Tiny Houses

[Ron Mauer Sr]

Tiny Houses

The Tiny House movement has spawned many ideas about downsizing that may be useful to those who have need of a mortgage free smaller house. If food, water or electric shortages become severe it may be wise to consider an alternate location to live either temporarily or permanently. One solution is to find a farmer who is willing to lease a small parcel of land for a tiny house. Potable water can be transported, electricity can be made from the sun, greywater can be recycled and a composting toilet can all be used to create a very independent dwelling. Some living space options include:

A tiny house on wheels (http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/) from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
A travel trailer
A tiny house of conventional construction

Some advantages of a travel trailer are:


Ready to be lived in after sewer, water and electric hookups are finished
Appliances are built in
Used trailers can be very inexpensive, and if the world does not fall apart the trailer can be resold. Until my small house was ready I lived in a 35 foot long travel trailer that I purchased for $10,000. Five years later, after saving enough money to build my house, I sold the trailer for $4,000. That calculates to be a monthly cost of only $100. If I had given the trailer away the monthly cost would have been $167 per month. Now that is frugal living.


Some disadvantages of the travel trailer are:

No place to put a wood stove which is the most reliable source of heat during stressful times and long supply lines.
Walls and roof are thin and poorly insulated which increases energy requirements for heating and cooling.
A constant supply of electric power is needed in colder climates, more than can be provided by a reasonably priced solar electric system, to prevent the exterior water supply line from freezing.


The combination of a travel trailer and storage building, or travel trailer parked under a roof shelter with a storage building at one end can provide many options. In situations where the local inspection department must be dealt with, it may be possible to get a temporary use permit for the trailer if an approved sewer connection is available.

More tiny houses (http://ronmauer.net/blog/?page_id=189)

[Cartomancer]

Hey, I've been checking out the Tiny House thing too. I lived in a small travel trailer and a sailboat as well. Once you get used to it you don't even miss the extra space and possessions. Great post.

[astrid]

I found that site a while back,
Very cool indeed!!

[Ron Mauer Sr]

Two houseboats

In terms of sheer economics, houseboat living is very attractive. A houseboat like Brandy Bar can be built for anywhere between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the details (in 1989). Moorage in the Portland area runs $70 to $ 100 per month for a vessel of Brandy Bar's size, and her license costs $30 every two years. Property tax is treated as it would be for any boat. Utilities run less than for an average house, since Brandy Bar is small, insulated and tightly built.

Mother Earth News article (http://www.motherearthnews.com/do-it-yourself/build-a-houseboat.aspx)

More tiny houses (http://ronmauer.net/blog/?page_id=189)

[Ron Mauer Sr]

Here's the other houseboat. Life on the Kentucky River.
I got a really good laugh watching this one.

The Moron Brothers houseboat.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RaFApVP0zU&feature=player_embedded#!

[modwiz]

I live in a 12X13 tent for six months of the year at a holistic institute I work at seasonally. I love it. It costs me 300.00 a month but I get electric and 3 meals a day. The food offerings are vast and varied, not to mention delicious and vegetarian, which is my year round diet. The other 6 months I live in a 3 story farmhouse with 3 acres. Very nice but more than 2 people need. My tent living comes with a lake I can use anytime and canoes and kayaks to use as available. Also, no cops ever. A community that doesn't require police. Amazing, isn't it?

[Dawn]

I left my life based on traditional American values, complete with a nice modern home in silicon valley nearly 2 years ago. At first I was homeless, which was not a problem, because I kept being invited to stay at many wonderful places by people who needed my help. After about 7 months I found the little place I now call home. My total housing cost is $340/month and that includes all utilities (water, electric, trash hauling, sewer). Living with such a small monthly requirement is very relaxing.

I have a lot of free time in this lifestyle.

I am in a small town on the beach, and am currently in a scruffy trailer park. However I've turned the little trailer space into an abundant garden, and am surrounded by flowers and the sound of water running over our little waterfall. My current living space is 220 sq ft, and I share this little home with my mate, and a home business. Fully 1/3 of our tiny home is a workshop, where we make healing devices that we send out all over the world (thank you internet).

In addition to our tiny trailer we have also added an 8x10 ft metal storage shed. Someone was demolishing it, and we adopted it. We just did the work of take-down and put-up next to our trailer. This allows us to store inventory for our little business, and to do some of the messy fabricating jobs outside. It also makes a great cucumber trellis in the summer with the addition of some wire mesh.

This life style is a deliberate choice, and allowed me to leave (for ever) the stress of the modern world.

In order to make our life simple, we have removed the water heater. That allowed a little more room in the closet. Washing dishes, hands, and face in cold water isn't a problem. We have created a wonderful bathing situation. By adding a hose from the tub to a small aquarium pump and heater, then back into the tub, we can create a hot bath in about an hour. Once we get in the bath, we keep it warm by continuing to run the pump and heater if needed. This is both inexpensive, simple, and wonderful for long and luxurious baths. We have acquired a simple solar water heating system which we plan to install at some point.

I've posted this before on the forum but I'll do it again here. Here is a photo history of our tiny and productive garden, you can also see the little old-fashioned trailer I call home for now: www.ourtinygarden.com

[modwiz]

I left my life based on traditional American values, complete with a nice modern home in silicon valley nearly 2 years ago. At first I was homeless, which was not a problem, because I kept being invited to stay at many wonderful places by people who needed my help. After about 7 months I found the little place I now call home. My total housing cost is $340/month and that includes all utilities (water, electric, trash hauling, sewer). Living with such a small monthly requirement is very relaxing.

I have a lot of free time in this lifestyle.

I am in a small town on the beach, and am currently in a scruffy trailer park. However I've turned the little trailer space into an abundant garden, and am surrounded by flowers and the sound of water running over our little waterfall. My current living space is 220 sq ft, and I share this little home with my mate, and a home business. Fully 1/3 of our tiny home is a workshop, where we make healing devices that we send out all over the world (thank you internet).

In addition to our tiny trailer we have also added an 8x10 ft metal storage shed. Someone was demolishing it, and we adopted it. We just did the work of take-down and put-up next to our trailer. This allows us to store inventory for our little business, and to do some of the messy fabricating jobs outside. It also makes a great cucumber trellis in the summer with the addition of some wire mesh.

This life style is a deliberate choice, and allowed me to leave (for ever) the stress of the modern world.

In order to make our life simple, we have removed the water heater. That allowed a little more room in the closet. Washing dishes, hands, and face in cold water isn't a problem. We have created a wonderful bathing situation. By adding a hose from the tub to a small aquarium pump and heater, then back into the tub, we can create a hot bath in about an hour. Once we get in the bath, we keep it warm by continuing to run the pump and heater if needed. This is both inexpensive, simple, and wonderful for long and luxurious baths. We have acquired a simple solar water heating system which we plan to install at some point.

I've posted this before on the forum but I'll do it again here. Here is a photo history of our tiny and productive garden, you can also see the little old-fashioned trailer I call home for now: www.ourtinygarden.com

It sounds wonderful Dawn. People forget that they actually spend most of their time in their heads. Living in peace, largely making your own schedule allows us to spend quality time with ourselves and get to know who we might be. Your story makes me smile.

[Lazlo]

I built a 16 x 16 pyramid for less than $400 and lived in that for 2 years while I built my cabin. No electricity, no running water, and a dirt floor, it definitely teaches you things about yourself.

The cabin was built by hand. No power tools except for the chainsaw. I felled the trees, seasoned them, peeled them with a drawknife, notched them with a mallet and chisel, scavenged the roofing and windows, and used a brace and bit to put it all together.

I did this while paying off student loans and making $13 per hour.

You can be happy with far less than you ever imagined, and the single most important factor to it all is...attitude. At every turn, people were coming out of the woodwork to tell me that it wasn't possible, it wouldn't work, I wouldn't be happy...

The naysayers were wrong.

[onawah]

There's a similar thread here:
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?499-Earthships&highlight=hobbit
I've lived in small spaces too, and quite liked the freedom it affords.
The little hobbity house in the thread above is really cozy looking.

[eaglespirit]

Had I remained in North Carolina I would have been livin' in my TeePee on the hill...Her name is "Abundance"

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/1Eagle1/meditationhill014.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/1Eagle1/TeePee.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/1Eagle1/meditationhill017.jpg

[astrid]

This just crossed my path.

"Old School Bus Turned Into A Tiny House"

http://tinyhouselistings.com/old-school-bus-turned-into-a-tiny-house/

http://tinyhouselistings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/110.jpg

http://tinyhouselistings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/83.jpg

Well worth checking out that site, loads of cool pads...

http://tinyhouselistings.com/

[Ron Mauer Sr]

My Sugar Shack project (in progress): Convert a 10x14 storage building into a livable guest house with solar electric power, passive solar space heating, passive solar domestic hot water, shower and a composing toilet.

http://ronmauer.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/im000541-150x150.jpg

http://ronmauer.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/Sugar-Shack-Plan.jpg

Electricity will be available from three sources: commercial grid, a generator, and solar.

Eight 6 volt Trojan T-105 deep cycle batteries will power an old 2000 watt Trace 2012 inverter. Batteries canl be charged from three sources: (1) commerical grid when available, (2) generator, and (3) two 50 watt solar modules recycled from a previous project. The higher power inverters usually serve two functions: (1) inverting DC power into AC power, and (2) a high capacity battery charger. Switching between the two modes is automatic. With external power available an internal transfer relay switches cabin power from batteries to the external source. Disruption of the external power source will automatically switch the source of cabin power source to the batteries. When external power becomes available again the batteries start another charge cycle and external power is reconnected the cabin.

Multiple sources of heat will be available: (1) a 4000-18000 BTU portable Mister Buddy Indoor Safe Propane Heater ($130), (2) a 5000+ watt portable electric radiator ($39), (3) passive solar heat from two homemade solar hot air collectors. South facing door glass also assists with passive solar heating during clear days. During the summer months awnings will provide shade for all south facing glass.

In the summer months a small one room air conditioner will be used when grid power is available.

A simple solar batch hot water system (http://www.byexample.com/projects/current/batch_collector/) created from a recycled hot water heater and recycled patio door glass will provide hot water. A backup system powered by propane or electricity will be available.

Another option that I have successfully used was to heat 6 gallons of water (outside) in a propane powered turkey cooker. In about 6 minutes the water was hot enough for a shower. Bringing the warm water inside, the intake from a 12VDC Shurflo pump was dropped into the warm water. The output of the pump was connected to a common kitchen sink sprayer. A plastic stool sitting inside the cattle watering tub provided support while bathing. The process should work just as well in a common stall shower.

Two versions of a composting toilet may be used: (1) a Sunmar NE ($1355) left over from a previous project, or (2) a very simple homemade composting toilet ($35).

Water drained from the shower and sink will flow into a mulch filled trench as described by Chapter 9 (http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/brancheddrain/index.htm), Branched Drain Design, in the book titled Create an Oasis With Greywater (http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/createanoasis/index.htm) by Art Ludwig.

[Franny]

Check out Cal Earth. Developed by an Iranian lover of Rumi in the California Desert, these buildings can be made of earth or concrete in a few days. If you live in the southern California area they have a tour the first Saturday of the month and classes on how to build them. The basic house is about 400 sq ft and theyʻre hobbit house cute.

http://calearth.org/

[Dawn]

I've put this link in on another long ago thread about building your own home but it is worth posting again: http://www.richsoil.com/wofati.jsp

[ktlight]

This is a great thread. Very interesting and informative.

[Arrowwind]

If one wants to live like a hobbit.

Most of those houses are underinsulated. Those school bus ones are the worst!

Right now we live in 500 square feet that has about a 35 sqft bathroom within it. I will say this.. it is difficult if you are highly creative people to live in such a small space... we are always tripping over the oil paints and canvases, the sewing and beadwork, the property development plans, the books and magazines, the computers and the dog. .. and when I cant sleep at night I have to sit in the dark so I dont awaken my partner.

We are in the process of building a larger house that was suppose to be a smaller house but we just could not dIeal with being cramped... so it went from 1400 sq ft to about 1800. still not a large house by any means but if you like people around and dont want guests sitting in the middle of your dirtly laundry and want to work from your home and have a place for friends and relatives to stay, and grow food and do food prep and storage.. etc etc.

I understand that small houses are the alternative to the money crip but if you can't creatively function whats the use? if you cant sustain yourself from your house whats the use? If the house is cold whats the use? If it cant hold children? if it cant hold your aging Mom?

Im sure its just perfect for somebody... but not anybody I know.

Once upon a time people lived in Tepees and caves and hogans.. They got out of them as soon as they could for both physical and mental health reasons. Every year I spend about 12 weeks in a 11 foot cab over camper with my dear one. Buy the end of that time we are too ready to get away from each other and spread out, get into our projects and just get uncramped!... and I also remember living in a 30 foot fith wheel with two little kids, working the night shift..etc etc..

Yes. Please dear god.. Keep providing for me and mine lots of space.

[Kirsten_in_LA]

I love the idea of having a portable home but for me, the Tiny House is too tiny. I need more space. I found the Turtle Tuff Dome info on the Tiny Houses website. It will sustain hurricane winds and water running under the floor... also has solar panel and wood stove options.

11 minute demo video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_MDUn67-us&feature=player_embedded

List of options and prices (didn't work on the turtletuff website):
http://www.safecastle.com/turtletuff-shelter.aspx

So the dome got me thinking of other ways to have a home and be sustainable and I found this video...
8 mins: (sustainable house - regular house)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgduN7uNGOY&feature=related

The couple is clearly happy and it's comfy for a woman and babies. I think guys tend to forget that men (the majority of men, anyway) tend to be a bit more rugged in what they will bear for minimal living conditions... women just need a bit more when it comes to comfort. We (again, the majority) depend on the men to go get it for us (in this case, make us a home) because men are the hunters and women are the nesters. I "can" build my own home if I had to but that's why we have partnership.

I love the idea of living in nature and I'm ready to start exploring this way of life, now I just need to connect the dots as to what is right for me!

[shadowstalker]

I can't handle small places , so I would probably use it as my personal library to which is growing rather quickly..
Most of those tiny houses look like about the size of storage sheds. which i do need lol

[Dawn]

shadowstalker: I can't handle small places , so I would probably use it as my personal library to which is growing rather quickly..
Most of those tiny houses look like about the size of storage sheds. which i do need lol

We have a library of 3,500 books in our tiny 240 sq ft one room home. It is all digitized and has been scanned into both computers and a kindle, in addition it is backed up on memory sticks. If all electricity fails for ever more we will be in trouble. Meanwhile having a large library in a small home is no problem with the help of modern technology.

[Dawn]

I opened my Mother Earth Newsletter (free with subscription) and up came a delightful article about 8 Great Microhouses. Here's the link: http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-home-living/8-great-micro-houses.aspx?newsletter=1&utm_content=01.06.12+GEGH&utm_campaign=2012+GEGH&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email Plus a fun photo of one of them:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Natural_Home_Living/Micro166alligator.jpg

And one more fun one:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/uploadedImages/Blogs/Natural_Home_Living/micro189bridgehouse.jpg

[13th Warrior]

I also follow the tiny house movement.

A lot can be learned about space management, dual purposing and efficiency. One of the greatest advantages is less upkeep, cleaning and maintenance which frees up time and energy for more stimulating projects.

A 100 square foot home definitely isn't for everyone but, you sure can do a lot with 1,000 square feet with proper planing and layout...

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

$1800 used shipping container as architects' backyard office

This chap uses shipping containers as an office, but as can be seen, could quite easily be converted into a home.



Shipping containers are built to carry huge loads and the refrigerated units are very efficient at climate control. So it's unsurprising that when they're retired from the sea, they're being used as the building blocks for homes and offices.

Given their strength they work well in earthquake country. In Berkeley, California architect Karl Wanaselja and his business partner and wife Cate Leger created their home-office using a shipping container. It cost just $1800.

Wanaselja and Leger cut their 40 foot long refrigerated unit in half and placed it in a T shape in their backyard (with the help of a crane). They didn't need to add any insulation: they're designed to not have any thermal bridging between the interior and exterior and the polyisocyanurate insulation has the highest R-value of any foam insulation.

Using a sawzall (reciprocating saw), the couple cut huge windows into the aluminum/stainless steel structure. Wanaselja says he was initially intimidated by the idea of crafting out of aluminum (the exterior material) and stainless steel (interior), but "once I got over my learning curve I actually like working with metal".

In this video, the couple talk about working in a cargo container, using materials like the soy-based plywood floor (Purebond) and the music made by rain and branches on a metal roof.


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Great thread btw.

[CD7]

How about we pay nothing for a SPACIOUS HOME! Isnt this nice...society is making available SHOE BOXES for those who just cant SLAVE enough for an OVERPRICED house. Sick...nope not good enough....Earth is ALL OF OURS and so is its shelter!

[gooty64]

I love this post!

My consciousness just expanded!

Thank you, Mr. rmauaersr for this post and to all who added to it...

[BestLion]

For 1000s of years people lived in small houses. I just read Cracker Culture about the Old South, and 90% of southerners lived in 1 room houses and often had large families. Here in Ukraine most people up until recently lived in homes no larger then 700 sq ft. The reason for small homes was easy to build, and needed less energy.
I just dont understand why a family of 3 need a 4,000 sq ft home to live in..heck they don't even live in 80% of that house.
One thing I noticed about life..is when a man is young he seeks all the wealth, wants the best car, big house and wants to keep up with the Jones. Then as he is 65 and wants to retire he sells his house-car etc..and goes and lives in a 1 room flat or even some into a retirement home that has 1 room. Instead of working his life to accumulate big homes, cars, junk..he could have bought a small pad, a small car and been much more financial free. Also in the book 'Your Money or Your Life" they talk that all this stuff 'big homes etc" doesn't make people any more happy. They say it often tends to work against people and makes them more miserable..the more is better idea....When in fact people only need just enough..I learned in life I really dont need much to be content.
Photo is my home in Ukraine..It is living space 410 sq ft. Has "the white siding' a storage room- gas furnace. My heating bill in the winter is 30 bucks a month. i jar my own grapes, tomatoes..and have a rot cellar that I store potatoes jars, and beets-carrots in. i buy meats, and flours and stuff..and barter milk..my neighbors rents my land and plants onions and gives me free milk in return.

[Dawn]

BestLion: ...people only need just enough..I learned in life I really dont need much to be content.
Photo is my home in Ukraine..It is living space 410 sq ft. Has "the white siding' a storage room- gas furnace. My heating bill in the winter is 30 bucks a month. i jar my own grapes, tomatoes..and have a rot cellar that I store potatoes jars, and beets-carrots in. i buy meats, and flours and stuff..and barter milk..my neighbors rents my land and plants onions and gives me free milk in return.

Thank you so much for your personal sharing. I really like what you said and how you said it. What a wonderful way to live. It sounds like you still have the sense of community that so many lack these days.

There is something about sharing food, which the earth produces so abundantly, with others that really (really!) makes us feel abundant. I think it is a form of love. It is also speaking to that part of ourselves which is always focused on safety and survival, "look here, I not only have enough, I have more than enough and can enrich others too!"

And the inexpensive heating bill is so relaxing, isn't it? Our bill is about $35/month for our tiny home. It helps that we live in a mild climate. My sister lives down the road in a 2,400 square foot home with her husband. Her bill, for contrast, is about $250 in the winter and $75 in the summer. Life feels safe and relaxing when all you need to do is earn $35.00 to keep yourself warm and comfy.

[spiritwind]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/13969_1136851424753_1331372265_30332823_7245806_n.jpg
Here's a small house of sorts for ya. We lived on this boat for 3 years with our teenage daughter. Kinda hard to grow a garden but otherwise all the comforts of home.

[Kindred]

True Freedom is in the Mind... not the space your body inhabits...

