# Tiny House Living — Full Content Index > https://tinyhouseliving.com Page 1 of 25 — Next: https://tinyhouseliving.com/llms-full.txt?page=2 --- ## How Appendix Q Changes Could Give Tiny Homes a Clear Regulatory Path URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-building-codes-navigating-the-irc/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-building-codes-navigating-the-irc/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-26 15:31:54 Modified: 2026-04-11 09:42:23 **Summary:** A podcast episode of Less House, More Resilience features host Laura Lynch and architect Macy Miller discussing proposed changes to Appendix Q of the International Residential Code (IRC). The current appendix omits language covering wheels and chassis on tiny homes, leaving owner-builders in an uncertain legal position. An April code vote could introduce performance-based and prescriptive proposals to address this gap, with the next opportunity being the 2030 code cycle if the vote fails. ### Q&A **Q: What is Appendix Q of the International Residential Code?** Appendix Q is a section of the International Residential Code (IRC) that addresses tiny homes. It currently lacks language covering wheels and chassis, which creates regulatory uncertainty for owner-builders and local jurisdictions. **Q: Why do tiny homes on wheels lack a clear regulatory path under current IRC rules?** The current Appendix Q omits language specific to wheels and chassis, which historically places tiny home owner-builders in an uncertain legal position with no defined framework for local jurisdictions to follow. **Q: What are the proposed changes to Appendix Q and when will they be voted on?** Performance-based and prescriptive proposals are being introduced to fill the regulatory gap around wheels and chassis in tiny homes. An April code vote will determine whether this language is adopted, with the next available opportunity being the 2030 code cycle if the vote does not pass. **Q: Does the National Association of Home Builders support the Appendix Q changes?** Yes, the National Association of Home Builders has signaled support for the proposed Appendix Q language addressing tiny homes on wheels and chassis. **Q: How can people support the proposed Appendix Q changes before the April vote?** Signing a Change.org petition is one way to express support for the proposed language before the April code vote. ### Entities - Appendix Q (DefinedTerm) — A section of the International Residential Code addressing tiny homes, currently lacking language on wheels and chassis - International Residential Code (Thing) — A model building code that governs residential construction standards, including provisions for alternative housing like tiny homes - Macy Miller (Person) — Architect involved in drafting performance-based and prescriptive proposals to update Appendix Q of the IRC for tiny homes - Laura Lynch (Person) — Host of the Less House, More Resilience podcast, which covers alternative housing and regulatory topics - Less House, More Resilience (Thing) — A podcast covering alternative housing topics, hosted by Laura Lynch - National Association of Home Builders (Organization) — U.S. trade association for the home building industry that has signaled support for the proposed Appendix Q changes **Keywords:** Appendix Q, International Residential Code, tiny home regulation, IRC tiny house, tiny house on wheels code, owner-builder regulations, tiny home building code, 2030 code cycle, performance-based building code, prescriptive building code, Macy Miller architect, tiny house chassis regulations, alternative housing policy, municipal housing options Professionals in the housing sector often find that regulatory language presents the most significant barrier to alternative housing. A recent episode of the [*Less House, More Resilience* ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mALCGGRtZsc) podcast explores this landscape in detail. Host Laura Lynch speaks with architect Macy Miller regarding an upcoming adjustment to the International Residential Code (IRC). The conversation focuses primarily on the IRC’s Appendix Q. This appendix currently omits language addressing the wheels and chassis of [tiny homes](https://tinyhouseliving.com/10-foot-wide-tiny-home-by-nelson-tiny-houses/). This omission historically places owner-builders in an uncertain legal position. Macy details the current effort to introduce performance-based and prescriptive proposals to address this specific gap. These proposals aim to provide a clear regulatory framework for local jurisdictions. The upcoming April code vote represents a concrete opening for the industry. Passing this language provides a practical pathway for municipalities seeking to [expand housing options](https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-rise-of-tiny-houses-a-sustainable-solution-to-affordable-housing/). The National Association of Home Builders has signaled support for the measure. If the vote is delayed, the next opportunity to adopt the language falls in the 2030 code cycle. Signing the Change.org petition is one way to support the measure before the April vote. *Image: Tiny House Design by [Michael Janzen](https://tinyhouseliving.com/about/) with SketchUp Pro and [rendered by Gemini Pro 3.1](https://tinyhouseliving.com/road-trip-tiny-house-and-review-of-sketchup-ai-rendering/).* --- ## Bill’s Solar Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/bills-solar-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/bills-solar-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2009-09-09 00:04:55 Modified: 2026-04-10 12:39:17 A fellow named Bill is building a tiny solar house from one of the free house plans on Tiny House Design. He’s been making quick progress and intends to travel up to Alaska with the house and stay a little while when it’s complete. **[Bill’s Solar Tiny House](http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/bills-solar-tiny-house/)** --- ## Clerestory Tiny House Design Study URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/clerestory-tiny-house-design-study/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/clerestory-tiny-house-design-study/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2022-11-21 17:44:09 Modified: 2026-04-06 15:52:38 **Summary:** A tiny house design study featuring a 3/12 shed roof with clerestory windows, front corner entry with fold-up steps, and a bump-out bathroom extension over the trailer tongue. The interior includes a small kitchen, seating area, and a loft with queen bed accessed by a fixed ladder. The design incorporates practical road-travel details such as fold-up steps and shuttered windows over the trailer tongue. ### Q&A **Q: What roofline does the clerestory tiny house design use?** The design uses a 3/12 shed roof with clerestory windows along the upper wall to allow additional natural light. **Q: How is the bathroom arranged in this tiny house?** The bathroom includes a shower, toilet, and generous vanity, and is located in a bump-out extension positioned over the trailer tongue. **Q: How do occupants access the sleeping loft in this tiny house?** The loft, which holds a queen bed, is accessed by a fixed ladder. **Q: What features protect the tiny house windows during road travel?** The window over the trailer tongue is fitted with shutters designed to prevent damage from rocks and debris while the house is being towed. **Q: What kitchen appliances and features are included in this tiny house design?