting to look pretty good.
![photo-26.jpg photo-26.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340063-975c2bc7a1c80e0615f11a852fadbb76.jpg)
The Details
This keeps the door from slaming on chicken toes
![photo-23.jpg photo-23.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340064-3ece808f2f7286c93bb88f105b9c228d.jpg)
Secret access to the nests.
![photo-25.jpg photo-25.jpg](https://www.backyardchickens.com/data/attachments/1340/1340065-98801d069b97b52b26568bffc2f6fb24.jpg)