My current home is a 1941 Quonset Hut... about 700 sq.ft., all steel, with it's Original, 70y.o. roof. Still doesn't leak!... No/low maintenance,, but I've had to upgrade virtually everything. But - you know what?... it's Still Too Big!

Many years ago, I had made plans to build, and live on a boat... but nothing on the market really made sense to me, given my extensive experiences in that arena. Ultimately, I created a design that I eventually got patented... never did anything with the patent (that I wrote and illustrated myself) - it was more of an intellectual exercise for me. But, the product is still quite novel - that of a self-righting trimaran, which has been 'reduced to practice'... I even started building a 25ft prototype (the concept is applicable to any size or motive type - sail or power... Now... where's that Free Energy Device!!!???)
The prototype is 25+ft x 8ft to 15ft wide, with 6.5ft headroom almost throughout, and weighs 1400 lbs,dry.

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

Two very interesting ideas on small-housing.
One a political view, another a private decision.




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Jay Shafer: The Politics of Tiny Houses
In February, 2011, we spent a couple of hours with Jay Shafer (Tumbleweed Tiny House Company), in his 96 square foot house-on-wheels in Sebastopol, California. Jay is one of the more well-known and successful tiny house designers, and there's no denying the "curb appeal" of his designs. That appeal is generated by Jay's careful attention to proportion as well as by his decisions about which elements to include in--and more precisely, what to leave out of-- his designs. But as much as he enjoys talking about design, what he really wanted to talk about was the politics of tiny houses. Why building and zoning codes are stacked against tiny houses, how the costs of purchase and upkeep compare to the big houses he calls "debtors' prisons", and why, when the Big One shakes the land around San Francisco Bay, he'd rather be in his tiny house than anywhere else.


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Tim Guiles: Conversations in Tiny House
In 2008 Tim Guiles built two tiny houses based on Jay Shafer's "WeeBee" design (Tumbleweed Tiny House Co.); one for himself and one for his son. He was so enthralled with tiny house living that one year later he formed a company, http://yesweecabins.com ....and hired an architect to help him with the design of his first product, an 8'x18' tiny house on a steel car trailer called "Elegant Simplicity." Tim and his partner, Kate, are now living in one of his tiny houses; he has sold another, and he is completing a third. George and Joan Packard, http://curiouslylocal.com ...spent a couple of hours filming and talking with Tim in early January, 2011, in his tiny house, perched on the brow of a high field on his Vermont land.

[Connecting with Sauce]

this isn't a tiny house...
http://www.sipsmart.com/dome/arcx_36.html

But this one is approaching it...
http://www.sipsmart.com/dome/arcx_29.html

Also as they are made with SIPS panels and are domed shaped they are ideal for shelter and areas where winds or storms may be and issue...

I like the idea of linking a couple of these together with a south facing solar green house or solar capture feature in between two gable ends like a "dumbell" weight...

SIPS are well worth investigating... SIPS build starts at about 1:30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=5nFmaQziSbo

[eileenrose]

Of course, now we just need ideas of how to implement these ideas...ie if you don't own land and can't afford land, how to get land (in order to built something)?
How to build something, if you don't have the skills/ability to build something and lack funding (for said project).
and so on...

and thanks for the ideas. I start to become excited (as I have no housing), but then remember they are just ideas (and not results....that I can obtain). But I am glad that we keep sharing them....(don't feel sorry for me)....

If the banks own land/have the titles/and laws are written to keep people tethered to that system, ....and the rest of the population is paying high mortgages or rents, these ideas can only work for the smallest group of people (people who own land, or got permission to build on some one else's land, or are on the sea-paying rent/utilities to a dock owner/city)....and want to live simply. ...and they pretty much already have found this information. But thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. If anyone asks, I have it saved on my hard drive now.

[Ron Mauer Sr]

A tiny house on the Kentucky River.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-RaFApVP0zU

[Zelig]

My girlfriend and I, along with our two Golden Retrievers, spent three weeks living aboard our small sailboat this past summer. I was very worried during the preparations that our vacation would turn into a disappointment and was quite stressed about all of the conveniences we couldn't accommodate on board. The reality turned out to be an eye opener and our enjoyment of the simplicity surprised us both. The small space (especially with the two dogs) required methodical routines that we adapted to quickly. If it weren't for the fact that the lakes here are frozen for half the year we'd gladly sell the house and live aboard full time. Our house is modest but still too complicated with "creature comforts" to be anywhere near as relaxing as the boat.

Thanks for starting this thread, Ron.

[dpwishy]

I live in a 17X19 foot cabin I built. I live in it with a full size pitbull, my fiance and me. It has a wood stove for heat, full kitchen (sink, range, fridge). A bathroom that has a sink, composting toilet and 2 meditation cells. The meditation cells are piped to be showers one day, but I can take showers in the main house on the property, so its dedicated to meditation cells at the moment. The water system is run off of a 100 gallon fresh water tank that is in the loft with a water pump. There is also a queen size Murphy (wall bed).

At first when I had the idea, my fiance looked at me like I was insane. She did not think that this kind of space was livable and would feel like a home. After living in it for a year, she has decided that this is the way to live. We have a beautiful home and a beautiful family.

Live simply so others may simply live...

In divine friendship,
your brother,
-wishy

[Zelig]

I live in a 17X19 foot cabin I built. I live in it with a full size pitbull, my fiance and me. It has a wood stove for heat, full kitchen (sink, range, fridge). A bathroom that has a sink, composting toilet and 2 meditation cells. The meditation cells are piped to be showers one day, but I can take showers in the main house on the property, so its dedicated to meditation cells at the moment. The water system is run off of a 100 gallon fresh water tank that is in the loft with a water pump. There is also a queen size Murphy (wall bed).

At first when I had the idea, my fiance looked at me like I was insane. She did not think that this kind of space was livable and would feel like a home. After living in it for a year, she has decided that this is the way to live. We have a beautiful home and a beautiful family.

Live simply so others may simply live...

In divine friendship,
your brother,
-wishy

Sounds pretty sweet.

[Ron Mauer Sr]

Pictures, floor plans and bathroom construction detail would be really nice additions to this thread, especially for those who are planning to construct or live in a tiny house. A tiny house really has no definition. What is important is the creative use of space.

My 621 square foot, earth sheltered house with as much passive solar input as I could manage from a south facing wall is here:



19221

[sandy]

Awesome rmauersr :cool:

[Orobo]

For anyone, even moderately, interested in building or living your own way...check out this publisher:

http://www.shelterpub.com/index.html

I was given their Shelter-book more then ten years ago, by a californian residing in the neighbourhood. It was so powerful it helped channel all my creative ideas about building and living. Ka-boom.

Have bought all their books since and lived and built my life.

I have lived for five years in a wooden backyard house, norwegian style, from 1880. 21m2 ( 225ft2 )in total, with my daughter, who was one year old at the time we moved in. Heating and cooking on wood, and had a tiny bit of electricity for lighting. Could do without that. No bills. Scrounging wood in the city up north here was easy. Moved out only to live in a bigger house with my girlfriend and all the kids.

Everyday is an adventure. As it should be. Anything else hurts my soul. Pinching a bit in different places every day.

Check out this site www.husly.net and http://www.bauhaus-dessau.de/index.php?award2008-husly_en-1

19247

as they got to the 4th placement in the prestigious Bauhaus award in 2008. An international architecture award with projects from more than 125 countries.

In short it is a modular house built from pallets. Designed to be copied by people living around cities in the need of housing. It was built as a part of the Generator project and lived its life ever after. Now situated in Trondheim, Norway, as an artist residency AND being reviewed to be approved by the building code authority.
It is a long term project, cos as the saying goes "time is money". With no money, you need time.

love, O.

[Tony]

Dear Ron,
Your blog page is excellent!


Tony

[Zelig]

For anyone, even moderately, interested in building or living your own way...check out this publisher:

http://www.shelterpub.com/index.html

I was given their Shelter-book more then ten years ago, by a californian residing in the neighbourhood. It was so powerful it helped channel all my creative ideas about building and living. Ka-boom.

Have bought all their books since and lived and built my life.

I have lived for five years in a wooden backyard house, norwegian style, from 1880. 21m2 ( 225ft2 )in total, with my daughter, who was one year old at the time we moved in. Heating and cooking on wood, and had a tiny bit of electricity for lighting. Could do without that. No bills. Scrounging wood in the city up north here was easy. Moved out only to live in a bigger house with my girlfriend and all the kids.

Everyday is an adventure. As it should be. Anything else hurts my soul. Pinching a bit in different places every day.

Check out this site www.husly.net and http://www.bauhaus-dessau.de/index.php?award2008-husly_en-1

19247

as they got to the 4th placement in the prestigious Bauhaus award in 2008. An international architecture award with projects from more than 125 countries.

In short it is a modular house built from pallets. Designed to be copied by people living around cities in the need of housing. It was built as a part of the Generator project and lived its life ever after. Now situated in Trondheim, Norway, as an artist residency AND being reviewed to be approved by the building code authority.
It is a long term project, cos as the saying goes "time is money". With no money, you need time.

love, O.

When I was a young man and first setting out into the the world to try to make my own way, I found a copy of the original "Shelter" in the local library. The timing was perfect and it was a tremendous joy to climb right into the book and explore all of the possible roofs that I could place over my head. It was a tattered book and felt as though it had lived an exciting life of its own, accompanying a variety of young adventurers as they crafted their own individual, unique abodes. I found my ideal piece of land -- completely impractical and precariously sloped -- and was romantically drawn to the panoramic view that rewarded the determined climber. I would bring potential girlfriends there to see how they reacted to the task of hiking up and would gauge their potential based on this. I still have the land and have yet to build anything of significance on it. A life that I didn't choose kidnapped me and held me captive for the bulk of my prime years and now I only dream about what could have been. Deep sigh.

[TargeT]

If I end up in the Virgin Islands I'll definately be looking into options like this, perhaps partially or fully burried conexs.

Good site:
http://www.shedandshelter.com/


This page has some interesting container houses (I'm assuming this is the easiest route so this is where my interest is currently.)
http://cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/container-guest-house3.jpg
http://www.homedit.com/22-most-beautiful-houses-made-from-shipping-containers/

I imagine using 4 containers with an open central area (green house? court yard? enclosed and used as living space?)

another interesting option is what these guys put out :
http://c541658.r58.cf2.rackcdn.com/vault/img/2011/05/10/4dc92bbec29e068473000ed5/medium_cutaway.jpg
http://www.monolithic.com/

[thunder24]

i'm working on a partial underground house now.... in the future, hopefully imma bury a container and add on... I really like the idea

[Violet]

I have a lot of free time in this lifestyle.

...
I've posted this before on the forum but I'll do it again here. Here is a photo history of our tiny and productive garden, you can also see the little old-fashioned trailer I call home for now: www.ourtinygarden.com

That garden looks like so much fun!!!

I don't even have a balcony in this humid old bug-infested apartment and I pay more than 700 dollars for it too :( No plants for me :(

[ruthy]

I am so glad someone did a thread on this!! I love the tiny house movement!! I recently discovered with my fiance a documentary online about this subject. Here is a link to the video for anyone to watch it online for free :) it inspired me greatly :D Enjoy!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcVrVA4bSQ

I also have a pdf book "Tiny House Book" by the originator of this movement, and I tried to attach it, but it's too large to post on here..if anyone wants me to email it to them, send me a message with their email addy and I'll happily send it your way!! It's about 200 pages long, has great photos, blueprints, and instructions on how to build different models ;)

[TargeT]

I just wanted to update; I've completely gone hypocritically against what I posted in this thread, I decided that with 4 children this type of living was not feasible & purchased a large house... i guess it's not as easy as it seems.

[778 neighbour of some guy]

I've completely gone hypocritically against what I posted in this thread, I decided that with 4 children this type of living was not feasible & purchased a large house... i guess it's not as easy as it seems.

Not a single hypocritical word there, only common sense, I assume your 4 kids are not leprechauns and they dont fit under the kitchen sink, so, bigger house.

Btw, I could even respect an up front hypocrite, he who has never changed his mind never learned a damn thing.

[Dawn]

I am so glad that this thread has been re-awakened. I'm still happily living in my 220 sq ft home with 1/3 used as a workshop. This year I have created a 2nd business (because the first one was created by my partner and I wanted to create something myself). In order to fit it into our compact lifestyle I began to use the 'free' 6x8' backyard shed we found on Craigslist. We sealed the leaky roof with RV roof paint and added electricity via simple extension cords. My new business involves working with stones and an anvil to make custom jewelry. All of my equipment fits in the little shed along with gardening tools for our little organic garden and mailing supplies for both businesses. So now we live in 220 sq ft + 48 ft shed. Living this way is amazing. No financial worries for us here. We remain in the energy of creativity and joy full time without the need to interact with the mainstream business model.

I am looking for a spot of land though. There is no rush, but I'd like a little more nature, and a bigger food-forest around me. I have focused on learning about how the energy of the planet affects our lives. For me in the Northern hemisphere that means I'm looking for a piece of land sloping North, East, or NorthEast, and a clear view to the North and East. For years I've felt the energetic differences in different places as I hiked and camped. The ancient science of Vaastu has put it all in perspective and made it a conscious understanding for me. So I'm being slow and careful with my land hunt, now that I have an understanding of what is needed to create an abundance of the energy I am comfortable living in.

I've spent some time in a cob house here in California and I was amazed at how relaxed my body felt in a home with the floor and walls built from earth. It was a very distinct feeling! That is my new 'dream' ... but the land comes first

[Zelig]

without the need to interact with the mainstream business model.

That's the magic wand for true happiness and freedom. I'm still trying to find my way to what you've got but I realize that my biggest hindrance is myself.

[Ron Mauer Sr]

I am so glad that this thread has been re-awakened. I'm still happily living in my 220 sq ft home with 1/3 used as a workshop. This year I have created a 2nd business (because the first one was created by my partner and I wanted to create something myself). In order to fit it into our compact lifestyle I began to use the 'free' 6x8' backyard shed we found on Craigslist. We sealed the leaky roof with RV roof paint and added electricity via simple extension cords. My new business involves working with stones and an anvil to make custom jewelry. All of my equipment fits in the little shed along with gardening tools for our little organic garden and mailing supplies for both businesses. So now we live in 220 sq ft + 48 ft shed. Living this way is amazing. No financial worries for us here. We remain in the energy of creativity and joy full time without the need to interact with the mainstream business model.

I am looking for a spot of land though. There is no rush, but I'd like a little more nature, and a bigger food-forest around me. I have focused on learning about how the energy of the planet affects our lives. For me in the Northern hemisphere that means I'm looking for a piece of land sloping North, East, or NorthEast, and a clear view to the North and East. For years I've felt the energetic differences in different places as I hiked and camped. The ancient science of Vaastu has put it all in perspective and made it a conscious understanding for me. So I'm being slow and careful with my land hunt, now that I have an understanding of what is needed to create an abundance of the energy I am comfortable living in.

I've spent some time in a cob house here in California and I was amazed at how relaxed my body felt in a home with the floor and walls built from earth. It was a very distinct feeling! That is my new 'dream' ... but the land comes first

Hi Dawn,

If you feel comfortable doing so, I'd love to see a sketch of your 220 sq ft creation.

I've been playing with a 140 sq ft design for a guest house.

Ron

22787

22788

[Zelig]

I am currently/coincidentally looking at buying an 8x26ft (208sqft) trailer for the purpose of building a tiny home on. I'd like to see Dawn's floor plan too. I own my house debt-free but it feels ridiculous to be paying taxes, utilities and maintenance on a large box that does not feel like a home.

[Dawn]

Ron: Hi Dawn, If you feel comfortable doing so, I'd love to see a sketch of your 220 sq ft creation.


Zelig: I am currently/coincidentally looking at buying an 8x26ft (208sqft) trailer for the purpose of building a tiny home on. I'd like to see Dawn's floor plan too. I own my house debt-free but it feels ridiculous to be paying taxes, utilities and maintenance on a large box that does not feel like a home.

Honestly! When I read your remarks I almost fell off my chair in laughter and merriment! Perhaps I need to remind you that I live in a tiny 38 year old travel trailer in a little seedy run down trailer park. I didn't create the trailer, though we have certainly re-formed the interior somewhat to accomodate our workshop and our 2 businesses. I think the key to all of this is to bloom where you are planted. At first when I arrived I must say that I had bouts of angst. After all, I had moved from a luxurious custom home on the top of a hill overlooking Silicon Valley shortly before I moved here. The change was pretty abrupt. I kept working on my internal programming because I knew that there was so much joy in living this way. Eventually the old programming which was foisted upon me by society and upbringing gave out and now I just LOVE being here all the time!!! I'm not worried that I may not be able to build something better, or that I may leave someday. The trick is to love what you are doing and where you are. And this life has a LOT to recommend it! Perhaps this song wonderfully expresses the situation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWTDgc96bg8

[gripreaper]

I just wanted to update; I've completely gone hypocritically against what I posted in this thread, I decided that with 4 children this type of living was not feasible & purchased a large house... i guess it's not as easy as it seems.

You mean, you created a negotiable instrument via your signature, which is bonded by your birth certificate, and the bank took the instrument you created and deposited it into an off balance sheet account as a draft, which is CASH, took the CASH and gave you "tenant in possession" based on your ability to pay them again with interest over the next 30 years 3 times the money you gave them at closing, and they pass through part of the cash flow rights to investors without tax consequences and get paid again, clip for exorbitant fees, and get paid again 100 times by fictionalizing your note, leveraging it 100 times creating more credit and get paid again and again and again, and then after three years claim with the IRS that you abandoned the negotiable instrument, avoid the capital transfer taxes, and sever all your rights to the proceeds and keep lawful title to the house even after you pay them three times the amount?

Is that what you mean by "purchased a house"?

[Dawn]

gripreaper: You mean, you created a negotiable instrument via your signature, which is bonded by your birth certificate, and the bank takes the instrument you created and deposits it into an off balance sheet account as a draft, which is CASH, took the CASH and gave you "tenant in possession" based on your ability to pay them again with interest over the next 30 years 3 times the money you gave them at closing, and they pass through part of the cash flow rights to investors without tax consequences and get paid again, clip for exorbitant fees, and get paid again 100 times by fictionalizing your note, leveraging it 100 times creating more credit and get paid again and again and again, and then after three years claim with the IRS that you abandoned the negotiable instrument and sever all your rights to it and keep lawful title to the house even after you pay them three times the amount?

Is that what you mean by "purchased a house"?

:pound: Rolling on the floor with laughter! :laugh: :roll:

[Zelig]

I just wanted to update; I've completely gone hypocritically against what I posted in this thread, I decided that with 4 children this type of living was not feasible & purchased a large house... i guess it's not as easy as it seems.

You mean, you created a negotiable instrument via your signature, which is bonded by your birth certificate, and the bank took the instrument you created and deposited it into an off balance sheet account as a draft, which is CASH, took the CASH and gave you "tenant in possession" based on your ability to pay them again with interest over the next 30 years 3 times the money you gave them at closing, and they pass through part of the cash flow rights to investors without tax consequences and get paid again, clip for exorbitant fees, and get paid again 100 times by fictionalizing your note, leveraging it 100 times creating more credit and get paid again and again and again, and then after three years claim with the IRS that you abandoned the negotiable instrument, avoid the capital transfer taxes, and sever all your rights to the proceeds and keep lawful title to the house even after you pay them three times the amount?

Is that what you mean by "purchased a house"?

My god, that was beautiful! I wonder if you'd be willing to devote all of your forum efforts toward providing such clarifications to anybody/everybody's "money"-related posts. I can easily imagine you having a tremendously powerful effect on peoples' perceptions about all of this nonsense. I know that I would benefit greatly from hearing more of your translations.

[TargeT]

I just wanted to update; I've completely gone hypocritically against what I posted in this thread, I decided that with 4 children this type of living was not feasible & purchased a large house... i guess it's not as easy as it seems.