** The kitchen includes a sink with a cabinet drain rack, a small refrigerator, a small cooktop, a microwave, and storage space. ### Entities - Clerestory (DefinedTerm) — A row of windows positioned high on a wall, used in this tiny house design to bring natural light into the interior through the upper shed roof section. - Shed Roof (DefinedTerm) — A single-slope roof type used in this design at a 3/12 pitch, meaning 3 inches of rise for every 12 inches of horizontal run. - Trailer Tongue (Thing) — The forward-extending tow hitch component of the tiny house trailer, over which the bathroom bump-out and a shuttered window are positioned. - Tiny House on Wheels (Thing) — A small residential structure built on a trailer chassis designed for mobility, which this design study represents. - Bump-Out Extension (Thing) — A section of the floor plan that projects beyond the main structure footprint, used here to house the bathroom over the trailer tongue. - Fixed Ladder (Thing) — A stationary ladder used to access the sleeping loft in this design, as opposed to alternating-tread or removable stair options. **Keywords:** clerestory tiny house, 3/12 shed roof tiny house, tiny house design study, bump-out bathroom tiny house, trailer tongue extension, tiny house loft queen bed, fold-up steps tiny house, clerestory windows small house, tiny house on wheels layout, tiny house kitchen design, fixed ladder loft access, tiny house road travel shutters, tiny house floor plan This tiny house design study eplores a 3/12 shed roof with plenty of windows in a clerestory. The front corner entry has fold-up steps. Inside is a small bathroom with a shower, toilet, and generous vanity in a bump-out extension over the trailer tongue. The tiny kitchen has a sink with a cabinet drain rack, a small refrigerator, a small cooktop, a microwave, and storage. There’s also space for a small chair, ottoman, and table/desk. The loft has room for a queen bed accessed by a fixed ladder. The window over the trailer tongue is shown with shutters that would help prevent damage from rocks & debris while on the road. --- ## Free Tiny House Plan – Philo 12 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/free-tiny-house-plan-philo-12/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/free-tiny-house-plan-philo-12/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-13 16:40:33 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:59:47 **Summary:** The Philo 12 is a free tiny house plan measuring 8x12 feet (under 100 square feet), named after a small community in Mendocino County, California. The design includes a loft with a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with a 32-inch square shower, sink, toilet, a kitchenette, and a desk. The plans are formatted as assembly instructions rather than blueprints, targeting owner-builders. ### Q&A **Q: What are the dimensions of the Philo 12 tiny house plan?** The Philo 12 measures 8x12 feet, giving it under 100 square feet of floor space. **Q: What rooms or features does the Philo 12 tiny house include?** The Philo 12 includes a loft with a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with a 32-inch square shower, sink, and toilet, plus a kitchenette and a desk or table area. **Q: Is the Philo 12 tiny house plan free to download?** Yes, the Philo 12 plan is available for free. **Q: Who is the Philo 12 tiny house plan designed for?** The plan is designed for owner-builders, formatted as assembly instructions rather than technical blueprints to keep the process accessible and low cost. **Q: Where does the name Philo 12 come from?** The name comes from Philo, a small community in Mendocino County, California, chosen because its scale seemed fitting for a house this small. ### Entities - Philo 12 (Product) — A free tiny house plan measuring 8x12 feet, designed for owner-builders with features including a loft, bathroom, kitchenette, and desk. - Philo (Place) — A small community in Mendocino County, California, after which the Philo 12 tiny house plan is named. - Mendocino County (Place) — A county in California where the community of Philo is located. - Owner-builder (DefinedTerm) — A person who acts as their own general contractor and builds their own home, the intended audience for the Philo 12 plans. - Tiny house (DefinedTerm) — A residential structure typically under 400 square feet, with the Philo 12 being an example at under 100 square feet. **Keywords:** free tiny house plans, Philo 12, 8x12 tiny house, tiny house under 100 square feet, tiny house loft, owner-builder house plans, tiny house kitchenette, tiny house bathroom, queen bed loft tiny house, Mendocino County tiny house, tiny house assembly instructions, small house design This was one of the first tiny house designs I created when I started designing tiny houses. It’s named for a tiny community in Mendocino County, California that seems perfectly sized for a house this small. [Free Tiny House Plans – Philo 12](https://payhip.com/b/E1DsN) It measures just 8×12, so it has less than 100 square feet. As you can see it also has a loft that fits a queen sized bed, a bathroom with a 32″ square shower, sink, and toilet. It has a tiny kitchenette and desk/table too. I once ran a blog dedicated to tiny house design, but sold it years ago. I kept all the plans but thought they were lost in a hard drive meltdown a couple years ago. I recently discovered a backup on an old computer, so I’m making this one available for free. It is a good example of the kinds of tiny house plans I used to make. They read more like assembly instructions than blueprints. This was intentional because the people I wanted to help were owner-builders. I kept the cost low and attainable too. But like I said you can grab the [Philo 12 for free](https://payhip.com/b/E1DsN). --- ## Gambrel Roof Tiny House Design Study URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/gambrel-roof-tiny-house-design-study/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/gambrel-roof-tiny-house-design-study/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2022-11-21 20:55:18 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:58:19 **Summary:** A gambrel-roofed tiny house design featuring a front corner entry with fold-up steps, a wet bathroom, compact kitchen, and wall-mounted storage cabinets. The gambrel roof profile provides increased headroom in the sleeping loft compared to standard gable or shed roof designs. Large windows throughout and a bay window desk on the back wall characterize the layout. ### Q&A **Q: What are the advantages of a gambrel roof on a tiny house?** A gambrel roof increases usable headroom in the loft space compared to a standard gable roof, making a small sleeping area more comfortable without increasing the footprint of the house. **Q: What features does this gambrel tiny house include in the kitchen?** The kitchen includes a sink with a cabinet drain rack, a small refrigerator, a small cooktop, and a microwave. **Q: How is storage handled in this tiny house design?** Storage is provided through a long, shallow run of cabinets along the right wall beneath the windows, supplementing kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. **Q: What type of bathroom does this tiny house have?** The house has a wet bathroom, meaning the shower, toilet, and wall-mounted sink share a single waterproofed space. **Q: How is the entry designed on this tiny house?** The entry is positioned at the front corner of the house and uses fold-up steps, which saves space when the steps are not in use. ### Entities - Gambrel Roof (DefinedTerm) — A two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, the lower slope being steeper than the upper, commonly associated with barn architecture and used here to maximize loft headroom. - Tiny House (Thing) — A small residential structure, typically under 400 square feet, designed to maximize function within a limited footprint. - Wet Bathroom (DefinedTerm) — A bathroom configuration where the shower, toilet, and sink occupy a single fully waterproofed room with no separate shower enclosure. - Bay Window (Thing) — A window structure that projects outward from the main wall, used here on the back wall to create a recessed desk alcove. - Fold-Up Steps (Thing) — Hinged entry steps that fold against the structure when not in use, reducing the exterior footprint of the tiny house. - Sleeping Loft (Thing) — An elevated sleeping area accessed by ladder or stairs, common in tiny house designs to separate the sleeping space from the main living area. **Keywords:** gambrel roof tiny house, tiny house loft headroom, wet bathroom tiny house, fold-up steps entry, tiny house storage cabinets, bay window desk, compact kitchen design, tiny house floor plan, gambrel roof loft, small house design, tiny house windows, wall-mounted sink, drain rack cabinet Here’s a gambrel-roofed tiny house with plenty of windows. The front corner entry has fold-up steps. Inside is a wet bathroom with a shower, toilet, and small wall-mounted sink. The tiny kitchen has a sink with a cabinet drain rack, a small refrigerator, a small cooktop, and a microwave. The house also has a long and shallow set of cabinets along the right wall below the windows… so there is quite a bit of storage. On the back wall is a desk that fits neatly in a bay window. The loft is small, but thanks to the gambrel roof it has ample headroom. --- ## Deep Porch and Hip Roof Tiny House Design Study URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/deep-porch-and-hip-roof-tiny-house-design-study/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/deep-porch-and-hip-roof-tiny-house-design-study/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2022-11-22 11:09:18 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:57:05 **Summary:** A 28-foot tiny house design featuring a hip roof with cross gable and two porch configurations. The floor plan centers the kitchen and bathroom in the middle of the structure, with a queen bed loft above. Living and dining spaces occupy the front and rear rooms, with a bump-out extension housing a four-person dining table and sofa. ### Q&A **Q: What is the floor plan layout of this 28-foot tiny house?