You mean, you created a negotiable instrument via your signature, which is bonded by your birth certificate, and the bank took the instrument you created and deposited it into an off balance sheet account as a draft, which is CASH, took the CASH and gave you "tenant in possession" based on your ability to pay them again with interest over the next 30 years 3 times the money you gave them at closing, and they pass through part of the cash flow rights to investors without tax consequences and get paid again, clip for exorbitant fees, and get paid again 100 times by fictionalizing your note, leveraging it 100 times creating more credit and get paid again and again and again, and then after three years claim with the IRS that you abandoned the negotiable instrument, avoid the capital transfer taxes, and sever all your rights to the proceeds and keep lawful title to the house even after you pay them three times the amount?

Is that what you mean by "purchased a house"?

I gave them -$1,208 at closing... (they gave me a check... all the closing lawyers were in shock)

but yes, all the rest applies.

[CD7]

How about we pay nothing for a SPACIOUS HOME! Isnt this nice...society is making available SHOE BOXES for those who just cant SLAVE enough for an OVERPRICED house. Sick...nope not good enough....Earth is ALL OF OURS and so is its shelter!



I just want to update that, I FEEL THE SAME IF NOT WORSE!


HOUSING IS A F'N TRAVASTY ---- ALL OVER

[Dawn]

Quote Posted by CD7 (here)
How about we pay nothing for a SPACIOUS HOME! Isnt this nice...society is making available SHOE BOXES for those who just cant SLAVE enough for an OVERPRICED house. Sick...nope not good enough....Earth is ALL OF OURS and so is its shelter!

I just want to update that, I FEEL THE SAME IF NOT WORSE!

HOUSING IS A F'N TRAVASTY ---- ALL OVER

Here's the thing. One MUST come out of anger and the determination to remain ever the victim to be able to see the light shining. I had only a suitcase and my car (no money what so ever) when I walked out of my past life. Yet, I was welcomed in home after home. As one house-sit was over, the next appeared like magic. All of them were breathtakingly beautiful and amazing homes in storyland locations. I lived like that for the first 7 months that I walked out of my past life.... until someone I deeply respect presented me with a key that had the letters 'HOME' stamped on it. This is the home I live in now. I could have chosen many beautiful mansions, but I chose this little tiny home in order to be with an amazing person as a partner. You may think this is an odd or unusual story... or even impossible... but I tell you that I know MANY people who live this way full time.

There is my friend A.... who used to be a psychologist and family therapist. She walked out of her life and into a new freedom and way of being 24 years ago. She has never held a job or been homeless ever since. She usually has long term house sitting in the most beautiful and unusual places offered to her all the time. When there are not offers like this, she has friends that consider her presence a blessing and look forward to visits from her whenever she can make them... so she always lives in elegance. Currently she is house sitting in a large custom home in Oaxaca, Mexico. How does she 'pay' for all of this? By being loving to herself and everyone around her. This does not mean that she 'does' anything in particular, it means that she has a way of Being.... Being around A... is like being in a fresh breath of air.

Then there is R.... He has lived without any visible means of support for the past 18 years. He is also like being around a breath of fresh air. He has been living in world class vacation communities for as long as I can remember and often with well known authors and public figures. Currently he lives in a multi million dollor mansion in the Rocky Mountains. How does R do it? He remains in a state of faith and gratitude everywhere he goes.

C... was one of the MOST delightful 'floaters' I have ever had the privilege to know. She was an accomplished healer and trained astrologer. She offered these talents for free wherever she went and was always welcome everywhere. She usually was offered house-sits of a year or longer in the most beautiful places. I always felt like I had had a vacation when I finished a visit with C..., even telephone calls with her rejuvenated me. She died last year and had loving friends jumping over each other to take care of her right up to the end.

I could name another dozen or more people I know who live like this. I know you feel stuck... but I tell you, it is all in your mind... and as long as you feel defeated and angry about your defeat you will remain stuck. Do the best you can to be in gratitude for wherever, and however you live now. Keep blessing and thanking the space that holds you. Keep working on paying attention to what is good about where you are. Allow yourself to cry and be angry, but be aware that you are allowing this in order to let all of it go. And.... when your anger has all run out, allow yourself to explore the possibility that 'shelter as a problem' has never been a real issue... not really.

[Lettherebelight]

It's an illusion to think we 'own' any place. Our home is wherever we are living. It's all temporary. Let's face it, most 'home owners' are simply renting their house from the bank.

Most people have rented their homes until recent history. Samuel Pepys (17th C) was a successful and influential person of his time, and like most people, always rented his home. Now, we are all getting the message that we all have to 'own' our own home, which results in slaving away our life for that goal.

Somehow rents have been allowed to skyrocket, over and above monthly mortgage costs. It should not have been allowed. This in itself is proof of a totally corrupt government. This is how crazy it has become here in the UK:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-23264052
That's almost $400,000 us$.

I can understand why people get angry with this ludicrous situation. If one wants to escape it, you are force to live in a box on wheels or raise a place to live with your own hands out of the mud!

In the Srimad Bhagavatam, it says people of this age will be so taxed and financially persecuted by their own governments, that they will flee to the shelter of the hills.
http://vedabase.net/sb/12/2/8/

I must say, however, that I think the small homes are ingenious (and cute!) and are an attractive option for those whose needs are met by them.

[Dawn]

Lettherebelight: I can understand why people get angry with this ludicrous situation. If one wants to escape it, you are force to live in a box on wheels or raise a place to live with your own hands out of the mud!

Well, what if this is all GOOD! What if it is forcing some people to develop a different way? I have done some study of Vaastu which looks at how the place we live in affects us. There was a remark in one of the books I read which said something like this:


One of the main reasons for our experiences during the darkness of the Calle Yuga is how our homes are built and where they are built

During the 7+ months I traveled and floated from place to place I noticed something fascinating. My personality, sleeping habits, and thoughts varied dramatically depending on where I was living. It was such an extreme revelation to me that what I thought of as my personality was really the effect of a place upon me.

I also have been a radionics practitioner for some years now and still do this work when called to. The MOST change always occurs when I work on healing and balancing a property NOT (!) when doing the work on a person's body. It is absolutely stunning beyond anyone's wildest beliefs to watch what happens when I heal and balance a property. Really!

So... what if our entire housing situation needs to be revamped? What if a tiny wholly owned home is the next best step? What if moving into something small where you are deeply happy is a possibility? What if living in a big fancy house ... even for free... does not support your happiness?

The reason I am taking my time in purchasing land is because I have become aware of how energies in the land and in a home built there effect my life. Less than 1% of the houses I've checked out have even a bare possibility of providing supportive energy for spiritual growth, creativity, and financial ease. The few properties that do, usually have a toxic house built on them which screws the energy up totally. Understanding how to live with the energies is a science we have forgotten, as our consciousness has decayed over time. Humanity is re-remembering so many things. What if the best of all worlds is that the currently available housing is TOO expensive for you... and what if everything you ever knew about living in a house was WRONG? What is something else was actually a better solution for you.

Who cares if someone lives in a mud house or a box on wheels if they are HAPPY? I used to live in a multi million dollar home in Silicon Valley and make millions of dollars and I was NOT HAPPY! Now that I understand energies and how to build with them I never would have moved into that 'lovely' Silicon Valley home in the first place.

[Lettherebelight]

I agree with you, Dawn. Our home should ideally support us materially and spiritually. I agree also that most homes are not in line with any Vastu recommendations. At least with a home on wheels, you can easily move it around to get the best directional energies!
There are many benefits to living simply, no doubt about it.

And yes, I think you are right in saying that the current housing situation is forcing many to re-evaluate the way we live.

[gripreaper]

Thanks Dawn for bringing forth the energetics of “housing” as an important vector of our very essence, how we use housing as a shield, how housing manifests certain personality traits, and how housing really does affect us in very profound ways. Being “comfortable” in a home could just be an escape from the gnawing rumblings within which need to be addressed, and it is said “behind closed doors” any and all manner of insanity occurs. A man’s home is his castle, and the right to defend it against search and seizure, at the point of a gun, is ingrained into our very consciousness as paramount to freedom.

In the US, the American Dream is to “own” your own home, the largest single investment most people will ever make. Those who still buy into this dream spend over half the energy of their entire lives fueling this idea of home ownership, when the context, perspectives, and notions are all fallacious and misleading. Many people are going to be faced with the harsh reality one day that the “housing” they have invested so much of their lives to acquire, maintain, and work for, did not bring them the happiness or the financial rewards they were induced into believing it would.

I’ve really come full circle on this myself. In my early twenties, I left the big city, hitchhiked to a small town in the Northwest Olympic Peninsula of the US, and built a small cabin on the banks of a small stream, out of reclaimed lumber from the construction work I was doing for a living. It had a small sleeping loft in it, was heated by a small wood stove which I also cooked on. Lighting was kerosene lamps, bathing was done sitting in a horse watering trough with a fire built under it, which sat under the stars next to the small stream. Most food was short term fresh harvest, and the things which were longer term were stored in a homemade root cellar. It was very much a “back to the land” hippie lifestyle.

Later on in life, I built a really nice home out of pocket. I bought the undeveloped land, moved a travel trailer onto it, began by building the garage, moved into that, and over the course of several years, built the house “out of pocket”. It was the type of home which fit very much into the “upscale” market with all the modern conveniences built into it. The only difference was, it had no mortgage.

All of my life I have worked in residential construction, have built hundreds of all types of housing, and still currently remodel for the rich neighborhoods around the city I currently reside. I see daily the notions by which people make housing decisions, and the context within which those decisions are made. The things people throw away and the amounts of money they spend could house thousands of homeless. It’s quite staggering and also quite contrasting to the way I live and what I know about housing. I live in a small rented place which “has just what I need and nothing that I don’t”.

I often think about that little cabin I lived in and the freedom it gave me to choose daily how I spent my time, and how it kept me close to nature and the elements. I only needed to work to fuel the ideas I had and to purchase the amenities I could not produce on site. The rest of my time and money were free to go anywhere and do anything I wanted. I think that is what I miss the most, being self sufficient and not too attached to the corporatocracy and its machinations of slavery, and the freedom it gave me.

The context requires a shift in consciousness of operating from a place of abundance and not from a place of lack. This is so contrary to the human condition and the resource scarcity paradigm, and the attachment to money and asset allocation to fuel the idea that we are somehow protected from poverty and lack, when in fact, we are trapped in that paradigm by making housing so much of the paradigm designed for us. I think this idea and this paradigm is shifting as more people really wake up to the lie and how it keeps them trapped in slavery, attached to the corporatocracy and all of its manifestations. Please keep this thread going. This is an important topic.

[CD7]

Here's the thing. One MUST come out of anger and the determination to remain ever the victim to be able to see the light shining


sincerely misunderstood......this has very LITTLE to do with me....

Its about humanity as a whole--ALL ENCOMPASSING ----It always is with me


Our situation IS a travesty for all HUMAN KIND It sincerely depends on from what perspective one is expressing...


THERE ARE NO WORDS to describe the breath and WEIGHT of OUR situation....its goes DEEP and travels far

I assure it has NOTHING to do with my little life

¤=[Post Update]=¤

I am one who got caught up in it to see what it was about...

[Nat_Lee]

There is a company in Vancouver that makes them:


NOMAD's designer Ian Kent has certainly pushed the size limits of liveable homes. By incorporating an innovative staircase and varying ceiling heights as well as maximizing natural light, Ian was able to prevent this home from being claustrophobic. "I knew that effective design could make a space this size feel comfortable. My goal was to produce an efficient yet cozy home with minimal impact on yard space and the environment”. 35 years of design and home-building experience provided the answers. NOMAD’s living room, kitchen, bathroom, stair, bedroom, and storage are all seamlessly integrated: a stair doubles as a kitchen, a window adds light to one area and a higher ceiling to another, a bathroom doubles as a shower, storage that can be used as seating, and so on. These features are not obvious at first glance, but each one is essential to NOMAD's livability.

http://www.nomadmicrohomes.com/

RSXv1RoV168

http://globalnews.ca/news/932674/vancouver-company-hopes-to-kickstart-micro-home-revolution-with-25000-units/


Imagine being able to own a brand-new home for $25,000.

A Vancouver man hopes to revolutionize homeownership and small space living with his easy-to-assemble micro homes.

Nomad Micro Homes and its President Ian Kent are raising funds on the crowd-funding website indiegogo to make affordable micro homes a reality.

Kent says there are multiple uses for homes which are about 160 square feet in size.

“There’s a wide range of uses, from people using them as additional accommodation, to recreational property — you could basically drive this home in and assemble it in a week.”

The homes are easy to assemble and set-up.

“At least one handyman with a helper could assemble it in less than a week, it’s kind of an IKEA type model,” says Kent.

Three different models are proposed, starting at $25,000 for the base model, and $28,000 for the “Live” model that includes kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures.

[chocolate]

I see a lot of people becoming interested in some type of a "tiny" house.
I see the concept also arising as a natural continuation or rather as a reaction to the over-sized houses being build last 20-30 years in the western countries where people could afford this type of luxurious life style.
I noticed a similar trend, although much more ugly, in my country with the breaking free from the communism and moving towards capitalism. The 'All hell broke loose' so to speak situation.
As someone closely related with the process, meaning as the architect behind the building, I find both trends- super-sized house and the tiny one coming from similar ends.
Everything is a matter of choice and view on life of course, but while putting a lot of philosophy in both concepts we shouldn't forget that the house for the human life is like the body for the person, it should be properly sized and built so that it would allow all natural processes to flow smoothly. When considering your house think of it as a shelter together as a collector of light and energy. It shouldn't be tiny, it shouldn't be too large. It should allow enough sunlight to pass through the room, and natural air ventilation. We spend a lot of time in our homes, especially during rest.
Consider also all the materials used in the construction, together with the spacial organization.

I have been through different phases when I liked this or that, as concepts mostly, but the closest to my heart has always been the simplest organization with the most natural materials.
When I say natural I mean wood, brick, earth, hemp, straw bale, and much less the artificial insulation or the metal elements.
If I can rephrase a saying I would put it in this way- if you want to know which is the best house to live in look at the houses most architect have. And I mean most conscious architects because there will always be some who will want to show off their creative side with some excentric choices.

Recently there can be found a lot of research and information about the effect of shapes/volumes on the earth energy and the comfort or the lack of there-of for the life who has to continue inside- plant or animal/human. A lot of proportions, special sizes, directional orientation and zones on the earth surface have to be considered when creating a space to live in. Of course there are temporary solutions, and escapes as an exception from the rule, but we shouldn't forget that nature has its fundamental laws, and if we want to live in harmony with the environment we should abide by its natural laws of creation.

I know this thread is somewhat old, but I hope that can be still helpful to someone who is still considering living "tiny".

[Ron Mauer Sr]

I see a lot of people becoming interested in some type of a "tiny" house.
I see the concept also arising as a natural continuation or rather as a reaction to the over-sized houses being build last 20-30 years in the western countries where people could afford this type of luxurious life style.
I noticed a similar trend, although much more ugly, in my country with the breaking free from the communism and moving towards capitalism. The 'All hell broke loose' so to speak situation.
As someone closely related with the process, meaning as the architect behind the building, I find both trends- super-sized house and the tiny one coming from similar ends.
Everything is a matter of choice and view on life of course, but while putting a lot of philosophy in both concepts we shouldn't forget that the house for the human life is like the body for the person, it should be properly sized and built so that it would allow all natural processes to flow smoothly. When considering your house think of it as a shelter together as a collector of light and energy. It shouldn't be tiny, it shouldn't be too large. It should allow enough sunlight to pass through the room, and natural air ventilation. We spend a lot of time in our homes, especially during rest.
Consider also all the materials used in the construction, together with the spacial organization.

I have been through different phases when I liked this or that, as concepts mostly, but the closest to my heart has always been the simplest organization with the most natural materials.
When I say natural I mean wood, brick, earth, hemp, straw bale, and much less the artificial insulation or the metal elements.
If I can rephrase a saying I would put it in this way- if you want to know which is the best house to live in look at the houses most architect have. And I mean most conscious architects because there will always be some who will want to show off their creative side with some excentric choices.

Recently there can be found a lot of research and information about the effect of shapes/volumes on the earth energy and the comfort or the lack of there-of for the life who has to continue inside- plant or animal/human. A lot of proportions, special sizes, directional orientation and zones on the earth surface have to be considered when creating a space to live in. Of course there are temporary solutions, and escapes as an exception from the rule, but we shouldn't forget that nature has its fundamental laws, and if we want to live in harmony with the environment we should abide by its natural laws of creation.

I know this thread is somewhat old, but I hope that can be still helpful to someone who is still considering living "tiny".

Perhaps the most significant reason to build small is one of economics, both the cost of construction and the cost of energy and maintenance.

Earth sheltered (for economy of heating and cooling) and generously sized south facing glass (in the northern hemisphere) are very smart ideas.

Debt, a mortgage in particular, is the great slave maker, by design.

My choice for a small house (http://ronmauer.net/blog/?page_id=12).

[chocolate]

Hi, Ron Mauer Sr!
I am one who really understands the economics, living in a country that is struggling to survive. I am surrounded by people either living in what you would call post-socialist concrete prefab blocks, or in old houses in need of a major repair. And this is exactly the situation where one needs to have a sober opinion on how to approach the problem.
Here a bank loan for me is not a good option either. I am witnessing a lot of that damaging people's lives here too.

I would joke at this point that size does matter when building a house together with everything else.

It will become a rather long and tiresome explanation of all the nitty-gritty of the situation.

I am not trying to say you should necessarily go big, or pay a lot of money to an architect to design your home and to a builder to build it.
I am saying that yes, one can live in a room with a bathroom, but if I am going to do that I would probably rent some place and live there until I can afford to pay for a sufficiently sized house. That is one investment that needs to be looked at carefully. The sense of security and independence a tiny house seems to attract with, is in my view, a bit false. We are all dependent, all the time, no matter if we want to or if we believe we are, that is part of the way this life has been set up to operate. This strive for independence is what creates problems most of the time.

Okay, so we live in a village or in an area, the community of the future if you will, that is entirely independent and self-sufficient. Nothing wrong with that. But is life simply a matter of having food, a shelter and low-cost energy?

I am not sure I know the correct answer to that.

[chocolate]

Here is one unusual idea which I am not saying we all have to like or have, but it only shows that the potential is limitless in certain frame of mind: http://naturalhomes.org/hemloft.htm

And one more traditional looking:
http://naturalhomes.org/maya.htm

[silverfish]

saw this http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24574082 and thought of this thread
"The man who lives in an egg"

[carriellbee]

I love this so much! Thank you for posting it...


Here is one unusual idea which I am not saying we all have to like or have, but it only shows that the potential is limitless in certain frame of mind: http://naturalhomes.org/hemloft.htm

And one more traditional looking:
http://naturalhomes.org/maya.htm

[carriellbee]

Thank you, silverfish. That was awesome!


saw this http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24574082 and thought of this thread
"The man who lives in an egg"

[Corncrake]

Another for the collection:

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/cob-house-made-out-of-clay-150-pounds-mud-michael-buck-oxford-143114840.html#rPEQ2Fr

[Milneman]

http://tinyhouseswoon.com/ufogel/

I'm a sucker for the pine. Needs book shelves but otherwise....I'm droolin. Yup. I'm droolin.

[Crystine]

Quoted from Arrowwind
I understand that small houses are the alternative to the money crip but if you can't creatively function whats the use? if you cant sustain yourself from your house whats the use? If the house is cold whats the use? If it cant hold children? if it cant hold your aging Mom?
----------------------------------
You are fearlessly honest. Living little can not work for everyone. My home is about 1,300 feet. Small by today's standards. Most available space is used by my stash of yarn, beads, paper, fabric and books. And I still trip over the dogs.

[TargeT]

I understand that small houses are the alternative to the money crip but if you can't creatively function whats the use? if you cant sustain yourself from your house whats the use? If the house is cold whats the use? If it cant hold children? if it cant hold your aging Mom?
----------------------------------
You are fearlessly honest. Living little can not work for everyone. My home is about 1,300 feet. Small by today's standards. Most available space is used by my stash of yarn, beads, paper, fabric and books. And I still trip over the dogs.

I went through this same thought process, I really looked heavily into a small space, but these just don't work for families.. I live with my wife, 4 children and I moved my mom down with me, 3 large dogs, 2 cats, a goat, 8 horses... my house seems small at times and it's 4 bed 4 bath.

I think the small house movement makes a lot of sense for a good portion of the population, but it's sort of limited to couples or singles; my house also functions as my business, school for my children, and extended family living; so I guess I'm using the space efficiently enough to sort of conform to the tiny house mentality; perhaps that should be the real take away here.. the philosophy of tiny houses, not necessarily the tiny house itself.

[carriellbee]

Zen Forest House in Oregon...

Oh my! This is so AWESOME! I watched this video a couple of days ago and cannot stop thinking about it. Yummy!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32WtDb3c3ws

[CD7]

carriellbee that is an awesome home design! Yeah just imagine tht type of creative design everywhere...I could!!

I love the way he stresses the beauty and ease of simplistic designs from nature that look 10 times better then manufactured crap...id love to live in one of those houses <3

[Milneman]

How about we pay nothing for a SPACIOUS HOME! Isnt this nice...society is making available SHOE BOXES for those who just cant SLAVE enough for an OVERPRICED house. Sick...nope not good enough....Earth is ALL OF OURS and so is its shelter!



I just want to update that, I FEEL THE SAME IF NOT WORSE!


HOUSING IS A F'N TRAVASTY ---- ALL OVER

I hear ya. Oh boy do I hear ya.

Thing is?

I'm actually keen on the idea of a tiny house because it just makes sense for me. I'm one person. I'm never going to have kids. To me, the house is important, but its all about yard...and growing things...and being a part of the place, rather than the place being part of what I own. It's the Frank Lloyd Wright in me. :)

Housing is way overpriced, that is for damn sure. But one way I can say buhbye to the problem is just dropping the system.

Then I get the problem..wife...kids....tiny house...and I think...ugh....but I think ugh because I'm not a social person like that. :) However!

cuLMGmfyarA

It can be done. Doesn't mean everyone's gonna like it, but we all gotta contribute in our own way right?

PS: make more gay babies.

[Milneman]

K had to...

hk_EOFlAZFI

[carriellbee]

I love creativity of all kinds, but I absolutely adore this creativity in harmony with and with such respect for nature. I would love to build one and live in it. I just know that it would feel so right to live like this.


carriellbee that is an awesome home design! Yeah just imagine tht type of creative design everywhere...I could!!

I love the way he stresses the beauty and ease of simplistic designs from nature that look 10 times better then manufactured crap...id love to live in one of those houses <3

[carriellbee]

@ Milneman - I have always loved Frank Lloyd Wright's work. I can only imagine the awesomeness of a Frank Lloyd Wright-created tiny house...

[avid]

Just was watching George Clarke's Amazing Spaces - the Keilder project is truly stunning - but this caught my eye, as these are potentially real homes!!
Wheat silos converted to proper housing - fantastic!
http://scrapbook.channel4.com/bookmarkBar/52a878ffe4b076c79f8f5730
Well worth a look, and if you can access Channel 4's backlogue - these projects are wondrous. Keilder is so amazing that all the furniture stored in the walls! WOW!

[skippy]

We are building a tiny (well, in fact, not so tiny) house at the country side. The house is surrounded by an earth wall. On the south side we have mainly windows to welcome the sun. Here a view from our place. Great thread Ron :)

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=23682&d=1384337140&thumb=1

[Eram]

Zen Forest House in Oregon...

Oh my! This is so AWESOME! I watched this video a couple of days ago and cannot stop thinking about it. Yummy!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32WtDb3c3ws


What I like so much about his approach, is his mindset to use what is available and not has his mind fixed on ideas as to what material he uses and how the end product must look like.
He creates with the stuff that is close to him and free for grabs.

Saves u a sh$tload of money ;)

[carriellbee]

Exactly! It is anti-consumerism at its finest.


What I like so much about his approach, is his mindset to use what is available and not has his mind fixed on ideas as to what material he uses and how the end product must look like.
He creates with the stuff that is close to him and free for grabs.

Saves u a sh$tload of money ;)

[skippy]

Exactly! It is anti-consumerism at its finest.


or minimalism. Finally, we don't need a lot of things. I'm convinced that, with a voluntarily minimalistic, back to nature approach, we can welcome 7 billion more humans on this beautiful planet. The problem is, people like stuff..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_QkGPCL18

[carriellbee]

I'll see your 7 billion and raise you another 3!



Exactly! It is anti-consumerism at its finest.


or minimalism.. Finally, we don't need a lot of things. I'm convinced that, with a voluntarily minimalistic, back to nature approach, we can welcome 7 billion more humans on this beautiful planet.

[Eram]

Exactly! It is anti-consumerism at its finest.


or simple modesty. Finally, we don't need a lot of things. I'm convinced that, with a voluntarily minimalistic, back to nature approach, we can welcome 7 billion more humans on this beautiful planet. The problem is, people like stuff..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x_QkGPCL18

This is a docu from a Dutch lady who put all her stuff in a large barn, all spread out on the floor to see what it would look like.

Quite sobering ;)

It's in Dutch, but you can put on the English sub titles.
zhfFDK76JMk

[skippy]

Great video Eram, and there are so many others owning 15.734 or more stuff. Soon, Christmas, time to buy some big stuff. Let's wake up some people buying some more stuff at Albert Heijn..:)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL9-r1p3Op4

[CD7]

I hear ya. Oh boy do I hear ya.

Thing is?

Milenman
I'm actually keen on the idea of a tiny house because it just makes sense for me. I'm one person. I'm never going to have kids. To me, the house is important, but its all about yard...and growing things...and being a part of the place, rather than the place being part of what I own. It's the Frank Lloyd Wright in me.

Housing is way overpriced, that is for damn sure. But one way I can say buhbye to the problem is just dropping the system.



Oh size of home is definitely up to personal taste....i wouldn't mind a small house designed creatively and in balance with harmony similar to the wooded house which was very different from the thousands of dollars for a shed shoebox....

Intelligent design of harmonizing elements make a huge difference in the way someone experiences their space...their soul

Now someone can stay in a very small box like the OP showed....and im sure tweaks could be made to make it a more comfortable space...however when i looked them up they wanted between 20000 and over for these things...so its really the PRICE on any shelter that makes me wince...Big Or Small

It can be heavenly and remarkable to feel the difference in a space of intelligent design...using natural materials in unheard of ways. I mean the creativity coupled with the planets resources OMG HEAVEN.....

Its so funny really when one thinks about our entrainment about--heaven "a place somewhere else, untouchable, undeserving" until ONE DAY we realeyes that Heaven is not a mythical untouchable place thts elsewhere BUT something tht could be very real ALL AROUND EVERYONE OF US.....Ugggggggggg

[Milneman]

@ Milneman - I have always loved Frank Lloyd Wright's work. I can only imagine the awesomeness of a Frank Lloyd Wright-created tiny house...

I know right?

Somewhere, there's blueprints for the Lake Tahoe Summer Colony unbuilt. Google image search it. The cabins are gorgeous. Not tiny per say, but gorgeous.

I'm throwing together plans for a "usonian mini"....complete with art glass, local stone, local wood. Just a matter of pinching the pennies, but so worth it. :)

¤=[Post Update]=¤


I hear ya. Oh boy do I hear ya.

Thing is?

Milenman
I'm actually keen on the idea of a tiny house because it just makes sense for me. I'm one person. I'm never going to have kids. To me, the house is important, but its all about yard...and growing things...and being a part of the place, rather than the place being part of what I own. It's the Frank Lloyd Wright in me.

Housing is way overpriced, that is for damn sure. But one way I can say buhbye to the problem is just dropping the system.



Oh size of home is definitely up to personal taste....i wouldn't mind a small house designed creatively and in balance with harmony similar to the wooded house which was very different from the thousands of dollars for a shed shoebox....

Intelligent design of harmonizing elements make a huge difference in the way someone experiences their space...their soul

Now someone can stay in a very small box like the OP showed....and im sure tweaks could be made to make it a more comfortable space...however when i looked them up they wanted between 20000 and over for these things...so its really the PRICE on any shelter that makes me wince...Big Or Small

It can be heavenly and remarkable to feel the difference in a space of intelligent design...using natural materials in unheard of ways. I mean the creativity coupled with the planets resources OMG HEAVEN.....

Its so funny really when one thinks about our entrainment about--heaven "a place somewhere else, untouchable, undeserving" until ONE DAY we realeyes that Heaven is not a mythical untouchable place thts elsewhere BUT something tht could be very real ALL AROUND EVERYONE OF US.....Ugggggggggg

Run, do not walk, to your local book store and procure any literature about Frank Lloyd Wright's building philosophy. In fact, google "Usonian" homes. I think you are going to make a new friend. :)

[CD7]

Run, do not walk, to your local book store and procure any literature about Frank Lloyd Wright's building philosophy. In fact, google "Usonian" homes. I think you are going to make a new friend.




Haha I am aware of F. Lloyd Wright....beautiful architecture! Yes the importance of aesthetics could not be underestimated....I myself am a bit obsessed with interior design-also exterior, but more from a functional aesthetics point of view...gosh tongue twister! As an artist, I love to create environments and have fun playing with color, light, shadow, reflection, texture, space, details---like Ive said the resources here on the earth...is a literal gold mine

Its important to note its not about "bling" and what I have, and the latest model--(most in this thread would agree I assuming)

Its more about the creation of it, the utilization of materials that have transforming effects in space---these spaces can then have a transforming effect on individuals

[carriellbee]

I had not heard the term "Usonian" before. And I enjoyed learning about the Lake Tahoe Summer Colony. Thank you so much for pointing me in that direction!



@ Milneman - I have always loved Frank Lloyd Wright's work. I can only imagine the awesomeness of a Frank Lloyd Wright-created tiny house...

I know right?

Somewhere, there's blueprints for the Lake Tahoe Summer Colony unbuilt. Google image search it. The cabins are gorgeous. Not tiny per say, but gorgeous.

I'm throwing together plans for a "usonian mini"....complete with art glass, local stone, local wood. Just a matter of pinching the pennies, but so worth it.

[Milneman]

Carriellbee,

FLW was probably the most prolific architect of the 20th century. Let's just put it this way: you cannot look at a house in most neighbourhoods today that has been built in the last 70-80 years that hasn't been influenced by his ideas. :)

Broadacre City is the first, I think (?), example of a sustainable style community where everyone has a home that has enough land to produce for their needs, work is only a few miles away, community is spread over...miles and miles...instead of being congested like modern cities today are.

This man is one of my heroes.

[CD7]

Broadacre City is the first, I think (?), example of a sustainable style community where everyone has a home that has enough land to produce for their needs, work is only a few miles away, community is spread over...miles and miles...instead of being congested like modern cities today are.

This man is one of my heroes.




I know FLW has done unique one of a kind homes that flow in balance and are beautiful....those are what im familiar with


The idea that he was apart of designing the cookie cutter communities sprawled all over US...in all honesty is not the best case scenario I could invision (<------funny invision is not considered a word) Cant have any of tht! The square box coffin like model of American neighborhoods is dreadfully limiting....

Boxes----DO WE SEE BOXES IN NATURE?-- if we do I cannot recall---- Nature is a flow....swirls, curls, circles, triangles---IT MOVES. A box house is as good as a coffin---not much life in there

Ha my 3 sense! I mean essentially we have the capability to REPLICATE nature...could we then imagine the most beautiful visions in nature tht one has ever seen---ALL OVER and YOU in it? not just as topography.....yeah thts the ticket, come on people time to move up lol

[Milneman]

And yet! If you look at just about every house on a block in any given city, you're going to see influence from his prairie school, the usonian phases of his work...they're ugly, they're monsters of wasted space with garages big enough to house an entire family, but his influence is still there....and he's in his grave rolling over and over and over and....

If we went to a truly Wright designed house, you're going to find something completely different than what exists down the road today.

Take a look at some of the usonians. It's not tiny, but it's a great example of what I'm talking about. :)

http://www.artsjournal.com/aboutlastnight/ZIMMERMAN%20HOUSE%20(OUTSIDE).jpg

The Zimmerman. A masterpiece. The street-side windows are just big enough to let in light and that's about it. Everything else faces out towards the yard.

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/9104433.jpg

The true death of a great architect is the death that happens when in emulating the architect, his style becomes as normative as greek revival. Blech.

[carriellbee]

OMG - I spent a long time composing a reply and was about ready to post when the power cut out. :censored:

Let's try this again...



The idea that he was apart of designing the cookie cutter communities sprawled all over US...

While FLW may have been the inspiration for the architects of the cookie cutter communities (CCC), he certainly was not guiding them. FLW was an artist, the landscape his pallet and pencil, paper, bricks and wood were the medium in which he worked. The architects of the CCC were not artists and they cherry-picked the least important aspects (imo) of FLW's Usonian design concept, e.g. single story, L-shape and they largely ignored the rest.

Like any self-respecting artist, FLW never mass produced anything, unlike his imitators who massed produced designs that were mere shadows of his amazingly beautiful work. Those workaday architects have left us with their abominations littering the landscape. BTW, I live in one of these. :embarassed:


An example of a Frank LLoyd Wright masterpiece:

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/gallery/090428/GAL-09Apr28-1951/media/PHO-09Apr28-159897.jpg



An example of a poor imitation:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5a/RamblerHouse.JPG



And finally, I am reminded of one of my all-time favorite songs, Little Boxes by Malvina Reynolds. Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_2lGkEU4Xs

[Milneman]

Hey, we totally agree!

I bet we totally agree on greek revival (blech) too. :)

[carriellbee]

Hey, we totally agree!

I bet we totally agree on greek revival (blech) too. :)

Yes we do! I think we should all live in either trees or caves! Check these out...


The HemLoft - a secret treehouse, hiding in the woods of Whistler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ONLyd2gmV8


Tiny treehouse cabins suspended like birdcages near Pyrenees

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBVIB3vEloE



Airline exec builds observation tower treehouse as tiny home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibSV-2JA0CU


Live in a cave home (I don't like the fact that this video is on the CNNMoney YT channel, but the home is so beautiful that I just had to share.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k__jV62Yv_0

[CD7]

carrielbell thanks for setting the record straight!....:typing: Definitely a remarkable difference between the original design and wht happened afterwards

I SO WANT TO LIVE IN A TREEHOUSE~!!!! Preferably similar to elven land in lord of the rings :D :wizard:

[carriellbee]

carrielbell thanks for setting the record straight!....:typing: Definitely a remarkable difference between the original design and wht happened afterwards

I SO WANT TO LIVE IN A TREEHOUSE~!!!! Preferably similar to elven land in lord of the rings :D :wizard:

That would be so cool!!

[Ron Mauer Sr]

Here is a tiny house on a small trailer. Only 6' x 10' yet it has a shower, composting toilet, kitchen sink, a bed and room for much more.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDZV2_hXAYk

This could be fun to build. Just load it onto a common utility trailer and bug out.

[Ron Mauer Sr]

People who live in wee homes now have their own movement. It's a bit of a media event, but it's not a fad, argues tiny home builder Stephen Marshall (of Little House on a Trailer). While his 112 square foot caregiver cottage makes great press, he argues the perfect tiny home is 400 sq ft. For most of those in the movement, McMansions have no appeal tiny homes are human-sized.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEGYjpA1z3U

[genevieve]

When I was building my relatively small (1800 sq. ft.) three-story house, I completed the first floor and lived there while working on the upper floors. It has about 340 square feet.

Eventually I moved upstairs and "repurposed" the first floor. I miss my cozy first-floor space, if for no other reason than cleaning it was a breeze (although admittedly I didn't do much cleaning while I was busy building--actually, don't do much now!).

These tiny houses are very appealing to me.


Peace Love Joy & Harmony,
genevieve

[Bill Ryan]

A really inspiring video. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_43jFjkv4w

Here's a better image, taken as a screenshot:

http://projectavalon.net/tiny_house_in_Australia.jpg

[Constance]

A really inspiring video. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_43jFjkv4w

Here's a better image, taken as a screenshot:

http://projectavalon.net/tiny_house_in_Australia.jpg

Yes! Very inspiring. :flower: She gets to do what she loves to do...

[onawah]

I've explored the tiny house channels on youtube, and that is my very favorite one.

A really inspiring video. :)

[Constance]

Onawah, I can understand why!! :heart:

I love the modular nature of this tiny house, along with the green sedum roof, the roll-out composting toilet, the mirrors above the kitchen so that it looks more spacious, the two private rooms with the walkway, the undercover outdoor living space...The creativity and innovation is wonderful.

I've collected hundreds of these videos in my efforts to work out how I could bring all of best of features together to create the ultimate in tiny houses but like any jigsaw puzzle, I am still yet to put all the pieces of the puzzle together, but this video did help. :bigsmile:

What always inspires me greatly is the shared use of the land. It is that unconditional love and support shown by people that inspires me most because they are serving each other to live in the highest truth. :heart:

[Ernie Nemeth]

I keep coming back to this idea myself. I have a file on designs for small houses. Some are portable, some aren't. The newest one is a fold-out model, 140 square feet of living space. if I had thought of this idea in time, this would have been my reasonable goal, a small bit of land and a teeny tiny home to live in...

[Ron Mauer Sr]

I built this one and I am happy with it.
http://ronmauer.net/blog/?page_id=12

http://ronmauer.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/sassy-lilac-94.jpg

[TargeT]

i am about to move into a 1 bedroom ~700 sqft apartment, that counts right?

[Karen (Geophyz)]

I don’t live in a tiny house, I am far too claustrophobic and I have very large dogs. But my house is small and run by solar power. I have a huge garden and I cull deer for meat. I sleep out under the stars when the weather permits. I live far in the countryside and do not have neighbors close by and I love it!

[Constance]

I was enchanted by this little cottage by the sea. It looks very warm and inviting. :flower:

avn7brkxmmo

[Bill Ryan]

:bump: :bump: :bump:

[atman]

9_43jFjkv4w
Absolutely wonderful! And very inspiring, indeed!

And very much pertinent to the current discussions about Strategic Relocation.

But do you realize what you just did, Bill, by bumping this older thread? I now feel the urge to watch episode after episode of this YouTube show!

This particular episode starts with following words:






There's a saying in architecture that says:

You design your first house for an enemy,
your second house for a friend,
and your third house for yourself.

And there really is a lot of truth to that.

Good design takes time and experience.

It takes failing a few times before you get things right...


Well, guess what, I am now ready to plan for my third house!

[onawah]

Colonial Cottage Style Tiny House Built For Only $8000
(Built by the creator of the Yellow Submarine tiny house. This channel always brightens my day when there's a new addition. )

Colonial Cottage Style Tiny House Built For Only $8000
427,202 views•Sep 3, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.61M subscribers

"In this week's video we explore a wonderful colonial cottage style tiny house which has amazingly been built for only NZ$8000 (US $5000). This creative tiny house has been constructed almost entirely out of reclaimed and recycled materials and the end result is a tiny home with some big style!

Keith and Jen are a wonderfully creative couple. Previously, we explored their submarine tiny house which has also been affordably constructed from reclaimed materials. You can see the video tour here: https://youtu.be/tyrr4T_U5dY

All throughout, this tiny house has been styled to resemble a turn-of-the-century colonial cottage and is packed full of wonderful historical treasures. This is a great example of what can be done to create a truly affordable tiny house using salvaged materials and a lot of hard work!

Enjoy the full tour of this stunning tiny home.

Find out more about this tiny house and others on our website: https://www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com...