** The kitchen and bathroom occupy the center of the house, with a loft containing a queen bed above them. The front room holds two chairs with ottomans, and the back room contains a dining table for four and a sofa in a bump-out extension. **Q: What roof style does this tiny house use?** The design uses a hip roof combined with a cross gable. **Q: How many porches does this tiny house design include?** Two porches are included: a deep front porch accessed through french doors, and a second fold-down porch accessible through french doors on the side of the house. **Q: What sleeping arrangements does this tiny house design offer?** A loft above the central kitchen and bathroom holds a queen bed. **Q: What is a bump-out extension in a tiny house?** A bump-out extension is a small outward projection from the main structure that adds usable floor space, used here to fit a sofa and dining area in the rear room. ### Entities - Hip Roof (DefinedTerm) — A roof style where all sides slope downward to the walls, used as the primary roof form on this tiny house design - Cross Gable (DefinedTerm) — A secondary gable roof section that intersects the main roof at a perpendicular angle, featured in this design alongside the hip roof - French Doors (Thing) — Double doors with glass panes used at two entry points in this design: the front porch and the side fold-down porch - Bump-Out Extension (DefinedTerm) — A structural projection from the main building footprint that expands interior space, used here in the rear room for dining and seating - Fold-Down Porch (Thing) — A secondary porch on the side of the house that folds down for use, accessed through french doors - Tiny House (Thing) — A small residential structure measuring 28 feet in length, designed with distinct living, sleeping, cooking, and outdoor spaces **Keywords:** 28-foot tiny house, hip roof tiny house, cross gable roof, tiny house floor plan, deep front porch, fold-down porch, french doors tiny house, bump-out extension, tiny house loft, queen bed loft, tiny house dining area, tiny house design study, two porch tiny house, tiny house kitchen layout This 28-foot tiny house has a hip roof, a cross gable, and a deep front porch with french doors. At the center of this tiny house are a kitchen and bathroom. Over the kitchen and bathroom is a loft with a queen bed. The front room has two comfy chairs, each with its ottoman. The back room shows a table for four and a sofa tucked into a bump-out extension. A second fold-down porch extends from french doors to the side of the house. --- ## Why Study the Smallest Designs? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/why-study-smallest-designs/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/why-study-smallest-designs/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-07 13:12:31 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:56:08 **Summary:** A designer reflects on a 2008 micro home concept called 'Nine Tiny Feet,' a 9-square-foot structure with a 3x3 foot footprint containing a kitchen, desk, seating, toilet, and shower. The project explored the practical lower limits of human habitation and space optimization principles applicable to homes of any size. The original plans are lost, and the author presents assembly-style construction documentation rather than standard architectural blueprints. ### Q&A **Q: What is the smallest functional house design ever proposed?** A 2008 concept called 'Nine Tiny Feet' proposed a 9-square-foot house with a 3x3 foot footprint that included a kitchen, desk, seating, toilet, shower, and a sleeping loft extending over a porch. **Q: Why is studying micro home design useful even for people who won't live in one?** Micro home designs demonstrate extreme space optimization and multimodal living concepts that transfer to homes of any size, making them useful case studies regardless of intended occupancy. **Q: How do assembly-style house plans differ from standard architectural blueprints?** Assembly-style plans are written for non-specialists, walking through construction steps like framing a complex roof, attaching a dormer, and assembling a bay window, whereas standard blueprints can be difficult for untrained readers to interpret. **Q: What was included in the Nine Tiny Feet micro home design?** The 3x3 foot floor plan included a kitchen, desk, seating, toilet, and shower. A sleeping loft not counted in the square footage extended over the porch. **Q: What happened to the original Nine Tiny Feet house plans?** The original plans were lost and could not be located as of early 2026. The designer indicated willingness to redraw them from memory if there was sufficient interest. ### Entities - Nine Tiny Feet (Thing) — A 2008 micro home concept with a 9-square-foot footprint designed to test the practical lower limits of human habitation, including kitchen, seating, toilet, shower, and sleeping loft. - Gemini (Technology) — AI tool used to render a visual representation of the Nine Tiny Feet micro home design from description. - micro home (DefinedTerm) — A dwelling designed with an extremely small footprint, prioritizing space optimization and multimodal use of living areas. - multimodal living (DefinedTerm) — A design approach where single spaces serve multiple functions, commonly applied in small and micro home architecture. - sleeping loft (Thing) — An elevated sleeping area in the Nine Tiny Feet design that extended over the porch and was excluded from the 9-square-foot floor area calculation due to ceiling height restrictions. **Keywords:** micro home design, nine tiny feet, 9 square foot house, smallest house design, space optimization, multimodal living, assembly-style house plans, tiny house floor plan, sleeping loft design, minimum habitation space, dormer framing, bay window construction, non-architect house plans, 2008 micro home concept One of the things that originally drew me to tiny hose design was the puzzle of it—the challenge of packing maximum utility into the smallest possible footprint. I once challenged myself to design a house just 9 square feet to test the practical lower limits of human habitation. This was back in 2008. I called it “Nine Tiny Feet.” I never built it, wish I had. The floor space was 3’x3′ and it included a kitchen, desk, seating, toilet, and shower. The sleeping loft, (not included in the square footage due to ceiling height), extended over the porch. My design is pictured on the left and faithfully rendered by Gemini. The plans for this no longer exist, I can’t find them anywhere. If there is interest, I will redraw them from memory. Even if you never intend to live in a micro home, there is measurable value in studying how they work. Designs like these demonstrate extreme space optimization and multimodal living—concepts that apply to homes of any size. Perhaps most importantly, I designed the house plans for regular people to build. Unlike standard architectural blueprints, which can be cryptic to the untrained eye, these are presented more like assembly instructions. My goal was to demystifying the construction process—walking through how a complex roof is framed, how a dormer is attached, and how a bay window comes together step by step. It’s early February 2026, and I’ve returned to the archive for this final look. [](https://payhip.com/tinyhouseliving)[Open the Archive](https://payhip.com/tinyhouseliving) --- ## Clearing the Studio: Why I’m Retiring My 2008–2019 Design Archive URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/clearing-the-studio/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/clearing-the-studio/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-07 18:06:39 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:52:29 **Summary:** Designer and author Ryan Mitchell is retiring his 2008u20132019 tiny house design archive in 2026 after a career break starting in 2019. The archive bundle includes named plan series like the Mendocino collection, experimental designs, and four published design books. The bundle is available for a limited time before being permanently retired. ### Q&A **Q: What is included in the 2008u20132019 tiny house design archive bundle?** The bundle includes the Mendocino series plans (Anchor Bay, Potter Valley, Boonville, Philo), experimental designs like the Carrack and Westport, and four design books including the Tiny House Design System and the 1st Edition of Tiny House Floor Plans. **Q: Why is the tiny house design archive being retired in 2026?** The designer stepped away from public design work in 2019 to focus on a tech career. Returning to design in 2026, retiring the archive clears the way for new concepts, following a philosophy of releasing old work to reset creative focus. **Q: How long will the tiny house archive bundle be available?** The bundle is available for a limited time only. Once the designer considers the archive cleared, the plans will be permanently retired. **Q: What is the Mendocino series in tiny house design?** The Mendocino series is a collection of tiny house plans named after small Northern California communities, including Anchor Bay, Potter Valley, Boonville, and Philo, influenced by the designer's childhood connections to the region. **Q: What does 'smashing pots' mean in the context of creative work?** Smashing pots refers to a traditional potter's practice of destroying finished work to clear physical and mental space. The designer uses it as a metaphor for retiring the archive to reset creative focus before starting new work. ### Entities - Tiny House Design Archive (2008u20132019) (Thing) — A body of tiny house design work created over roughly a decade, including named plan series, experimental designs, and published books, now being retired in 2026. - Mendocino Series (Product) — A collection of tiny house floor plans named after small Northern California communities, including Anchor Bay, Potter Valley, Boonville, and Philo. - Tiny House Design System (Product) — One of four design books included in the archive bundle, covering systematic approaches to tiny house design. - Tiny House Floor Plans (1st Edition) (Product) — A book included in the archive bundle, no longer available in print, documenting early tiny house floor plan work. - Redwood Valley (Place) — A community in Northern California where the designer's grandmother had a cabin, cited as an influence on the Mendocino series naming. - Smashing Pots (DefinedTerm) — A practice drawn from traditional pottery in which finished work is destroyed to clear studio space and reset creative thinking. **Keywords:** tiny house design archive, tiny house floor plans, Mendocino series tiny house, tiny house design books, retiring design archive 2026, 120 square foot home design, tiny house movement 2008, Anchor Bay floor plan, Tiny House Design System book, smashing pots creative reset, tiny house plans bundle, Northern California tiny house design [**View the **](https://payhip.com/TinyHouseLiving)[Archive: Full ](https://payhip.com/TinyHouseLiving)[**Tiny House Plan Set**](https://payhip.com/TinyHouseLiving) If you’ve been following my work since the early days (2008–2012), you know that I spent over a decade obsessed with solving the puzzle of tiny homes. I drew hundreds of concepts, thousands of blog posts, published books on tiny house design, and spent years arguing that [120 square feet was enough](https://tinyhouseliving.com/why-study-smallest-designs/). Then, in 2019, I stopped. I stepped away from drawing in public to focus on my job in tech. It was a necessary break. But now it’s 2026, and I’ve felt a pull to the light. Before committing to that direction, retiring the existing archive makes sense. **The “Smashing Pots” [Philo](https://tinyhouseliving.com/free-tiny-house-plan-philo-12/)sophy** There’s a traditional potter’s method of clearing the studio and mind — smashing pots. I smashed pots. It’s not a violent act — breaking the work resets both the space and the thinking behind it. and a clear head. That is what this post is about. I am officially retiring the tiny house design archive in 2026, closing out a body of work that has accumulated over the past several years. But to fully commit to that future, I need to let go of the past. **The Final Send-Off** I recently found my full archive of designs from an old computer that I thought had been lost. Rather than letting them sit in digital purgatory, I’ve decided to bundle them all together for one last “send-off.” The bundle marks the end of the first era of this work. Inside the **Archive Bundle**, you’ll find the work that defined my contributions to the first decade in the tiny house movement: - **The “Mendocino” Series:** Plans like the *Anchor Bay*, *Potter Valley*, *Boonville*, and *Philo*—named after the tiny Northern California communities that were a strong influence in my youth and where my grandmother’s cabin stood in Redwood Valley. - **The Experiments:** Designs like the *Carrack* and the *Westport* that tested the limits of scale. - **The Library:** All four of my design books, including the *Tiny House Design System* and the *1st Edition of Tiny House Floor Plans* (no longer available in print). **What Happens Next?** I am keeping this bundle available for a short time only. Once I feel the “shelves are clear,” I will be permanently retiring these plans to focus entirely on the new 2026 concepts. If you are a builder, a builder, a researcher, or someone studying [how a tiny house is assembled](https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-building-codes-navigating-the-irc/) how a tiny house is assembled, I hope these serve you well. They were a joy to create, and I’m glad they are finding new homes before I turn the page. **[](https://payhip.com/TinyHouseLiving)[**View the **Archive: Full **Tiny House Plan Set**](https://payhip.com/TinyHouseLiving)** --- ## Road Trip Tiny House and Review of SketchUp AI Rendering URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/road-trip-tiny-house-and-review-of-sketchup-ai-rendering/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/road-trip-tiny-house-and-review-of-sketchup-ai-rendering/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-21 16:02:19 Modified: 2026-04-05 15:49:14 **Summary:** A designer reviews SketchUp Pro's built-in AI rendering feature by applying it to a pre-existing tiny house concept designed for full-time road travel across North America. The comparison includes native SketchUp exports, SketchUp AI renderings, and Gemini Pro renderings, concluding that SketchUp's credit-based pricing model does not justify the results relative to alternatives like Gemini Pro. ### Q&A **Q: How does SketchUp's built-in AI rendering compare to Gemini Pro for architectural visualization?** Based on this comparison, Gemini Pro produces preferred output at lower effective cost. SketchUp AI charges 5 credits per rendering and provides 150 free credits to paid Pro users, while a $20/month Gemini Pro subscription can handle a high volume of renderings from native SketchUp images without hitting daily limits. **Q: How much does SketchUp AI rendering cost per image?** SketchUp AI rendering costs 5 credits per generation and produces three images at a time. Trimble provides 150 free credits to paid Pro users, which runs out after 30 generations. **Q: What are the structural features of this road trip tiny house concept?