This colonial style tiny house is currently run as a BnB. You can book your stay here: https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/13646016x "

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[Bill Ryan]

This tiny house in Ecuador is very old, and is actually my nearest neighbor. (It's about 400 yds away, taken across the field with a telephoto.)

http://projectavalon.net/tiny_house_3_sm.jpg

But a few miles away, here's one that's newly built:

http://projectavalon.net/new_tiny_house_sm.jpg

There must be tens of thousands of tiny houses in Ecuador (and many other developing countries!) — most of them pretty old. The reason this new one is tiny is likely simply the cost of the materials: something like that could be put up for maybe $1000 or so, with the owner doing it all himself.

[onawah]

I don't know about countries like Ecuador, but in the more developed countries where the tiny house movement is trending, the houses are generally being built on a wheeled, moveable platform.
(Of course, that entails meeting a lot of other requirements in most cases, that they aren't dangerous when taken out on the road, for one thing...)
But with so much in the world these days being unpredictable, it's good to have a moveable home just in case (of fires, floods, earthquakes, economic downturns, etc.)
This most recent addition to "Living Big in a Tiny House" is especially inspirational to young people.

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Dream DIY Tiny House With Amazing Kid-Safe Loft
544,530 views•Sep 10, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.62M subscribers

(Another young family (of 4) living off grid)

"In this weeks episode, we visit a wonderful young family who have built their dream off-the-grid tiny house on wheels. There are so many advantages to DIY building a tiny house beyond just the cost. You get to put your heart, soul and character into a house to truly make it your own and that's exactly what's happened with this home.

Dan And Julie have built this beautiful home for themselves and their two children. All throughout this build there are many examples of ultra-clever design ideas, including a huge loft net to access the children's bedroom and the ability to create a fully secured kid-safe loft. This really is a fantastic design for a young family!

In this case, the family worked closely together with a builder to design and construct a lock-up house shell. This is a popular option for DIY builders, as it allows the structural part of the home to be professionally constructed, while still giving them all the freedom to build the interior fit-out by themselves.

This tiny house is also designed to be completely off-the-grid, allowing the family many options for places to park up their home in the future. "

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This tiny house in Ecuador is very old, and is actually my nearest neighbor. (It's about 400 yds away, taken across the field with a telephoto.)

[onawah]

A Dream Life On The Water In An Amazing House Boat
174,185 views•Oct 2, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.65M subscribers

"So many of us aspire to own a home close to the water, and it doesn’t get any closer than this! Inspired by the incredible float homes of British Columbia, this house boat in Auckland, New Zealand is sure to impress.

Perfectly fitting into a 12 meter marina berth, this floating home (affectionally named Blue Turtle) is wonderfully designed to be open, spacious and fully featured despite its compact size. The home has two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom and enjoys a wonderful open plan kitchen, dining and living space upstairs, all with wrap around decks for amazing indoor / outdoor living.

Located so close to Auckland City, this house boat has panoramic views across the marina and over towards the city beyond. For Olivia and Ryan, it’s a home which enables them to live a dream lifestyle, close to town and yet in a place where they can feel as though they are on permanent holiday.

Enjoy the tour of this wonderful home on the water. "
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A Perfect Tiny Home For A Woman And Her Dogs
458,404 views•Sep 24, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.65M subscribers

"This week, we meet an inspiring Dutch woman who has built a charming and beautiful tiny home for her and her three dogs in New Zealand. Every now and then you find a home which has been perfectly crafted to meet someones needs and this is one of those places. Matilda’s tiny house on wheels is wonderfully constructed using mainly reclaimed materials and is filled with wonderful artwork and creative flair.

This is a home which may be tiny, but has a big heart! From the lovely reclaimed rimu timber to all the artwork and native bird features throughout, this is a place which is designed to really make Matilda feel at home. Many of her friends have contributed lovely works of art to add to her home, including a beautiful koru and kōwhai stained glass window which fills the home with colour and light.

Everything in this home has been designed to ensure that both Matilda and her dogs are comfortable. Matilda even has a second, matching, super tiny house which she and her dogs use as a camper when they away traveling or at dog agility shows, giving her the perfect set-up to match her lifestyle.

I hope you enjoy the full video tour of this lovely tiny house! "
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[onawah]

DIY Cob Home in Montana
Family’s Magical COB HOUSE made w/ Earth, Sand & Straw!
196,647 views• Oct 9, 2020
Tiny House Giant Journey
785K subscribers

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
"Danny and Katherine built a gorgeous house made of cob - a sustainable and natural material made from sand, clay, and straw. You'd never know that a house made from such material could be so beautiful! Take a tour, learn how cob is made, and get inspired by this wonderful, debt-free family and their sustainable lifestyle."

TAKE A CLASS WITH DANNY & KATHERINE:
http://www.spiritwoodnaturalbuilding....
https://www.instagram.com/mt_cobbers/

TINY HOUSE GEAR LIST & RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
https://kit.co/TinyHouseGiantJourney

OUGQNVleOEo

[onawah]

Top Ideas For Kids In Tiny Houses
34,097 views•Oct 22, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.69M subscribers

"One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, 'what happens if people want to start a family in a tiny house?' In this weeks episode, we take a look at some family tiny houses and the clever ways that people have made their homes child friendly.

For some, the idea of having kids in a tiny house may sound impossible, but with some good, thoughtful design it really is possible for children to thrive in tiny homes! Let's explore take some of the wonderful ways that people have created amazing spaces for children in their tiny homes.

Here, we explore some ingenious spatial design which has allowed families with up to three children to happily inhabit a small space together. We explore kids bedroom and sleeping loft designs, as well as some of the fun features that have been added to homes to make them more fun and playful for children. "
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[onawah]

You Won't Believe This Amazing Tiny House & Parking Spot!
112,827 views•Nov 7, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.72M subscribers

(I wouldn't mind living in this tiny house one bit!)

"In this weeks episode we travel to the winterless North of New Zealand to visit an inspiring couple who have built an out-of-this-world tiny house with a parking spot that you won't believe!

There's a saying in the tiny house world that home is where you park it, and this tiny house really has found an amazing place to call home that's private, elevated and with spectacular, panoramic ocean views.

Paula and Liam worked hard to make their dream tiny house come true, living in a motorhome while working full time and saving all their money in order to build their tiny house on wheels. This couple is living proof that with a lot of will power and hard work, dreams really do come true."

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[onawah]

Another favorite tiny home
Couple Build Incredible Handcrafted Tiny House
268,858 views•Nov 27, 2020
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.75M subscribers

"There’s nothing quite like a handcrafted home. A place where people have poured all their love and hard work into creating a unique and beautiful house that’s totally their own. This exquisitely built tiny house is just one of those homes.

This DIY tiny house has predominantly been constructed from reclaimed materials, bringing a tremendous amount of character into the home. Its incredible timber combinations add an undeniable sense of warmth and comfort to the home, while the clever floor plan and design make the tiny house spacious and functional.

For Phill and Radha, the end result of their hard work has meant they now enjoy a beautiful, affordable home which allows them to have more free time and focus on their passions in life.

Enjoy the full tour of this stunning handcrafted tiny home. "

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And yet another
Timber Frame TINY HOUSE Built by Couple Wanting Better Life
24,488 views•Nov 29, 2020
Tiny House Giant Journey
817K subscribers

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
Edwin and Clara built a timber frame Tiny House without any prior experience, and it's absolutely gorgeous! Now they live off-grid, spend more time in nature, and have achieved their dream life!

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[Bill Ryan]

A tiny house in Serbia. :)

https://scontent.fgye1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/125370298_3785938904802522_4957224687899027933_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8024bb&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=TFmYbfXn4YQAX9Gu9wW&_nc_ht=scontent.fgye1-1.fna&tp=14&oh=26cc8d1331742801d5e7fdb8219c74cf&oe=5FF93D9D

[Anka]

Clay Castle from Valea Zanelor (Romania)
The construction inspired by the house of the dwarves from the fairy tale "Snow White":peep:

https://ziarulromanesc.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/valeazanelor6.jpg

https://ziarulromanesc.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/valeazanelo5.jpg

[onawah]

Tiny Homes Xmas
Living Big In A Tiny House
3.77M subscribers

"It’s hard to believe that it’s already Christmas time again! In this years Living Big in a Tiny House Christmas special, we celebrate the season with heart-warming messages from our tiny house family around the globe.

We know that 2020 has been a really challenging year for a lot of people. We understand that this Christmas will be especially difficult as many people will be in lockdown and separated from their families. We hope that you’re all keeping healthy, safe and well for the season.

A massive thank-you to essential workers who will be working through the Christmas break and who are helping to keep us all safe and well.

It’s wonderful to watch people celebrating Christmas in their tiny homes and to be reminded of all the wonderful people who we meet. We hope you enjoy these beautiful xmas messages! "
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[Constance]

Rocket Mass Heaters for Tiny Houses - postcast in link (https://www.thetinyhouse.net/uncle-mud/).

Summary

The first non-suicidal woodstove” is safer and more efficient
Tips for those who want to DIY their own rocket mass heater
Don't skimp on these materials, especially in a tiny house
How the EPA tests woodstoves explains why rocket heaters aren't quite legal
Enough heat for 8 hours without being overheated: the Cottage Rocket does it
Makeup air and minimizing the chance of smoke in your house
Saving money, using scraps, and lowering the environmental footprint
Where to find cheaper materials to insulate your tiny house


source: thetinyhouse.net (https://www.thetinyhouse.net/)

Additional notes: In places like Australia where we have weight restrictions for mobile tiny homes, Rocket heaters made out of cob may not be appropriate.

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[onawah]

I love this retired artist's tiny home (with so many colorful touches) in her oceanside tiny home community, and her attitude of gratitude.
Senior Downsizes into TINY HOUSE COMMUNITY & Finds Happiness
237,082 views Feb 12, 2021
8.6K
Tiny House Giant Journey
910K subscribers

Tour Gael's Tiny House in a Tiny House Community.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
Gael downsized into a Tiny House the size of a parking space so that she could have peace, quiet, and a place to practice her art. She is happier now than ever, which begs the question: are Tiny Houses the perfect solution for seniors looking to retire?"

GAEL'S ART:
https://www.facebook.com/GaelAlynGray...

TINY TRANQUILITY TINY HOME PARK:
https://tinyhousegiantjourney.com/202...

MORE VIDEOS AT TINY TRANQUILITY TINY HOUSE COMMUNITY:
https://youtu.be/4_N3asjtb6I
https://youtu.be/Us3wXrKzUsA

6lJsEVxBexM

[onawah]

Another in the same tiny house community on the Oregon coast, very nicely DIY crafted.
His TINY HOUSE by the Ocean-- Craftsman Proves You Don't Need Much
116,342 views Feb 19, 2021
4.9K
Tiny House Giant Journey
910K subscribers

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[JackMcThorn]

Tiny homes are marvellous. I think the tiny home community is special. There seems to be some unique souls exploring the tiny home phenomenon.

[Blacklight43]

They seem to be popping up everywhere these days. Even here in Morro Bay what we used to call "trailer parks" are replacing the old trailer with the new "tiny homes". They are the new affordable homes of the future.
As a person who used to work at an RV park I have seen how popular they are becoming and as a person who used to live in an RV I know we can get used to small efficient spaces (no room for junk we don't need).
The nice thing about these tiny homes is when you get tired of one location you can hitch up and pull it to somewhere else...and always have your home with you.

[onawah]

Beautiful handmade tiny home w/ recycled materials ($40k budget)
117,446 views Nov 26, 2021
5.6K
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.02M subscribers

"Cass spent almost 3 years (working on weekends and overnights) making this gorgeous tiny house from scratch. Practically everything inside is handmade or repurposed from recycled materials. Today, Cass and his girlfriend Emma live in the tiny house full time."
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[palehorse]

I wish these communities grow and grow around the world, we need more of that.

Here where I live is very hard if not impossible to find tiny homes, I saw one a while ago, but it was abandoned, kind of partially destroyed by the weather.

A bit off-topic..
Years ago I tried hard to buy an RV (travel trailer), not to live inside but to have trips and go camping, I gave up the idea, this country is NOT a RV friendly place, the only company I found from England they build it and the price is absurd, the price of 3 or 4 in US haha
If in US you can buy a second hand RV for around $10K (not great shape I know), here you won't find anything for at least $50K!!! Also there is no second hand market for this things here, I end up with an old toyota pickup and a tent for camping!!! :lol:

[Peace in Oz]

Off-The-Grid Tiny House & Stunning Syntropic Food Forest Gardens
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This amazing tiny house is situated amongst wonderful syntropic gardens. Similar in many ways to permaculture syntropic farming is a form of dynamic regenerative agricultural forestry which uses a systems thinking approach to create an abundant, healthy, natural food forest. Focus is placed on formation of healthy soil biology and establishing microclimates so that food production and agriculture is synchronised with regeneration of the land. Super cool stuff!

Equally as impressive as the gardens is the amazing off-the-grid tiny house on wheels. The home is solar powered with abundant rain water collection. A composting toilet helps to reduce the homes water consumption. Beautifully designed, there is abundant outdoor living space so that Anthony and Kirra can enjoy year round indoor / outdoor living.

[onawah]

Great DIY Tiny Home and Sustainable Homestead
This Tiny House Is What Dreams Are Made Of
459,019 views Feb 12, 2022
22K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.28M subscribers

"This incredible, modern, fully-off-the-grid, DIY tiny house is the stuff that dreams are made of. Inspired by permaculture principles, this stunning tiny house is filled with the special kinds of features you only ever find in do-it-yourself builds.

Thomas and Caroline decided to build a tiny house as part of a plan to start a market garden business. To save money, they came up with the brilliant idea of finding land for their business and building a tiny house they could take onto the land with them. Despite not having any prior experience in construction, the couple tackled the build and just over a year later they are now living in their dream tiny house.

This tiny home is totally solar powered and even heats its own water using solar thermal tubes on the roof. The home collects rain-water and also has a clever under-deck rainwater harvesting system. Soon, the home will be surrounded by permaculture-inspired market gardens. This tiny home tour is definitely one you don't want to miss!

We hope you enjoy the full tour of this inspiring build."
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This Incredible Woman Built Herself A Tiny House In Lockdown!
477,890 views Feb 4, 2022
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.28M subscribers

"In this weeks episode we meet Bérangère, an inspiring young woman who amazingly built her very own tiny house during lockdown in France. Her spectacular home is named ‘La Belle Idée, which translates to the beautiful idea.

Bérangère was inspired to build her tiny home after spending four years traveling and realising she desired a place to call home. With minimal possessions and still wanting a place which would give her options for where she could live, she decided a tiny house would be the perfect home.

Originally, she had intended to construct her home together with others as part of a tiny house building workshop, but lockdown in France put an end to the workshop after the first week and Bérangère was then left to complete the home on her own.

The result is a beautiful and inspiring build. We hope you enjoy the video tour of this wonderful tiny house which absolutely lives up to it’s name! "
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[onawah]

Another charming and unique DIY tiny home
Young woman builds a tiny house for 5000 Euros - Tiny Home Tour
139,599 views Jan 20, 2022
4.1K
AlternativeHouse
20.3K subscribers
"In this episode, Elizabeth will show us her amazing self-built tiny home and share the story behind it. She built the tiny house all by herself, mostly from recycled materials which reduced the building costs to only 5k euros.
The beautiful tiny house fits perfectly in Elisabeth's garden surrounded by orange trees, olive trees and even almond trees, located in the Andalucia region of Spain. Elisabeth is a musician and true artist who loves creating beauty, gardening, and living a simple and sustainable life."
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[onawah]

Couple Build Life-Changing Tiny House in France
273,116 views
Mar 11, 2022
273,116 viewsMar 11, 2022
15K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.29M subscribers

"In this weeks episode we meet Agathe and Anton, a talented couple who set about building their dream tiny house. Constructed using natural materials and with bioclimatic concepts in mind, this tiny house has truly been a life-changing project.

Amorously named ‘La Petite Grain’ or ‘The Little Seed’, this tiny home was built to house the values of Agathe and Anton, who desired to live in a place which was minimalist, energy efficient, ecologically designed and of course constructed with symmetry and beauty.

Situated in France, this tiny house has been constructed using natural materials and is an efficiently built home. Both the interior and exterior have been exceptionally well designed and lovingly crafted in order to make the home not only a functional place to live but also a joy to behold.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this tiny home. You can find out more about Agathe, Anton and La Petite Grain on their website: https://tinyhouse-lapetitegraine.fr/ "



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[Ewan]

Guy buys small abandoned property and transforms it into first home.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l327LbNx1_o

[Inversion]

These tiny foldable homes are created by a company called Boxabl and are the size of a shipping container.
boxabl (https://www.boxabl.com/)
Home depicted at 3:39

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjZCq-GpUzU

[onawah]

Young Woman's Tiny House & Self-Sufficient Life
612,701 views Apr 9, 2022
27K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.32M subscribers

"If you would love to live a self-sufficient life in a tiny house, then this episode is for you! Marie is an inspiring young DIY builder who, with no previous building experience, has constructed a beautiful tiny house.

With a dream of living a self-sufficient life, her off-the-grid tiny house is a major step towards her ultimate goal.

Marie's home is lovingly built in the way that only a DIY house can be. Inside, there are beautiful touches such as hanging planters, a pallet wood wall and a wonderful round feature window.

Her home is solar powered, collects rain-water and even has other clever elements such as a bio-digesting toilet, which turns her toilet waste into gas for cooking!

Surrounding her home is a beautiful orchid and communal gardens which she shares with others who live on the property.

This really is a story about how much you can accomplish when you set your mind to something! We hope you enjoy the tour of this incredible home. "
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[onawah]

Tiny House Couple Live Dream Hobbit-Core Life On A Mountain
176,245 views Jul 22, 2022
10K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.35M subscribers

"If you’ve ever watched Lord of the Rings and found yourself dreaming of what life might be like as a hobbit, this is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss! Tiny house couple Anna and Stoph have built an incredible tiny home as part of their ultimate hobbit core life.

Before meeting Anna and Stoph, I had never heard of hobbit core but I’m so glad that I have now! Hobbit core is all about living a life of simplicity and comfort. That means good food, good drink, warmth and coziness. The amazing tiny house that this couple have created fits this vision perfectly and visiting their home is like traveling to the shire.

Anna and Stoph have also purchased a beautiful piece of land, sitting on top of a mountain with panoramic views which now surround the home. This gives the couple plenty of room to enjoy their passion of gardening and for their daughter to run around.

Enjoy the full tour of this amazing, DIY, hobbit core tiny house! For those you would like to follow Anna and Stoph’s journey you can find them on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wai.iti.ridge

Find out more about this tiny house and others on our website: https://www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com/ "

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[onawah]

Amazing Ultra Low-Cost Dream Tiny Home!
36,865 views Aug 5, 2022
4.4K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.35M subscribers

(This is one of my favorite tiny homes ever. So many beautiful touches, incredible location, and alpacas in the yard!)

"This spectacular tiny home is a true DIY dream. Constructed almost entirely from found and reclaimed materials, every inch of this home has been beautifully hand crafted.

It’s no secret that the cost of tiny houses has been rapidly increasing, as both labour and material costs skyrocket. For this reason, it’s wonderful to see that the spirt of DIY, low-cost tiny homes is still alive and well in this amazing build.

Matias and Lucila previously only had limited experience with building, yet threw themselves into this project and the result is astounding. When done well, DIY tiny homes such as this one have unparalleled character and charm.

It’s true that there is nothing quite like a handcrafted home and all throughout, this beautiful tiny house is filled with creative ideas and artistic elements that truly make this house stand out from the crowd.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this beautiful tiny home."

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[onawah]

Family builds cob home inside a geodesic dome in Norway
13,617 views 8/12/22
2K
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.36M subscribers

(Not really a tiny house, but wonderful!)