** The design sits on a dual-axle dually trailer for towing by a heavy-duty pickup. It uses lightweight steel framing, large windows with protective shutters that double as awnings, a convertible living-dining-bedroom space, a kitchen sized for a family of four, a storage-lined hallway, a bathroom, and a rear bunk room. It has no loft, keeping the overall height travel-friendly. **Q: What software was used to design this tiny house?** The tiny house was designed entirely in SketchUp Pro using hand-drawn modeling. Renderings were then generated using SketchUp's built-in AI rendering feature and Gemini Pro for comparison. **Q: Is the SketchUp AI rendering feature worth the cost for professional users?** The reviewer concludes the pricing does not compete with alternatives. At 5 credits per generation and a limited free credit allowance, it is less cost-effective than Gemini Pro or established plugins like Podium, and its user interface is described as clunky. ### Entities - SketchUp Pro (Product) — 3D modeling software used to design the tiny house concept, which now includes a built-in AI rendering feature - Trimble (Organization) — Company that develops and sells SketchUp Pro, which offers 150 free AI credits to paid Pro subscribers - Gemini Pro (Product) — Google's AI model used here as an alternative rendering tool, referred to informally as Nano Banana Pro; outputs are watermarked with a four-pointed star - Volstrukt (Product) — Lightweight steel framing system mentioned as a potential structural material for the road trip tiny house to reduce overall weight - Podium (Product) — A SketchUp rendering plugin used by the designer before generative AI tools became available, cited as a comparable alternative to SketchUp's built-in AI rendering - Tiny House on Wheels (DefinedTerm) — A small, towable dwelling built on a trailer chassis, designed in this concept for full-time family living and long-distance road travel **Keywords:** SketchUp AI rendering review, SketchUp Pro AI credits cost, tiny house on wheels design, road trip tiny house concept, Gemini Pro architectural rendering, SketchUp vs Gemini rendering comparison, tiny house road trip family, Volstrukt steel framing tiny house, SketchUp rendering alternatives, tiny house trailer design, AI rendering software comparison, SketchUp Podium plugin alternative This is a tiny house concept I created [a few years ago](https://tinyhouseliving.com/clearing-the-studio/), long before Generative AI was a thing. I also just renewed my SketchUp Pro license and downloaded the latest version which came with a built-in AI rendering feature. This post covers both the tiny house design and a review of the new SketchUp AI rendering feature. In the images you’ll see three versions, the native SketchUp export, the new SketchUp AI rendering output, and for quality comparison a rendering by Gemini Pro (a.k.a. Nano Banana Pro). You can spot the Gemini renderings because they are watermarked with a little four-pointed star in the right bottom corner. I used the simplest prompts to create these , so this is not rigorous testing, just what you get on the first pass. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini I find it useful to invent “stories” in my mind when drawing [design concepts](https://tinyhouseliving.com/free-tiny-house-plan-philo-12/), (like we do in app design with use cases or user personas), because it simulates a real project and makes it more challenging (i.e., more fun). I pictured a family of four traveling through North America, hitting all lower 48 states and ending up in Alaska. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini To make a road trip of that scale possible while towing a tiny house, which is usually not a fun task, I imagined it would be built on a stout trailer with duel axle **duallies**, making it easier for travel using a heavy duty pickup. It’s like a big gooseneck travel trailer, but heavier. To save weight, the structure would be made from lightweight steel framing (e.g. [Volstrukt](https://www.volstrukt.com/) framing) but finished like a comfortable [tiny house on wheels](https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-building-codes-navigating-the-irc/) so that once it arrived in Alaska it would still be comfy to live in it all year long. (I know, I know, the Alaskans are laughing at me right now – four seasons, tiny house, yeah right.) - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini The house has just a few strategically located large windows. The windows all have sturdy shutters that lower into place protecting and locking up the house securely when closed. When open they provide shade and function like awnings. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini The house features a living room that had three modes: dining living, bedroom. The slat wall hides cabinets that open to reveal storage but also a fold-down table. The two long sofas provide storage and can be pushed together to form a queen size bed. I pictured this being the parents bedroom with all night access to the kitchen and bathroom down the hall. The bunk room in the back would be for the kids. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini The kitchen fits the core needs of a family of four living full-time: cooktop, refrigeration, and counter prep space. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini Past the kitchen is a storage lined hall and a bathroom with bunk room in the back. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini There is no loft to keep the house shorter and travel friendly. In many ways this combines the best of a travel trailer with a tiny house but doesn’t introduce complexities like slide-outs which would reduce the weather tightness and four season capabilities. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini This is purely a design concept and I have no plans to create house plans for this design. But tell me in the comments what you think and if you’d like to see more designs like this. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini The images were all drawn by me using SketchUp Pro but the renderings were just created today. The design is 100% human, hand drawn in SketchUp, and the rendering is faithfully executed by AI without much distortion. I’m including both the SketchUp native export, the SketchUp AI rendering, and a rendering by Gemini Pro for comparison. My initial opinion of this new AI feature for SketchUp is that the cost is not worth the result. Every time is generates an image it costs credits. It also makes three at a time, which seems odd, although it does give the user a quick way to pick the preferred output. So I guess that could be a time saver. The UI also feels clunnky, kind of old-school, and not in a good way. Trimble (maker of SketchUp) gave me, a paid Pro user, 150 AI credits to play with but at 5 credits per rendering you run out of free credits fast. I pay $20 a month for Gemini Pro, use it all day long for other work, and it could create a ton of renderings like these in a day by converting native SketchUp images without hitting daily limits. From the results shown here, I prefer the Gemini Pro output. So while the built-in AI rendering in SketchUp is a nice addition, the pricing does not compete with the alternatives, including the old-school plugins like Podium which is what I used before generative AI was an option. At this point I htink I’d just use Gemini instead of plugins or the SketchUp AI. *(paragraph removed)* AI is great for churning out business documents, rendering images, and doing deep research, but a quick post like this would take longer to draft and edit with AI than to just writing it myself. It would also sound a lot different, more polished in structure, but less direct in voice. Thoughts on the SketchUp AI rendering — whether the clunky feel and credit cost match your experience — are welcome in the comments. - SketchUp - SketchUp AI - Gemini --- ## The Stannexe URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/stannexe/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/stannexe/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-10-19 21:00:46 Modified: 2026-04-03 08:20:01 > The Stannexe, named by the client as it is both a Studio and Annexe began life as a trapezoidal car garage with an up and over door and a leaky flat roof. Our brief was to create a bright, well insulated space that could accommodate a small family for short periods and also