"A Norwegian family of 6 built a cob house inside of a glass dome on a remote island. This incredible home is extremely efficient, allowing the family to live here comfortably year round while growing their own vegetables and creating natural heating and cooling."

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[JackMcThorn]

This is sort of not a tiny house, but a tiny home with a small family. An adventure for sure but sorta dangerous with a little one.

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[Peace in Oz]

DIY Double Decker Bus tiny house conversion - Family of 8
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You're looking at a 47k lb, 13' 5.5" ft tall, 43ft long beast of a tiny home! The Everly family decided that time spent working, to take two weeks a year together, was off balance. With some research and a quick decision, they fell upon the double-decker bus they had renovated to suit their family and full-time travel.

This rig has two bathrooms with a separate indoor and outdoor shower! The kitchen has a farmhouse style with a deep sink, induction stove, and plenty of gear for outdoor cooking. The rooftop deck has a sturdy railing so the entire family can enjoy the views, including hammocks that can hang from the safety guards! The kids dominate a daytime play area that turns into the parents sleeping quarters at night. This crew is family-oriented and travel driven. What an adventure!

[Bill Ryan]

This may belong here as well: :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeJHlsgz7cw

[onawah]

Charming DIY Couple Show how to Make a Lot with Very Little
Off-Grid Dream Life & Amazing Garden All Started With a $2,000 Tiny House Truck!
102,519 views Aug 26, 2022
7K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.36M subscribers

"In a world where the cost of living, food and house prices are skyrocketing out of control, it’s inspiring to find people who have really hacked the system and found ways of freeing themselves. In this week's episode, we meet Brent and Greer who started with a $2,000 house truck, and ended up building an off-grid, self sufficient paradise.

After building their house truck, they set out on a road trip in search of rural land they could purchase for under $100,000 and they found their dream spot nestled by a river in the amazing and wild West Coast of New Zealand.

Over the years, while living out of their house truck, they have developed the land, growing orchards and gardens on a mission to move towards self sufficiency and food independence. This venture has been so successful, they have now even built a farm store that helps to supply their local community.

Brent and Greer are living proof that with creativity and a lot of hard work, it’s still possible to make the off-grid, tiny house dream come true for a reasonable cost.

We hope you enjoy the video tour of this amazing house and land."

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[Inversion]

These tiny Mooble homes on wheels are made in Turkey.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvOxCKW_89I

This tiny house on wheels is made in Turkey by mooble house. Orhun from mooble house presents the model "Mo.2 675" at the Caravan Salon 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

This house is 6.75 m long and 2.55 wide. This model features a flexible bedroom, a livingroom/office, a separate bathroom and a big kitchen. The ceiling is quite high and the tiny house feels spacious for a 2.55 m wide one.

[TargeT]

I kind of find this movement cute, it's socially economic dispassionate. I grew up in a 900 sqft house with 3 people, when my sister was born it was clear I was a physical space issue (as a 14 yr old, understandable imo).

and yet, I've been to many places that would find our "tiny houses" insanely luxurious.


I mean, ask bill about his neighbors abodes and how satisfaction is item independant.

[Peace in Oz]

Her Illegal Tiny House on her own Land! Civil Disobedience as Advocacy
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Robyn is a young professional living off-grid in a container tiny house on wheels on her own land. She shares a tour + insights into her unexpected journey of civil disobedience & grassroots advocacy--trying to live within her means.

[onawah]

DIY Tiny House, Urban Food Forest & Mini Village
2,362 views 9/23/22
262
Tiny House Expedition
308K subscribers

"Meet Sarah & Kevin, who built an amazing Victorian farmhouse style 10 ft wide tiny house in their own backyard. They also created an urban homestead tiny home village with lush permaculture gardens. All residents enjoy communal spaces with few rules & privacy of their own homes. 👉Follow their tiny homestead life: https://www.instagram.com/futurehomes..."

6drF6tDXNMQ

[Johnnycomelately]

Another floating one, long and narrow, a converted English canal working boat.

Starting about 3:10, the owner gives a good interview. Epic wiskers!

Vid and talk about the motor starts about 10:30. 2 cylinder 2.6 litre which produces max 18 horsepower at 1000 rpm. Living spaces are nice too, homey and efficient.

Hey are canals still a thing on Mars?

Duration 12:12.

280. The classic working narrowboat that isn't.
27,654 views Oct 13, 2022

CruisingTheCut
226K subscribers

A few weeks ago I went past the well-known historic narrowboat "Dover" on the Grand Union Canal but its looks belie its actual interior so I went back for a proper snoop around.

See Dover on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/maines_steve
See also https://hnbc.org.uk/boats/dover

For Cruising The Cut mugs, T-shirts and other great merchandise, see https://fanfiber.com/CruisingTheCut

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Info
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the YouTube music library

#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXf5Jw3C1p0

[onawah]

After Losing Everything in an Earthquake, She Built This Amazing Tiny House!
739,354 views Oct 14, 2022
26K
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.38M subscribers

"After losing her home and everything she owned in the Christchurch Earthquake of 2011, Vicki packed her bags and traveled to Australia where she built a whole new life for herself, including an amazing tiny house on wheels!

Her tiny home is beautifully built and perfectly designed to fit her lifestyle. Situated on an idyllic permaculture farm amongst the tropical forest, this really is an amazing place to call home.

Losing her home and all of her possessions in the earthquake has encouraged Vicki to build a new life focused on the things that are truly important to her and focusing on happiness, not things. There’s a lot to love about this tiny house and the inspiring woman who built it.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this stunning tiny house! "

G6QD4hk6gz0

[Johnnycomelately]

For tiny home people and fans (and re-bar experts), here is an opposite. Just to help you feel better about your sensible compromise. ~8)

A rooftop swimming pool with 27 foot walls?
49,580 views Oct 29, 2022

Mike Patey
286K subscribers

“I'm getting closer! We pour up the concrete for the swimming pool and explain a bit of the engineering behind it.”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfLmIVm8P88

[onawah]

Artful Low-Impact Living in an Amazing Tiny House!
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.4M subscribers
15K
339,874 views Jul 1, 2022

"In this weeks episode we are excited to invite you into this beautiful tiny home created by two inspired New York artists. Packed full of character, design flare and wonderfully unique features, this home is definitely one you’ll want to check out!

Beyond the art of the homes construction, this DIY home reflects Tim and Erica’s desire to live a simpler, lower impact lifestyle and is part of their overall desire to live in a more sustainable way.

We hope you enjoy the full video tour of this ultra fun and artistic tiny house!"

yeVwZvIM3Zo

[onawah]

She Started With Only $3000 And Built This Incredible Tiny House!
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.4M subscribers
8.8K
178,330 views Nov 4, 2022

( Some really beautiful touches in this totally DIY home such as the homey window seat, tiny wood burning stove, stained glass window and tech free bedroom loft, which makes for a lovely "sacred space". As the builder describes it so profoundly, coming home for her is like getting a big hug. This kind of very personal space is always what I look for most in my virtual visits to tiny homes, and I come away feeling like I've just had a big hug too. )

"In this week's episode we meet an inspiring young woman who started with only $3000 and built an incredible tiny house for herself. You never know what you can accomplish until you try and that’s exactly what Sophie discovered when she set out to construct her dream DIY tiny house.

This is a tiny home that has been beautifully crafted with love and creativity. To keep costs down, many of the items in this house have been pre-loved and up-cycled which helps to give the house a real sense of character.

Now parked up on a dream spot in Byron Bay, Queensland, this home is surrounded by beautiful permaculture gardens and is totally off-grid, capturing rain water and with a good sized solar set-up. Sophie has all she needs in her little house.

This tiny house project has also enabled Sophie to create a workshop space in her home, where she now weaves her own beautiful textiles on a vintage loom. You can find out more about her artistic work via her website: https://scribblygumweavings.com/

We hope you enjoy the tour of this remarkable tiny house and meeting the wonderful woman who built it."


LT6ZwYhRsZs

[onawah]

New laws passed in Colorado make it easier for tiny home communities to go Co-op & stay affordable.
Mountainous areas of Colorado are expected to be safe zones during and after the coming earth changes, and I imagine more people will be moving there when this becomes more widely known.

Couple Downsize into Tiny House for Affordable Living in Dream Town
Tiny House Expedition
324K subscribers
11/25/22

"Meet Kathi & Jim, "seniors" living in a 28 ft tiny house they helped build to save $. Downsizing allowed them to live in their dream town, Durango, CO. This lifestyle keeps them active & feeling young. Their resident-owned mobile home park gives them financial security after the previous owners raised the rent many times."

👉More of their tiny house lifestyle: https://www.instagram.com/kathi.macna... & https://www.instagram.com/jimmccue1
Their coop-owned mobile home park: https://animasviewmhp.coop 🏘️
🛠️ Rocky Mountain Tiny Houses: https://rockymountaintinyhouses.com

DTABGI6aEc0

[onawah]

Hobbit Homes in the hills of Tennessee! Tiny House Tours
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.51M subscribers
5.5K
72,667 views Feb 3, 2023

"Joe and Justin have designed one of the most magical tiny home getaways in Tennessee! Join us in Mountain Shire to tour "The Green Man," "The Woodland," and "The Serenity." Mountain Shire has 5 themed Tiny Houses available for nightly rental, each one more whimsical than the last!"

hZnunPL2-Cg

The Nook On The Hill Is Not Your Average Small Home
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.43M subscribers
20K
402,592 views Feb 3, 2023

"The Nook On The Hill isn’t your average house. Far from it. It’s small in size, but huge in heart. There’s love built into the walls of this home. Memory of friends and family. For its builders and owners, Benj and Holly, it’s a place of sanctuary and healing.

This small house has everything. It’s filled with character and brilliant design. Spatially, it’s an efficient home which boasts all the best qualities of tiny homes and small space design in a slightly larger and grounded structure. It’s solar powered and built with many reclaimed materials. It’s filled with art, colour, and treasured handcrafted items.

Beyond all that though, this home has a character which extends out far beyond its brick and mortar. It tells a deep story of love, loss and perseverance.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this very special home. "

2NcI3obiHn0

Architect’s Tiny Marvels: Ultra Clever Tiny Houses For Family Living
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.43M subscribers
3.3K
32,847 views
Feb 10, 2023

"These tiny houses are unlike any you’ve seen before. From the amazing polycarbonate walls which fill the interior with filtered light, to the genius windows design providing inbuilt seasonal shading, some seriously clever idea’s have been poured into these homes.

Wayne is an architect, who had an amazing time allowing his creativity to run wild on designing two dream houses for his family to call home. Here, Wayne was able to test out some seriously out-of-the-box ideas and the results will leave you speechless!

This week, we visit not just one but two tiny houses which have been brilliantly designed to work together as a family home. One tiny house is shared by Anthea and Wayne, while the other houses their two daughters, Darienne and Remony, giving plenty of space and privacy for each member of the family.

Enjoy the full tour of these amazing tiny homes! You can following the families downsized adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tambourines... "

JrQ_6Wo92AE


Family builds stunning Container Home between two cliffs!
2/10/23
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.51M subscribers
2K
18,870 views

"Seth and Emily have been building container homes for several years now, and they've gotten very good at it. So good, in fact, that they quit their jobs to do this full time. In today's video, we're touring one of their more recent creations, the Roca BoxHop, which they use as a vacation rental (so you can come visit)! They explain the ins and outs of working with containers, the pros and cons, as well as why they love it."

_tujqna1eVo

[onawah]

A Tiny House Like A Zen Forest
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.44M subscribers
24,842 views Mar 24, 2023

"Every now and then you stumble upon a home which has been constructed with true consideration and attention to wellness and quality of life and this tiny house is one of those places.

Immediately upon entering the home it’s like stepping into a zen garden with an abundance of plants and decoration which wonderfully connects the home to the outdoors and nature. With a background in landscape architecture, it’s no surprise that Fabian has masterfully connected the home to his abundant gardens.

This is a well designed tiny house, which focuses on quality of life, versatility, multifunction, and connection to community. The home has been designed around entertaining and the ability to accommodate friends while also creating space for things that Fabian is passionate about such as his music.

Fabian shares the tiny house part time with his partner, Setph, who is also passionate about gardening and growing food. Together, they have established abundant edible gardens on their rented plot of land, which provides much of the food the couple eat.

After years of traveling, Fabian was craving a place he could call home, a space where he could express himself and which would make him feel connected to the land and enable him to put down roots. What he has built in the form of this tiny house is just that and so much more.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this wonderful tiny home and gardens. To find out more about Fabian and his journey, you can visit his website: https://www.fabianlow.com/

Find out more about this tiny house and others on our website: https://www.livingbiginatinyhouse.com/ "

fORE70gUHOE

[onawah]

Enchanting Tiny House On Huge Organic Farm In France
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.48M subscribers
5,974 views
Jul 21, 2023

"This enchanting, whimsically styled tiny home is a sight to behold. Located on a spectacular 100 hectare organic farm in France, with abundant gardens and a dream view overlooking a lake, this is a home capable of making your heart stand still for the beauty!

There is so much clever design and function which has gone into this DIY built tiny home. Constructed on an old tractor trailer, there is a lot of great thought and design which has been poured into this space. I'm especially a huge fan of the full sized piano in the main room!

And you can't look past the incredible setting of this home, with abundant rural views and dream gardens all around. This couple even grow enough fresh produce that they decided to get rid of their fridge! Now that's living the dream!

We hope you enjoy the full tour of this amazing tiny house. "

I_dDLn2aJro

[palehorse]

Enchanting Tiny House On Huge Organic Farm In France
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.48M subscribers
5,974 views
Jul 21, 2023

"This enchanting, whimsically styled tiny home is a sight to behold. Located on a spectacular 100 hectare organic farm in France, with abundant gardens and a dream view overlooking a lake, this is a home capable of making your heart stand still for the beauty!

There is so much clever design and function which has gone into this DIY built tiny home. Constructed on an old tractor trailer, there is a lot of great thought and design which has been poured into this space. I'm especially a huge fan of the full sized piano in the main room!

And you can't look past the incredible setting of this home, with abundant rural views and dream gardens all around. This couple even grow enough fresh produce that they decided to get rid of their fridge! Now that's living the dream!

We hope you enjoy the full tour of this amazing tiny house. "




That is wonderful, it looks so big inside. Thanks for sharing.

[onawah]

Tiny Home Built with Love
A Dream Family Tiny House Design
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.51M subscribers
Sep 1, 2023

In this week's episode we meet an inspiring couple who have designed an incredible tiny home for their young family.

There’s plenty of space, with a large living room and kitchen and a playroom for the kids. Everything has been designed with easy family living and safety for the children in mind, with secure features added throughout the home to give the parents peace of mind.

Mitch and Taj have created a beautiful home for their family here. This home goes to show that with some good design and with a little help from some great philosophy, it’s possible for a young family to thrive in a tiny house.

Completely off-the-grid and parked up on a stunning rural section, it’s a dream place for them to raise their beautiful family.

You can follow this family's tiny house adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhomepar...

We hope you enjoy the tour of this lovely family tiny house. "

vvmUkWWHpBo

[Rizotto]

This is such an interesting thread, but I probably won't have the time to go through it all. Right now I'm searching for a tiny house that would be entirely made of lego-like blocs that could be loaded on a big truck or barge to remote locations, put together and dismantled if and when necessary. The blocs would have to be made of a sturdy fire-proof material that can withstand grizzly bears, hurricane winds, firestorms from the local boreal forest, insulated for minus 40 degrees winter, withstand a heavy snow load, impervious to carpenter ants or rot, and of course waterproof.

(Believe or not, many folks live here north of 60 latitude with all these hazards, and we love it. But the housing crisis here is getting more dire every day, so we desperately need solutions.)

That structure probably would have to be arch shaped (like a quonset hut), and positioned halfway into the ground for strength and protection. The floor could be part or the overall bloc structure. Approximately 400 square feet.

I've looked in a lot of places, but haven't yet found anything that would include the above requirements. Any suggestions?

[apokalypse]

i watched alot of these VAN turn into home lately...one of my dream or a thing.

iR5mXbMCIfQ

my fav is this video where Driver/passenger seats able to become seats for work.

ov8rtDow-_Q

many Van have shower space but take too much space, i love how this guy able to convert into bench..i could make full use of those space able to convert to storage space not only for showers.
81qXQYqegVY

[apokalypse]

I have had the thought of having a minimalistic house for a long time. This van pretty much describes what's on my mind – having a space that can transform into more than just a kitchen but also other types of rooms a office space and bedroom. Times i could not cook inside because of smell so try to cook outside as possible.

https://i.imgur.com/ste2LDM.png
https://i.imgur.com/ntwsiHQ.png
https://i.imgur.com/nBE3Jch.png

ZSfd8nkhHT8

[Inversion]

This video demonstrates tiny homes, dwellings for events and refugees and inflatable aircraft shelters.

09/23/23 (only playable on YouTube)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCN5c_OW_g8

[apokalypse]

8cnDWOkUiUY

i really enjoy watching these videos of camping and seems more suited for me instead of vans...there's few other korean channels on camping doing solo and i can see myself like that.

[onawah]

Tour An Amazing Permaculture Farm With Food Forest Gardens & Tiny House Community
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.52M subscribers
Oct 6, 2023

"If you aspire to turn your garden, big or small, into a highly productive food garden, Craig is offering an exclusive special price to the Living Big audience for his Food Garden Transformation course. Find out more here: https://www.shambhalaliving.com.au/li...

Now this is a place that has it all! Shambhala Farm is an incredibly special farm in Queensland Australia. Here, there are abundant gardens operating on permaculture and syntropic farm principles, as well as a brilliant tiny house community.

Some of you may even recognise Vicky's tiny home in this video! This is the community where her stunning tiny house found it's parking spot. You can see the tour of her home here:

• After Losing Everything in an Earthqu...

As many of you know, I have a background in permaculture and it's been a passion of mine for many years. I'm really excited to share this amazing place with you which has so much going on!

In addition to supplying his wider community with wonderful organic produce, Craig and Shambhala Farm have also created one of the best food garden courses out there."

av21WMTeXes

[Ewan]

Not sure this entirely qualifies as 'tiny' but certainly not far off.

g1SWg1dLtM4

Edit: ~to add...

The youtube channel that posted the above offering has many more interesting tiny home projects.

https://www.youtube.com/@AlternativeHouse/videos

[palehorse]

This is such an interesting thread, but I probably won't have the time to go through it all. Right now I'm searching for a tiny house that would be entirely made of lego-like blocs that could be loaded on a big truck or barge to remote locations, put together and dismantled if and when necessary. The blocs would have to be made of a sturdy fire-proof material that can withstand grizzly bears, hurricane winds, firestorms from the local boreal forest, insulated for minus 40 degrees winter, withstand a heavy snow load, impervious to carpenter ants or rot, and of course waterproof.

(Believe or not, many folks live here north of 60 latitude with all these hazards, and we love it. But the housing crisis here is getting more dire every day, so we desperately need solutions.)

That structure probably would have to be arch shaped (like a quonset hut), and positioned halfway into the ground for strength and protection. The floor could be part or the overall bloc structure. Approximately 400 square feet.

I've looked in a lot of places, but haven't yet found anything that would include the above requirements. Any suggestions?


I think it is important to state that I am not a builder, just an enthusiast, but I had done things on my own, so I have a bit of hands on.

You are probably talking about a frame with blocks fitting in with all the qualities you described above, I don't think there is anything the way you want, at least not mobile, You will have to do a research on materials available in your region and then design the model you seen fit for your needs.

Insulation can be trick but there is good materials that will provide with a nice and warm environment, things like sheep wool, straw bales or similar, hemp is also good for that, their fibers can hold the heat in the winter and make it cool in the summer, the negative point, they are heavy and it must be wrapped with an external waterproof material, in other words it must be inside the block or the walls/panels and sealed. Another material that comes to mind is polystyrene foam (super light) it is also used as insulator in so many ways for hot and cold, just a matter of engineering the idea to fit it inside the lego blocks, so based on what you want we are at least dealing with the insulator material + the shell, the case or just a wrapper.