be used as an artist’s studio. The conversion required careful design that complimented the local conservation area.” – Tiny House Swoon. Design by RPD Architects. See more of The Stannexe. --- ## 3 Tips You Should Know Before Building From a Tiny House Builder URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/3-tips-you-should-know-before-building-from-a-tiny-house-builder/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/3-tips-you-should-know-before-building-from-a-tiny-house-builder/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-18 11:00:28 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > As you know I have been happily living in my tiny house for nearly a year and a half. Matt and I started this project a very long time ago and I thought maybe I would go back to the beginning to share some of my own tiny house building advice. If I were to talk to the 2007 me who had barely touched a hammer in her life, what would I say? This post covers the top 3 tips I think you should know before building tiny…” – Laura Lavoie Story continues… --- ## Comprehensive VanLife How To Guide URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/comprehensive-vanlife-how-to-guide/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/comprehensive-vanlife-how-to-guide/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2019-07-18 12:33:13 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 **Summary:** Jayme and John of Gnomad Home published a VanLife How To Guide covering full-time van living topics including van buildouts, parking, bathrooms, showers, laundry, costs, earning money on the road, mail, and insurance. They converted their van in August 2016 and began living in it full-time in April 2017. The guide draws from their direct experience building and inhabiting an off-grid mobile dwelling. ### Q&A **Q: What topics does the Gnomad Home VanLife How To Guide cover?** The guide covers van buildouts, parking locations, bathrooms, showers, laundry, living costs, earning money on the road, getting mail, insurance, and resources for full-time van living. **Q: Who created the Gnomad Home VanLife How To Guide?** Jayme and John of Gnomad Home created the guide, drawing on their experience converting a van in August 2016 and living in it full-time starting April 2017. **Q: When did Gnomad Home start living in their van full-time?** They began living in their converted van full-time in April 2017, having purchased and started converting the van in August 2016. **Q: What is an off-grid mobile dwelling in the context of van life?** An off-grid mobile dwelling is a converted van equipped for full-time living without reliance on external utilities, covering needs like power, water, and shelter independently. ### Entities - Gnomad Home (Organization) — A website and brand run by Jayme and John, focused on van life, van conversion guides, and full-time mobile living resources. - Jayme (Person) — Co-creator of Gnomad Home and co-author of the VanLife How To Guide, living full-time in a converted van since April 2017. - John (Person) — Co-creator of Gnomad Home and co-author of the VanLife How To Guide, living full-time in a converted van since April 2017. - VanLife How To Guide (Thing) — A comprehensive written guide by Gnomad Home covering all major aspects of full-time van living, from buildouts to finances and logistics. - Van Life (DefinedTerm) — A lifestyle involving living full-time or part-time in a converted van, typically off-grid and mobile. **Keywords:** van life guide, full-time van living, van conversion, Gnomad Home, off-grid van dwelling, van buildout, living in a van, van life cost, mobile living, van parking, earning money van life, van life resources Jayme & John from Gnomad Home have put together a comprehensive VanLife How To Guide which you can find on their website. In the guide they cover the benefits and challenges of living in a van full time, building out a van for living, where to park, bathrooms, showers, laundry, cost, earning money, getting mail, insurance, and they share helpful resources for living on the road. If that sounds like a good read, go see the VanLife How To Guide now. They bought their van in August 2016 and converted it into an off-grid mobile dwelling. They’ve been on the road since April 2017 and in that time they’ve learned a lot about building vans and living in them – which they share in great detail on their website, Gnomad Home and in their new VanLife How To Guide. --- ## Living Tiny as a Way to Follow Your Dreams URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/living-tiny-as-a-way-to-follow-your-dreams/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/living-tiny-as-a-way-to-follow-your-dreams/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-12 04:00:51 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > For 15 years I worked in a career that I was good at but wasn’t feeding my spirit. I knew I needed to make a change but I felt stuck in a rut of increasing expenses. What I didn’t realize for a long time was that my desire to live in a conventional home was the very thing that was holding me back. In hindsight, I’m not sure why I ever thought that lifestyle was right for me.” …Continues --- ## Kansas Couple Builds Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/kansas-couple-builds-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/kansas-couple-builds-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-07-21 12:00:34 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Once it’s built, the Schmidts plan to live comfortably in about 200 square feet of space that will include two lofts on either end of the house. Floor dimensions measure 7 feet by 24 feet, and the roof peaks at 13 and a half feet.” – Mennonite World Review Read the whole story, Tiny house a big decision for Kansas couple. --- ## Tracy Metro’s 560 Square Foot Houseboat Tour URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tracy-metros-560-square-foot-houseboat-tour/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tracy-metros-560-square-foot-houseboat-tour/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-07 17:20:05 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 A tiny house living story aboard a houseboat. > “Meet Tracy Metro and her lush 560 square foot houseboat that she and her husband live in full-time.” Read more about Tracy Metro’s 560 Square Foot Houseboat. --- ## Cabin Habit Nissen Hut Inspired Cabin URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cabin-habit-nissen-hut-inspired-cabin/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cabin-habit-nissen-hut-inspired-cabin/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-11-09 05:16:29 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > The design of the shed is drawn from my love of all things vintage, urban-industrial and quirky. I love all things mid-century so it’s basically an improved and residentially styled [Nissen hut](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissen_hut), fully insulated and lined. I couldn’t find one to buy, so I got one made. It has an airy feeling inside, and yet the generous arc of the curved varnished ply ceiling cocoons you like a womb.” – Abigail Read and see inside of Cabin Habit Photo credit to Cuprinol via Telegraph.co.uk --- ## 100 Square Foot Living Cube Inside a Larger Space URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/100-square-foot-living-cube-inside-a-larger-space/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/100-square-foot-living-cube-inside-a-larger-space/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-13 12:00:26 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Since I know you also probably like multi-functional furniture I wanted to show you this Living Cube designed by Till Könneker. He took his sketches to Remo Zimmerli at [www.holzlaborben.ch](http://holzlaborbern.ch/remo-zimmerli/) to further the design process.” – Alex Photos by [Rob Lewis](http://www.rob-lewis.ch/) --- ## Living Off the Grid, Solar Power and the Simple Life URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/living-off-the-grid-solar-power-and-the-simple-life/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/living-off-the-grid-solar-power-and-the-simple-life/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-16 06:18:22 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Today, this post by Solar Baby was brought to my attention. While she and her husband do not live in a tiny house I would argue that they do live intentionally and having solar power is a big part of their identity. I love that she takes on the myths of solar power systems and shares her insight on what solar power isn’t. Since I do live in a tiny house which happens to be off the grid, I thought I might chime in on some of her topics here.” – Laura LoVoie --- ## A Tiny Wood Stove for Ella’s Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-wood-stove-ellas-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-wood-stove-ellas-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-08-14 18:00:20 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > It’s an incredibly well designed and USA made stove with some very cool features, if you want to read more, check out Unforgettable Fire’s website and the tiny-house-specific Kimberly website here.” – [Ella at Little Yellow Door](https://littleyellowdoor.