Here is what also comes to mind:


Geodesic dome

Some sort of reinforced geodesic dome, these structures can be mounted in a day! But so far the ones I saw they "softly" insulated with something called "thermo membrane" and "insulation liner", maybe there is something more advanced in terms of materials, the good thing with domes, they will survive winds up to 300km/h, but not so sure if will resist fire. Just like the old Yurt the colder it get more you wrap it with new sheets for insulation, when summer arrives the sheets of insulation can be removed and stored for next winter.


I hope that gives some ideas and good luck with your project, seems like a very interesting one.


[EDIT]

Ok, a little research and found this company, it seems it will stand hard winters, check the materials that is used with these domes.
https://fdomes.com/fdomes-glamping-in-cold-climates-guide-2/

[Rizotto]

This is such an interesting thread, but I probably won't have the time to go through it all. Right now I'm searching for a tiny house that would be entirely made of lego-like blocs that could be loaded on a big truck or barge to remote locations, put together and dismantled if and when necessary. The blocs would have to be made of a sturdy fire-proof material that can withstand grizzly bears, hurricane winds, firestorms from the local boreal forest, insulated for minus 40 degrees winter, withstand a heavy snow load, impervious to carpenter ants or rot, and of course waterproof.

(Believe or not, many folks live here north of 60 latitude with all these hazards, and we love it. But the housing crisis here is getting more dire every day, so we desperately need solutions.)

That structure probably would have to be arch shaped (like a quonset hut), and positioned halfway into the ground for strength and protection. The floor could be part or the overall bloc structure. Approximately 400 square feet.

I've looked in a lot of places, but haven't yet found anything that would include the above requirements. Any suggestions?


I think it is important to state that I am not a builder, just an enthusiast, but I had done things on my own, so I have a bit of hands on.

You are probably talking about a frame with blocks fitting in with all the qualities you described above, I don't think there is anything the way you want, at least not mobile, You will have to do a research on materials available in your region and then design the model you seen fit for your needs.

Insulation can be trick but there is good materials that will provide with a nice and warm environment, things like sheep wool, straw bales or similar, hemp is also good for that, their fibers can hold the heat in the winter and make it cool in the summer, the negative point, they are heavy and it must be wrapped with an external waterproof material, in other words it must be inside the block or the walls/panels and sealed. Another material that comes to mind is polystyrene foam (super light) it is also used as insulator in so many ways for hot and cold, just a matter of engineering the idea to fit it inside the lego blocks, so based on what you want we are at least dealing with the insulator material + the shell, the case or just a wrapper.


Here is what also comes to mind:


Geodesic dome

Some sort of reinforced geodesic dome, these structures can be mounted in a day! But so far the ones I saw they "softly" insulated with something called "thermo membrane" and "insulation liner", maybe there is something more advanced in terms of materials, the good thing with domes, they will survive winds up to 300km/h, but not so sure if will resist fire. Just like the old Yurt the colder it get more you wrap it with new sheets for insulation, when summer arrives the sheets of insulation can be removed and stored for next winter.


I hope that gives some ideas and good luck with your project, seems like a very interesting one.


[EDIT]

Ok, a little research and found this company, it seems it will stand hard winters, check the materials that is used with these domes.
https://fdomes.com/fdomes-glamping-in-cold-climates-guide-2/

Wow, domes are so nice looking. And probably earthquake resistant too, which is what we need here. But by the looks of it the soft covering material shown in the above video wouldn't survive the claws of a curious bear. I've seen bears poke their claws through stuff that didn't even have any food smell, e.g. a clean plastic water bucket, just because they can. I wish they didn't do that... Had to repair or replace many things over the years of bush life because of probing bear claws.

But this got me thinking. What about pre-manufactered blocks for building a geodesic dome, that would assemble like lego pieces, which is how igloos are built after all. With gaskets or lip around each piece that would keep moisture out. Made of a fireproof material with insulative properties... Each bloc weighing no more than 10 kilos, sized for handling by one person. Aircrete? And some would be clear plexiglass, as windows. Just thinking aloud here.

I was also thinking of the most abundant building material here in the north: spruce logs. For thousand years the native build their lodges by first digging a shallow pit, then arranging spruce or pine poles around the pit teepee fashion, gaps chinked with moss, then plastering the whole structure with clay on the outside. I've been in one of those places, and I'm sure it would be warm enough with a fire in the centre, but it was so dark... I don't think they used those in summer, as the clay would most likely wash away under the rain.

Another option would be an arched structure made of squared logs, slightly tapered on one side, so that they would gradually form an arch when piled on top of each other. The whole thing covered by the pliable tin roofing, which is quite portable. It would look like this, more or less:
AMAZING RUSTIC ARCHED CABINS TINY HOUSES FOR ONLY $5K

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvqRKkPBXxs

Dream on...

[onawah]

21 Year Old's Ingenious £5,000 DIY Tiny Home
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.52M subscribers
Oct 27, 2023

"This weeks episode is my absolute favourite kind. An innovative tiny house design which has been DIY built and for a budget which is truly hard to believe!

Over the past years we have seen the cost of building sore to new heights and I never thought I'd see another tiny home built for a budget even close to this! In a world where now even the majority of DIY projects can be accompanied by some huge budgets, it's amazing to know that this is still possible!

Jack's project was made possible by a tremendous amount of hard work though. Doing the build over a period of three years gave him a lot of time to cleverly source materials and chip away at the project. Still, he is now only 21 years old and has his very own tiny home! What an accomplishment! "

4I14QzRY8BI

[palehorse]

.. Any suggestions?


...

Wow, domes are so nice looking. And probably earthquake resistant too, which is what we need here. But by the looks of it the soft covering material shown in the above video wouldn't survive the claws of a curious bear. I've seen bears poke their claws through stuff that didn't even have any food smell, e.g. a clean plastic water bucket, just because they can. I wish they didn't do that... Had to repair or replace many things over the years of bush life because of probing bear claws.

But this got me thinking. What about pre-manufactered blocks for building a geodesic dome, that would assemble like lego pieces, which is how igloos are built after all. With gaskets or lip around each piece that would keep moisture out. Made of a fireproof material with insulative properties... Each bloc weighing no more than 10 kilos, sized for handling by one person. Aircrete? And some would be clear plexiglass, as windows. Just thinking aloud here.

I was also thinking of the most abundant building material here in the north: spruce logs. For thousand years the native build their lodges by first digging a shallow pit, then arranging spruce or pine poles around the pit teepee fashion, gaps chinked with moss, then plastering the whole structure with clay on the outside. I've been in one of those places, and I'm sure it would be warm enough with a fire in the centre, but it was so dark... I don't think they used those in summer, as the clay would most likely wash away under the rain.

Another option would be an arched structure made of squared logs, slightly tapered on one side, so that they would gradually form an arch when piled on top of each other. The whole thing covered by the pliable tin roofing, which is quite portable. It would look like this, more or less:
AMAZING RUSTIC ARCHED CABINS TINY HOUSES FOR ONLY $5K

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvqRKkPBXxs

Dream on...


Yes I loved the rustic arched cabin from your link. The only issue I spotted is that front door with large windows, this is no good for insulation, besides that I the walls seems to be thick enough and there is a wood stove in the center which will keep it warm anyway.

Regarding what you wrote here "pre-manufactered blocks for building a geodesic dome", yes I see it is possible using some light weight material like acrylic to make a double wall side block insulated with for example fiber glass, it would be strong enough to stop bears and even stop bullets, they sell the acrylic sheet which could be cut in the correct triangular sizes for the dome (but it would need a small frame to fit in, perhaps a stainless steel frame or anything stronger enough to avoid bending under pressure), if I am not wrong it is called "plexiglas" and it has UV protection built in, it is much lightweight material and a way more resistant than glass, I have seen it in use in some constructions sites, it replace glass easily in some cases, you will find it coated or uncoated for the bullet proof ones. Another thing it is so easy to cut in the shape you need, it is not like glass and that would probably give you what you are expecting 10kg per block.

Aircrete is an amazing solution, it is easier to insulate walls using it, but when it dries, the only way to remove is breaking it, so unless you insulate the blocks with aircrete, I don't see how it would fit in your project. The aircrete could even go inside the dome acrylic blocks, I would look into cost-benefit of both materials + do some research to know more about mixing aircrete with acrylic, see if it is not corrosive or would destroy the properties of acrylic with time.. the fiber glass I know it will not.

To be frank, I would go with a wood/log cabin with a nice wood stove to heat that up, but as you said you need it to be mobile and a log cabin isn't that haha

The best of luck with your decision :handshake:

[Rizotto]

Wow! A community of 90 tiny houses for the homeless! But like they said in the video it's just a drop in the bucket of what's needed. There is an incredibly severe affordable housing shortage in Canada. And it's getting worse every week thanks to the hyperinflation directly caused by Turdeau's inane policies.

If you're homeless in Canada, you're not only out of luck, often time you don't survive the winter. Many blessings to this generous businessman.
And these tiny homes are quite well designed. Check it out.

Millionaire builds 99 tiny homes to help his community

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pst6Z6vb9fI

[onawah]

UK Actors' Spectacular Tiny Home On London Outskirts
Living Big In A Tiny House
11/3/23
4.53M subscribers

(This very original DIY cozy tiny home is just oozing personality and charm.
My favorite kind of tiny home, made of largely recycled materials, yet which looks and feels so uniquely expressive of the designers/builders/dwellers/.)

NKVnNbCMLl8

[onawah]

DIY Tiny House with the Most INCREDIBLE Interior Design!
Exploring Alternatives
2.33M subscribers
Jun 16, 2019

(Another very creative couple with a charming DIY tiny house and a lovely life style they've built around it.)

"Braelyn and James are two artists who poured their creativity into this beautiful DIY tiny house build. For just under $60,000 CAD they built a 32-foot tiny house with two staircases, two patio doors, and two king-sized lofts with a bridge connecting them. The interior design was inspired by Mykonos Island in Greece, which is where the idea came to have archways, white walls, a painted stone floor, and greenery overhanging the living spaces.

Follow Braelyn and James on Instagram here:


/ littlestar_tinyhouse


/ crystal.cave.canada

After feeling trapped in the rent cycle in Toronto where the monthly cost of an apartment made it difficult to save money and get ahead, they spent several years dreaming and making tiny house models using foam core. When they were finally able to save some money and received a small insurance settlement, they took the plunge and started building a tiny house.

The couple was lucky that they were able to find a free indoor space to build their tiny house through friends of theirs, and the four of them eventually collaborated together to open a business at the same time - Crystal Cave.

Now the final step is that Braelyn and James are looking for land in an unorganized township in Ontario where it can be legal to live in a tiny house so they can live full-time in their beautiful tiny home on wheels. In the meantime, we were super excited to tour their tiny house and see all of the creative ideas they incorporated into the build.

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle"

fGPlKJQBkLo

[onawah]

They Turned This £1 Grain Silo Into An ASTOUNDING Tiny Home!
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.53M subscribers
Nov 17, 2023

"This week's story is really out of the ordinary! We visit an english backyard where an old grain silo, purchased online for only £1 has been transformed into a the most incredible tiny home.
Each and every inch of this home has been lovingly crafted. Bob and Carol Ann have poured their art and creativity into this home and the result is like nothing we have seen before.
The silo home is completely functional and yet filled with jaw dropping design features. Stepping into this silo home is almost like walking into an industrial castle, with metal, timber and concrete all working beautifully together to create a truly elemental feeling abode.
We hope you enjoy the full tour of this amazing backyard treasure. To find out more about Bob's artwork, you can visit his website here: https://www.stig-art.co.uk/ "

_Z1STIG88GM

*********************
He’s living the Tiny House dream on his waterfront land, debt-free!
Tiny House Expedition
404K subscribers
11/17/23

"Meet Lawerance, who has lived in 2 tiny homes since 2016. After his first micro tiny home on wheels was stolen (& recovered!), he upgraded to an 8.5 m / 28 ft THOW. He purchased an affordable tiny house shell & finished out the interior. Then, he found a great deal on owner-financed land. It's a waterfront property on the Puget Sound with an old-growth forest--now paid off! Follow his tiny homestead adventures: @LawsonWoodsPNW 🌲"

qHbQJ0syQMk

*******************
Young couple buys Tiny House, container & private land
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.65M subscribers
11/17/23

"Bryan and Chloe bought a tiny house as a way to own a home and land on a budget. In this episode, we take a tour of their home, property, and shipping container which they use for extra space and storage."

FeoKnt4d4i8

*************
Super Talented Builder Creates an Amazing Tiny House for His Family – FULL TOUR
Exploring Alternatives
2.33M subscribers
Nov 12, 2023

"This is a stunning 300-square-foot jungle tiny home on wheels with a screened-in porch/lanai that provides an additional 300 square feet of covered living space. It's located in Kaua'i, Hawai'i, and was built by Jack for his family of 4 (soon to be 5!). He is an incredible natural builder with over 22 years of experience and the majority of the materials he uses are reclaimed, sustainable, and invasive species like albizia trees.

Not only do we get a tour of this jungle home, but we also get a peek at some of Jack's previous builds, including a skoolie conversion, the wave tiny house, and his latest project which is a tiny house on wheels that he will be donating to a family in Lahaina who was affected by the Maui wildfire.

You can donate to the fundraiser here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/sol-projex... "

IKzVZxzwO9k

[Rizotto]

A domed 'beam & sod' shelter for very cold climate. The construction part starts at 7:00.

Interesting design, but I know from experience that in very cold climate you don't want a high wide open ceiling because that's where all the heat goes, instantly, unless you have a big fan system. Not practical for off-grid locations. If building high enough for a second story, best to completely enclose it with a ceiling/floor, and install a trap door at the stairs to keep the heat down. You could also install a few vent holes in the floor, with sliding shutters, to adjust the temperature upstairs. Also, a full upstairs floor makes a better use of space.

He built $2K remote dome cabin amid freezing Siberian wilderness (step-by-step)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UVzeDhCpRI

[meat suit]

Lovely building,
The problems I have seen with the turf roofs is that rodents will dig in towards the warmth and munch away at the water proofing membrane. There is a rubber material called EPDM that is a favourate of the rodents as they seem to get high from it.
The membranes need to be solidly glued to the timber deck below to make it tough to bite through.
Another issue is condensation , but hey.. 6weeks work and 2k cost.. amazing..

[Johnnycomelately]

Lovely building,
The problems I have seen with the turf roofs is that rodents will dig in towards the warmth and munch away at the water proofing membrane. There is a rubber material called EPDM that is a favourate of the rodents as they seem to get high from it.
The membranes need to be solidly glued to the timber deck below to make it tough to bite through.
Another issue is condensation , but hey.. 6weeks work and 2k cost.. amazing..

Here are some truly TINY houses, which might or might not help with the mousies’ collateral damage.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpnENSdpW3A

[ozmirage]

I could probably dwell in a small volume, but all my toys need a big HONKIN house...

[Johnnycomelately]

I could probably dwell in a small volume, but all my toys need a big HONKIN house...

That sounds about right, for someone planning on doling out spaces on a multi thousand cubic mile space domicile. Just call it “Engineering Spaces”, or “Warp Drive Clearance Spaces”, and go have shooting ranges and places to fly funky four-D retro airplanes. Please do a Captain’s Log “outtakes episode” on how you will try to keep the proletariat out of your fun spaces. Asking for Big Mouse, one of my big friends. ...don’t make me go asking Big Skunk, they are even more territorial...

Edit: Poe’s Law. ~;D

[ozmirage]

I could probably dwell in a small volume, but all my toys need a big HONKIN house...

That sounds about right, for someone planning on doling out spaces on a multi thousand cubic mile space domicile. Just call it “Engineering Spaces”, or “Warp Drive Clearance Spaces”, and go have shooting ranges and places to fly funky four-D retro airplanes. Please do a Captain’s Log “outtakes episode” on how you will try to keep the proletariat out of your fun spaces. Asking for Big Mouse, one of my big friends. ...don’t make me go asking Big Skunk, they are even more territorial...

Edit: Poe’s Law. ~;D
Don't get attached to anything you can't take with you when you pass over.
Am currently a sequential linear time bound, partially furred, variously garbed, electrically powered, water filled, gas processing, food cooking, meat bag, inhabited by a nondimensional sentient and sapient conscious being, in search of a rich widow to support me in the manner in which I never have been accustomed. (wink,wink)
My Credo : Strive to be the kind of person you would enjoy spending eternity with, otherwise you may become a person that’s hell to be around.

[Johnnycomelately]

Well this is interesting. Nice try with that Credo, but with that attitude you might deserve to be surrounded by people who are “hell to be around”. And have you thought that that might be mutual?

About rich widows, like any widows, I am cautious. Because, by definition, some poor dude died on those ladies’ watch.




I could probably dwell in a small volume, but all my toys need a big HONKIN house...

That sounds about right, for someone planning on doling out spaces on a multi thousand cubic mile space domicile. Just call it “Engineering Spaces”, or “Warp Drive Clearance Spaces”, and go have shooting ranges and places to fly funky four-D retro airplanes. Please do a Captain’s Log “outtakes episode” on how you will try to keep the proletariat out of your fun spaces. Asking for Big Mouse, one of my big friends. ...don’t make me go asking Big Skunk, they are even more territorial...

Edit: Poe’s Law. ~;D
Don't get attached to anything you can't take with you when you pass over.
Am currently a sequential linear time bound, partially furred, variously garbed, electrically powered, water filled, gas processing, food cooking, meat bag, inhabited by a nondimensional sentient and sapient conscious being, in search of a rich widow to support me in the manner in which I never have been accustomed. (wink,wink)
My Credo : Strive to be the kind of person you would enjoy spending eternity with, otherwise you may become a person that’s hell to be around.

[onawah]

Spaceship tiny home turning heads in the neighborhood
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.71M subscribers

"Take a tour of Kirby's spaceship home, which is built over his sunken garage. The inside is fully decked out with a full bar, sleeping space, office, bathroom, flight console, and (of course) a freezing tube bay."

AW5Zc_eqarA


MORE FUTURISTIC & SPACE HOMES:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbxRepdOq2MnK5gn-A39vNfNv9yH65KGS

[onawah]

Tiny House of Dragon - fantasy filled tiny home inside & out
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.73M subscribers
6/17/24

Mountain Shire is a fantasy-themed tiny house hotel located near the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Today we're featuring their "House of Dragon" tiny home, which is an homage to the dragons from Middle Earth to Westeros.

aDf8MD8hkw8

[onawah]

Some problems with tiny homes and some solutions
The Dark Side Of Tiny Homes
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.58M subscribers
Jun 21, 2024

"Now this is a video that I didn't really want to make, but I feel it's necessary. As much as I have a truly deep love of the tiny house movement, I can't ignore that there is a dark side to all of this and that is what I would like to explore in this video.

My intention with this video isn't to put anyone off buying or building a tiny home. It's to take an honest look at some of the issues around the tiny house movement and also the wider economy that makes tiny homes so necessary. I hope you find the information here valuable."

u78HdS4_0tM

Tiny Homes Have a HUGE Problem
Two Bit da Vinci
679K subscribers
Apr 20, 2024

"We all know housing prices have gone totally bonkers, whether you're renting or buying! 😱 With big cities around the world desperate for affordable housing, tiny homes seemed like the perfect solution. But hold on—tiny homes have some surprising problems you might not know about! 🤯
Why won't tiny homes fix the housing crisis? Let's dive into the unexpected issues and figure this out together! Join me as we uncover the truth behind the tiny house hype! 🏠🔍✨"

AHSKtNU-gKw


Family's Amazing Tiny House Life - Building, Advocacy & Tiny Hotel
Tiny House Expedition
440K subscribers
Premiered May 3, 2024

"Meet Todd & Morgan McKellips, the lovely couple who are helping others experience, build, and live legally in tiny houses across the state of Washington. Enjoy a tour of 3 very different THOWs & learn about 3 tiny house state laws they help get passed! ❤️ Todd & Morgan lived in a tiny converted office loft when they first got married while struggling to make ends meet. Ultimately, this experience led Todd to take over the Seattle Tiny Homes building company and start the Washington Tiny House Association. Later, they had the opportunity to buy the Roots Collective Farm. There, they run the Tiny Home Hotel, build tiny homes, and support local nonprofits like a food bank."