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/a-tiny-wood-stove-for-a-tiny-house/) Read and see more of this [tiny wood stove for a tiny house](https://littleyellowdoor.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/a-tiny-wood-stove-for-a-tiny-house/). Photos by [Little Yellow Door](https://littleyellowdoor.wordpress.com/). --- ## Treehouse Cabin Rental in Cave Junction, Oregon URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/treehouse-cabin-rental-in-cave-junction-oregon/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/treehouse-cabin-rental-in-cave-junction-oregon/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-09 14:00:31 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Wanted to show you this awesome treehouse cabin rental that’s on Airbnb. It’s located in Cave Junction, Oregon and is completely elevated off the ground. As soon as you just look at it it must feel like you’re in some kind of wonder land. It’s not a complete home (no kitchen or shower) but it does have a half bathroom. …Continues --- ## Big Style for this Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/big-style-for-this-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/big-style-for-this-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-08 10:00:45 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Hot on the heels of his e-Cours(E), Small Home, Big Life, Andrew Odom is at it again with a new online offering. Drew is going to teach us all how to decorate our tiny homes in style! Gourmet kitchen in the Drew’s own house. I love this idea that your tiny house doesn’t have to be just a rustic wood cabin.” …Continues   --- ## Two Humans and Two Dogs Living in a Conversion Van URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/gnomad-home/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/gnomad-home/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2018-07-19 16:42:39 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 **Summary:** Jayme and John from Gnomad Home have been living and traveling full-time in a 1996 Chevy Express high top conversion van since April 2017, accompanied by two dogs. They transitioned from a suburban 9-5 lifestyle, selling their belongings and house while building online businesses to fund the lifestyle. The van features solar power, AGM batteries, an ARB refrigerator, a foot-pump water system, and a queen-sized pull-out bed. ### Q&A **Q: How much did Jayme and John from Gnomad Home pay for their conversion van?** They purchased their 1996 Chevy Express high top conversion van for $1,500 cash from a seller in rural Illinois. **Q: What solar and electrical setup does the Gnomad Home van use?** The van has three roof-mounted solar panels plus one portable panel, two deep-cycle AGM batteries, a 1000-watt inverter, LED recessed lighting with dimmer switches, and multiple USB charging stations. **Q: How do Jayme and John handle water in their conversion van?** They carry up to 20 gallons of water, with 14 gallons stored in a stainless steel kitchenette container connected to a foot pump. Grey water drains into a PVC system mounted under the van that allows them to carry or release the water. **Q: How did Gnomad Home finance the transition to van life?** They sold their belongings for approximately $10,000 to cover early expenses, rented out their house initially, and built online businesses that eventually exceeded their monthly expenses. **Q: What cooking setup does the Gnomad Home van have?** The van uses a two-burner denatured alcohol stove from Dometic, which carries no risk of damaging chemical leaks or explosion. ### Entities - Gnomad Home (Organization) — A blog and online brand run by Jayme and John documenting full-time van life and providing free van conversion guides at gnomadhome.com. - 1996 Chevy Express (Product) — The high top conversion van purchased for $1,500 that serves as Jayme and John's full-time home and travel vehicle. - ARB Refrigerator (Product) — A 12-volt refrigerator used in the van, powered by the solar and AGM battery system. - Fan-Tastic Vent (Product) — A roof-mounted ventilation fan installed in the van for airflow and temperature regulation. - Dometic (Organization) — Manufacturer of the two-burner denatured alcohol stove used in the Gnomad Home van. - Vanlife (DefinedTerm) — A lifestyle movement involving full-time or part-time living and traveling in a converted van, popularized partly through the hashtag #vanlife on social media. **Keywords:** conversion van living, van life with dogs, Gnomad Home, 1996 Chevy Express conversion, van solar power setup, AGM batteries van, foot pump water system van, denatured alcohol stove camping, full-time van life, van build interior, van life online income, van life two people two dogs, van life instruments music, van conversion build guide *The following is a guest post by Jayme & John from Gnomad Home.* Hey there, we’re Jayme and John from Gnomad Home! We’ve been living and traveling in our 1996 Chevy Express high top conversion van since April of 2017. Joining us in our adventures are Nymeria (3) and Delilah (7), our four-legged companions. We joke that our dogs are the reason we built the van in the first place – we wanted to give them more than a backyard to run around in and dog walks on more than just pavement. Before we moved into our van we were living the typical 9-5 lifestyle with a two-story house in the suburbs, struggling financially and squeezing in travel whenever allotted vacation time would allow. We talked about doing “one last hurrah” before we had kids, and then a friend introduced us to ‘#vanlife’ (we didn’t even use Instagram at the time). We immediately knew this was the path for us. We quickly began transitioning our lives. We found our van in middle-of-nowhere Illinois and bought it for $1,500 cash, brought it home, gutted it, and began building. At the same time, we sold all of our belongings, built our online businesses, and rented out our house. We made about $10,000 from selling everything, which helped us in the first few months of our adventures. This past September was the first month our income from our online business surpassed our expenses. Now, it’s our main source of income and it continues to grow. Since then we’ve also sold our house, so we are officially committed to this lifestyle! Below is an interior shot of the gutted van. Below is an interior shot of what it looks like now. Our van has three solar panels mounted on the roof, and a portable one we can plug in and prop up if we’re parked in the shade, or if we need additional power in overcast weather. We have two deep-cycle AGM batteries under the bed that run our ARB refrigerator, LED lighting that is recessed into the ceiling and hooked up to dimmer switches, multiple USB charging stations throughout the van, a Fan-Tastic Vent fan, and a 1000-watt inverter. We can carry 20 gallons of water – 14 gallons inside our kitchenette in a stainless steel container. Our water tank is attached to a foot pump, which we cannot recommend enough! It helps control the exact amount of water you need so there’s very little waste, and you have both of your hands free for washing dishes. The water then drains into a PVC contraption