GSUyLjtAVOM

[onawah]

3 RESOURCEFUL TINY HOMES *Let's Go Green!* *Marathon* | Tiny House Nation | Home.Made.Nation
Home.Made.Nation
Apr 5, 2024

"Check out these 3 resourceful environmentally friendly tiny homes, see more in this Tiny House Nation marathon.
00:00 - Episode 1: 340 Sq Ft Solar Powered Studio
41:15 - Episode 2: 520 Sq Ft Tiny Maoil Hale
01:23:28 - Episode 3: 280 Sq Ft Bohemian Tree House"

(My DVD player went kaput so over the past week and while waiting for my new one to arrive, I've been watching this really fun yoube channel online called Home.Made.Nation. I love watching tiny home tours, and this one also shows tiny homes being custom built, which is even better.
I just watched the second in this threesome of tiny home builds and really enjoyed it.
The new home is built on the Big Island of Hawaii for 2 lesbians (and their adopted 3 year old son) who are into "Eco-Feminism" and who want to start a women's spiritual retreat center on their land.
What I loved was not just the airy home, scenic location and spiritual purpose, but the fact that the building team brought in a native Hawaiian holy woman/shamaness who blessed the home for the new owners.
I don't at all doubt that what she said is true, that the blessing would help to attract more blessings.
I had a Native American shamaness come and bless my current home, and I could really feel the positive and grounding energy from it.)

sv9Z_MQyRdY

[Johnnycomelately]

18 square meters is pretty tiny, yes?

Not enough floor space to be officially legal as a living/home space, they get around that by listing them as “offices” lol. A whole huge high rise of illicit TINY HOMES. 😊👻😎

Poland’s micro-apartments: A life of luxury in 18 square meters? | Focus on Europe

DW News

5.21M subscribers


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L99Z4yH6pso

[Johnnycomelately]

Steam powered tiny house!

Most of the talk and a lot of the views are about the steam aspect, but this is the only one of 9 current steam powered canal narrow boats in the UK that serves as a house.

338. This narrowboat has a surprise inside...

CruisingTheCut

255K subscribers


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zyhXKisrDw

[onawah]

Her Sweet Tiny House in Amazing Tiny Home Community She Built in FL
Tiny House Expedition
447K subscribers
Premiered Aug 30, 2024

"Meet Jinkie, an inspiring tiny house advocate, community developer & tiny homeowner.
Her search for a satisfying, simple lifestyle led her to the world of tiny homes, but she quickly learned about the legal barriers.
Over the next several years, she worked to change the local laws and then developed Peacewind Cottage & Tiny Home Community in Cocoa, Florida.
It's on a wooded, spacious property with a mixture of small cottages and tiny houses on wheels.
Offers both lots for sale or rent, plus a selection of long-term rental homes.
Jinkie lives in a charming 26' THOW with a large screened-in deck.
It's situated on a large lot that she owns, with a fenced-in yard & an adorable red barn garage for her Mini Cooper."

ntJqXk-eU2w

[onawah]

Remarkable DIY Woman! Self-Sufficiency and Freedom in a Tiny Home Like None You’ve Seen Before! 🤩
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.61M subscribers
Oct 18, 2024

"We have never seen anything quite like this before. Situated in the idyllic French countryside is a self-resilient homestead that's in a league of it's own. Built for an incredible budget, this home and the woman who constructed it are nothing short of incredible.

Marie is a geo-biologist and animal therapist, but that doesn't even come close to describing this remarkable woman. Her talents have extended into all kinds of experimental building and amazing homesteading innovations on her journey to self-sufficiency and a life of freedom.

There is so much to say about her astonishing home that I'm not even going to try. You'll have to watch the video and find out for yourself. This is definitely one you don't want to miss!

We hope you enjoy the video. A huge thank-you to our French videographer Gabrielle for seeking out this amazing story for us to share with you and thank-you to Marie for inviting us into her one-of-a-kind home.

You can find out more about Marie's work here: https://comanimalier.com/ "

HwdOljMl8Q0

[onawah]

Young Artist Transforms An Old Bus Into A Magical Tiny Home
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.61M subscribers
Aug 16, 2024

"This is a tiny house like no other we have seen before. An old bus, no longer drivable, has been transported onto a beautiful section and given new life as an artist's tiny home amongst the trees.

The bus sits in place almost as if a forgotten relic, slowly being overtaken by the beauty of nature and the surrounding flora. The first signs of habitation shimmer from the spectacular outdoor living area, glistening with thousands of fairy lights which surround the place and add to an otherworldly feeling.

Upon entering the bus, there is a distinct feeling as though you’ve been transported to another world. Beautifully styled in a whimsical fashion, the tiny house is immediately warm and welcoming. The large windows help to retain the impression of being surrounded by nature while remaining protected inside the structure.

Chelsea, an artist, created this space not only as a place to live, but also a place to create and to be inspired. The result, simply magical.

We hope you enjoy the tour of this unusual and beautiful tiny home. You can follow Chelsea and her artistic adventures via her socials here: https://linktr.ee/studiolomandra "

pyIiT3yAdqc

[Johnnycomelately]

Hey all the/you Avalon ~normies, check this out. Tiny houses can rock!

A tiny-house boat in motion, on the deep blue sea this time. Long form, L= 1:29:55.

All about the journey, and the managing of the house, but it’s there to see throughout.

James has sailed from the west coat of USA, and iirc his intention is to circumnavigate. I have followed his journey since after Hawaii, and he took on a 2nd crew member (and seems soul mate) Rhonda when exploring Australia. She is a Kiwi (New Zeelander), who had been van-lifeing in Oz, so knew how to live in a tiny house. She has her own YT chan, about cooking great meals in tiny homes, and made pizza here on this passage.

Sailing From Australia to Southeast Asia on a 30ft sailboat; Rhonda's First Ocean Passage

Sailing Triteia
147K subscribers

5460 views Nov 23, 2024

“Please join us for the premiere of my latest long format passage film, Sailing to Indonesia! We will be on the live chat watching it with you all and conversing about what was happening and answering any questions you might have!

After 7 months and 2145NM visiting 85 anchorages, it was time to say goodbye to Australia and sail to Southeast Asia to Indonesia!
This was Rhonda's first ever ocean passage and the first time she had sailed out of the sight of land. The passage took us 6 days and 16 hours a distance of 724NM. We had big winds to start and the big seas that come with them, dodge tons of ships and fishing fleets, made repairs along the way and had a pizza party at sea. Follow ‪@LoveGrubGalley‬ to see the complete video of her making pizza from scratch at sea (which will be up very soon).

I hope you enjoy this long format passage film, my first with someone else onboard Triteia!”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1lJlA6zoGs

[onawah]

Tiny House Family builds sustainable home for Maui wildfire survivors
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.78M subscribers
1/21/25

"In this episode, we explore Sol Projex, the brainchild of Jack Whitfield - a holistic property that strives to support humanitarian efforts with a focus on organic and sustainable practices. Currently, they are building a tiny home for a family that lost their home in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. On the gorgeous property is also Jack's self-built tiny home, which he shares with his young family, as well as another gorgeous handmade tiny home that was their previous residence."
adpoe73zjZ8

[Bill Ryan]

On this site, there's a whole wide range of ultra-modern high-tech tiny houses available from China priced at $600—$800. The page is worth a look.

https://fslvhuang.en.made-in-china.com/product/gfNYoaqrOPcU/China-Modular-Expandable-Container-Contemporary-Space-Capsule-House-Px7-Prefab-Complete-Mobile-Luxury-Foldable-Home-Steel-Travel-Hotel.html

Here are just two of them. They both cost $600.

http://avalonlibrary.net/Bill/Chinese_tiny_house_1.jpg

http://avalonlibrary.net/Bill/Chinese_tiny_house_2.jpg

[Johnnycomelately]

On this site, there's a whole wide range of ultra-modern high-tech tiny houses available from China priced at $600—$800. The page is worth a look.

https://fslvhuang.en.made-in-china.com/product/gfNYoaqrOPcU/China-Modular-Expandable-Container-Contemporary-Space-Capsule-House-Px7-Prefab-Complete-Mobile-Luxury-Foldable-Home-Steel-Travel-Hotel.html

Here are just two of them. They both cost $600.

http://avalonlibrary.net/Bill/Chinese_tiny_house_1.jpg

http://avalonlibrary.net/Bill/Chinese_tiny_house_2.jpg

Hi Bill. Where did you find those two pics? They’re not among the twenty pics of different models on the main page at your link.

I am skeptical of this, in a bemused way, not incensed at all. Three things.

First noticed the $800 for most of the line. That matches what I’ve heard gets free shipping from China to anywhere, since China is rated as a developing country. Hard to get a scale on any of the pics, but maybe these fit in a shipping container, which is what all I’ve heard is about. That might jive with the jump in price to the three bigger 5 and 7 $k ones.

Second, the supposed fact of sub (margin) $800 production.

The third is the visuals, the pics and the vid of the factory. Pics are all surprisingly beautiful and some have too-dreamy looking surrounding vegetation. The vid is low resolution, from the rooves to the people.No faces. And what kind of a torch was that figure using on the aluminum frame? I would love to learn something new.

[RunningDeer]

Hi Bill. Where did you find those two pics? They’re not among the twenty pics of different models on the main page at your link.

Click on the main photo to view snapshots of the different perspectives.


https://i.imgur.com/EK9dAxD.png

https://i.imgur.com/OvPmTWK.png

[palehorse]

I know about this company selling more or less the same style of capsules, however their price is very salty, and shipping is not free, they offer shipping of the entire house or the parts and there is videos and manual teaching how one can setup the whole thing. Lego-like as they say. I saw a resort in Thailand using these houses, like 20 of them all aligned, I thought it was an :alien: camp!!!

https://www.volferda.com/

I actually had a talk with them, they are also located in Foshan and their cheapest model was like a chalet 21 sq. m. @5.000 USD + shipping.

This one for $800 + free shipping seems like a bargain.

[edit]

I just checked the shipping method with MANTIANSTAR and for this price probably it is DDU (delivery duty unpaid), you might have to handle the customs clearance, pay the import duties, etc.. basically they dump the customs clearance responsibility on the buyer.

[onawah]

I would never buy anything like that from China! Odds are they will start falling apart before long.

[Isserley]

^ Of course! I would never in my wildest dreams buy a house online from China. That sounds like a bad joke.. Like many others I have had my fair share of bad experiences with Temu and Aliexpress :facepalm:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3IpOjkUBfFOpUkphYbUa0opVNed1mPf1GCg&s

https://i.imgflip.com/9f96z2.jpg

:focus:

[onawah]

Chinese citizens are starting to burn down the very factories they were working in since the owners are months in arrears of paying worker salaries.
Go to 1:15:16 into this video rvm4DgJDWnA
...for examples. It's happening daily there now. The people are really getting fed up with the CCP.


^ Of course! I would never in my wildest dreams buy a house online from China. That sounds like a bad joke.. Like many others I have had my fair share of bad experiences with Temu and Aliexpress :facepalm:

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ3IpOjkUBfFOpUkphYbUa0opVNed1mPf1GCg&s

https://i.imgflip.com/9f96z2.jpg

:focus:

[onawah]

This Paris Apartment Could Change Urban Living Forever
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.63M subscribers
Feb 21, 2025

(Personally I can't get enthusiastic about eating crickets, but the general goals of self-sufficiency and sustainability are admirable.)

"In the heart of Paris, an extraordinary experiment in urban living is taking place. Welcome to the Urban Biosphere, a one-of-a-kind apartment designed to push the boundaries of low-tech, ultra-efficient city living.

This innovative space grows its own food—including crickets!—and integrates sustainable, low-tech solutions to reduce waste, conserve energy, and create a self-sustaining ecosystem in the middle of the city. From ingenious water-saving methods to growing food and natural climate control, the Urban Biosphere is redefining what’s possible in small-space urban design.

Join us as we step inside this groundbreaking apartment and meet the people behind the experiment. Could this be the future of urban living?

You can find out more about this incredible apartment here: / @biosphereexperience "

_QGqcv28cUY

[I am B]

This Paris Apartment Could Change Urban Living Forever
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.63M subscribers
Feb 21, 2025

(Personally I can't get enthusiastic about eating crickets, but the general goals of self-sufficiency and sustainability are admirable.)

"In the heart of Paris, an extraordinary experiment in urban living is taking place. Welcome to the Urban Biosphere, a one-of-a-kind apartment designed to push the boundaries of low-tech, ultra-efficient city living.

This innovative space grows its own food—including crickets!—and integrates sustainable, low-tech solutions to reduce waste, conserve energy, and create a self-sustaining ecosystem in the middle of the city. From ingenious water-saving methods to growing food and natural climate control, the Urban Biosphere is redefining what’s possible in small-space urban design.

Join us as we step inside this groundbreaking apartment and meet the people behind the experiment. Could this be the future of urban living?

You can find out more about this incredible apartment here: / @biosphereexperience "

_QGqcv28cUY

I know them personally. They do interesting stuff but it is a bit of an overkill in general (no water, etc) and somewhat disgusting imo xD Still they made interesting innovations by themselves.

[jaybee]

*
*

I came across this video the other day and it's pretty mind blowing stuff.... even for a very 'low tech' person like myself...

With the right support it could help solve homelessness and create a new level of affordable housing -

$7,579 Tesla Tiny House FINALLY HIT The Market! INSANE First Look (18:11)

kxbIfIdz2-E



11 Mar 2025
$7,579 Tesla Tiny House FINALLY HIT The Market! INSANE First Look
===
00:00 Intro
01:05 What's Inside the $7,579 Tesla Tiny House That's Breaking the Internet?
09:10 Where Can You Place a Tesla Tiny House Without Buying Land?
14:55 Outro
===
$7,579 Tesla Tiny House FINALLY HIT The Market! INSANE First Look. Tesla has just done the impossible. Elon Musk shocked the tech world by unveiling the Tesla Tiny House 2025—a fully autonomous, self-sustaining smart home with an almost unbelievable price tag of just $7,579. Yes, you heard that right—a complete home solution that costs less than the latest fully specced-out Mac Pro.

more about it in video description...

[wondering]

As I look at these tiny houses, I think how perfect they could be in 15 minute cities. They would only be charming if I lived in one by my own choice.

[onawah]

Living inside of metal containers is not a healthy idea.
Metal blocks some bad things coming at us from the skies and space, but it also blocks good things, like cosmic rays that are actually beneficial.
In any case, metal containers don't feel like a home to me, and to a lot of others, I'm sure.
I would much prefer a DIY tiny home made from natural and recycled materials .
It's the great feeling of accomplishment DIY creators of environmentally friendly tiny homes gain that is so inspirational and one of the reasons that tiny homes are catching on so fast.
But even living in a Tesla tiny home would probably not be allowed in a "Smart City".
Most likely everyone would be crammed into identical, towering high rises.
UGH! :facepalm:

As I look at these tiny houses, I think how perfect they could be in 15 minute cities. They would only be charming if I lived in one by my own choice.

[onawah]

An historic trolley converted into a travelling home

He turned a historic trolley into a gorgeous studio apartment
Tiny House Giant Journey
1.8M subscribers
3/21/25

"In this episode, we take a tour of Erik's amazing trolley conversion. Erik spent years meticulously converting this antique trolley into his home on wheels. Almost everything inside is reused or restored, making this truly a passion project. Everywhere Erik goes, the Trolley gets attention, and I think you can see why! "

8VMHtfrTvr0

[onawah]

Full of Character
Spectacular Federation-Style Tiny House Redefines Home With Jaw-Dropping Cottage Charm
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.65M subscribers
May 2, 2025

"In this week's episode, we meet Lana and David, an inspiring couple who built a stunning tiny house with classic cottage charm on 25 acres of farmland in rural Victoria, Australia. What began as a DIY project has grown into a beautiful, heritage-inspired tiny home and a flourishing homestead filled with creativity, character, and soul.
Nicknamed “River”—after the beloved TV series River Cottage—this tiny house is anything but ordinary. Designed with nods to Australia’s federation-era architecture (think vintage details, ornate woodwork, and timeless style), this home feels like a storybook cottage—yet it’s cleverly compact and incredibly functional.
From a full-sized kitchen and cosy lounge to a loft bedroom, craft room, and thoughtful storage, this tiny house proves you don’t need to be a minimalist to live tiny—you just need to be intentional. Each space is filled with meaningful items, souvenirs from travels, and creative expressions that turn this small home into something truly special.
And the story doesn’t stop at the front door. On their 25 acres, Lana and David have planted orchards, started market gardens, and built a large polytunnel—laying the foundation for a life of self-sufficiency and purpose."

8PohyUPDX54

[Johnnycomelately]

Canada, and apparently Alaska and Greenland and probably northern Scandinavia and Asia, have the coolest tiny houses.

Deep deep bookmark stacks, so near no use looking for the great Canadian historical vid I placed somewhere there. Did a brief search, and this is from Alaska. The blade use to fit blocks is clear as I’ve seen, and ice windows are new to me.

Tuktu- 4- The Snow Palace (How to build a REAL Inuit igloo)

Alaska Extreme
101K subscribers

2.3+m views, posted Oct 2017

“Learn about traditional Inuit culture from this fascinating series. This series documents cultural practices, skills, and values in Nunavut in northern Canada. Each episode focuses on a different topic, and does a good job of celebrating the skills and resourcefulness of the Inuit.

The territory of the Inuit (also called Eskimo, Inupiaq, Yupik, and other regional names) cover the northern and western regions of Alaska, northern Canada, and Greenland. The Inuit continue to live in these areas and maintain many cultural traditions while also incorporating some modern technology into their culture as well. Inuit continue to have a deep respect and spiritual connection with the land and its resources.”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWKfJQpZtaM[/url]

[onawah]

Father Builds Ultra-Affordable Tiny Home for Himself and His Daughter
Living Big In A Tiny House
4.66M subscribers
May 30, 2025

(Such a beautiful location in the Australian rain forest for this DIY off-grid home made with mostly recycled materials, filled with lovely art, and obviously with a close connection to the land and animals.)

"In the face of a global housing crisis, Shane—a devoted father—set out to build an affordable, sustainable tiny home for himself and his young daughter. With just AUD$35,000 (around US$23,000) and a whole lot of determination, Shane hand-built this beautiful, off-grid tiny house using clever material sourcing and smart design.

Almost everything in the home was built by Shane himself. From salvaged materials to repurposed fittings, this DIY build proves that you don’t need a massive budget to create a warm, functional, and beautiful living space. By doing the work himself and prioritising simplicity, Shane was able to achieve something extraordinary.

The tiny house is also a thoughtful example of incorporating solar passive design principles into a tiny house build. This was inspired by Shane's father who started the tiny home build together with Shane and who had a real passion for solar passive design. Tragically, Shane’s dad passed away before the home was complete, and finishing the home became part of Shane’s grieving process.

The home is adorned with carved Emu footprints, which is symbolic of his father. Male Emu's raise their young after they hatch, so this is not only symbolic of Shane's father's input into the house, but also Shane's own journey as a father to his young daughter.

This tiny house is more than just a clever build on a tight budget—it’s a reflection of resilience, family, and what’s possible when you build with heart and intention.

To find out more about Shane's art, you can find him on Instagram: / shane.artisan

We hope you enjoy the tour of this beautiful tiny home. "

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