we mounted underneath the van that gives us the option to either carry our grey water with us or drain it onto the ground below. Our stove is a two-burner denatured alcohol stove from Dometic that we absolutely love, and since it is denatured alcohol there is no risk of damaging chemicals leaking, and zero-risk of of explosion. Our couch pulls out to a queen-sized bed, which is a must for two humans and two dogs. Above the bed is our closet storage, and above the cab is our ‘pantry’ of dry goods. Music is very important to us, so we built our bed high enough to fit multiple instruments underneath. We travel with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, cajon (which doubles as a spare seat inside the van), djembe, and fun smaller knick-knacks like shakers and foot tambourines. We’re glad to have met you all and thanks for checking out our home! If you’re interested in building your own rolling home, be sure to check out our blog gnomadhome.com. It’s JAM-PACKED with FREE information to help guide you through your own tiny home building process. Safe and happy travels to you all! See more on the Gnomad Home Instagram. --- ## Shed of the Year 2010 Competition URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/shed-of-the-year-2010-competition/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/shed-of-the-year-2010-competition/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-05-23 00:07:51 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 The Shed of the Year competition is off and running and the competition is steep. There are also a lot of really great shed ideas all in one place. Be sure to take a look. Pictured here is **Derek Diedricksen’s Hickshaw**. **Shed of the Year 2010 Competition** --- ## Powering your shed – We love sheds URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/powering-your-shed-we-love-sheds/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/powering-your-shed-we-love-sheds/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-05 07:34:04 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 Kevin from the Solar Shed wrote this guest post for We Love Sheds. > “Over the years, Shed men and women have often pondered as to how to power up their wooden edifices, and be able to see when its dark, stay warm in the winter when preparing the ‘plot’, make a brew and all the other things that shed folk would like, to make life easier.” Read the full article: Shed Week Guest post: Powering your shed — shedblog.co.uk – We love sheds. --- ## EVENT: Tiny House Jamboree Starts in One Week URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/event-tiny-house-jamboree-starts-in-one-week/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/event-tiny-house-jamboree-starts-in-one-week/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-07-31 10:43:23 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > Calling all tiny house and small living enthusiasts! You’re invited to the first-ever national Tiny House Jamboree™! @The Western Museum of Mining and Industry; 225 North Gate Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80921″ – *Tiny House Jamboree* Learn all about *Tiny House Jamboree* --- ## Zero Series Prefab from Studio 101 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/zero-series-prefab-from-studio-101/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/zero-series-prefab-from-studio-101/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-08-08 00:02:03 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 Architect Michelle Kaufman has just announced three new modern prefab homes available through [Studio 101 Designs](http://studio101designs.com/). They will be built by Blazer Industries and one of them, called the **vista0™ v2**, is only 422 square feet that costs in the neighborhood of $66,500. **Zero Series Prefab from Studio 101** --- ## Cargo Trailer Stealth Camper Doubles as Bug Out Vehicle URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cargo-trailer-stealth-camper-doubles-as-bug-out-vehicle/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cargo-trailer-stealth-camper-doubles-as-bug-out-vehicle/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-09-11 09:00:26 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > The owner/builder of it built it as a bug out vehicle as well as a cheap DIY stealth camper. He bought a 2012 12×6 cargo trailer for a little under $3000 and he started to convert it himself. The under carriage and chassis was coated to prevent rust. He also sealed the roof to prevent leaks. To insulate it he had to remove the plywood panels, install the insulation, and then put it all back together.” – Alex   --- ## The Finalists for Shed of the year 2014 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/finalists-shed-year-2014/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/finalists-shed-year-2014/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-07-16 16:00:52 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:59 > The top four sheds in each of the eight categories have been whittled down from over 2,000 entries and will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned the overall winner of the 2014 Shed of the Year.” – Uncle Wilco See all The Finalists for Shed of the year 2014. Pictured here is the Blitz Street Museum by Darren Stride. --- ## Shed of the Year 2010 – Joseph Sandy’s Entry URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/shed-of-the-year-2010-joseph-sandys-entry/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/shed-of-the-year-2010-joseph-sandys-entry/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-05-23 00:06:49 Modified: 2026-03-19 08:15:58 One of my long time readers, Joseph Sandy, is one of the contenders in the Shed of the Year competition. Here’s what Joseph says about his shed: > Originally designed for storage, it now also serves as a quiet retreat from the main house. It features rain-screen siding of reclaimed redwood fencing. A polycarbonate clerestory provides ample light for any use. The interior walls are plywood and pegboard to provide a finished appearance with flexible use/storage options. **Vote for Joseph Sandy’s Shed** --- ## Old Stone Barn Becomes Cottage URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/stone-barn-cottage/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/stone-barn-cottage/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-10-26 04:00:38 Modified: 2026-03-07 11:45:45 Nice example of a cottage made from a historic stone barn. This one is used as a vacation rental and sleeps two. > Situated only 9 miles from Drogheda, 45 minutes from Dublin City in a countryside setting with an ancient 13th century Abbey to the rear. This charming cosy barn conversion has an inviting woodburning stove, a loft style bedroom and a kitchen corner which has a hob for cooking…” – Imagine Ireland See more of this Cottage. --- ## Tiny House Lifestyle in a Tuff Shed Shelter URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-lifestyle-in-a-tuff-shed-shelter/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-lifestyle-in-a-tuff-shed-shelter/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-03 06:38:00 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 Laura’s tiny house story is reported on at OregonLive.com. You can find her blog at 120squarefeet.com. > “Moving into a tiny house doesn’t involve just the usual kind of downsizing. Such small spaces require a different lifestyle from the mainstream, as well as a certain discipline. But that’s part of their appeal.” via From the home front: Tiny house lifestyle; Tuff Shed shelter | OregonLive.com. --- ## $3,000 Off-Grid Tiny House by College Student URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/3000-off-grid-tiny-house-by-college-student/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/3000-off-grid-tiny-house-by-college-student/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-08-18 12:17:22 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > Rob Dunn sits on the porch of his two-story, 96-square-foot home in Poultney, Vt. Dunn, a Green Mountain College senior from Henniker, N.H., has lived off the grid for about a year in his tiny home powered by two 100-watt solar panels. He uses a rocket mass heater for cooking and heating.” – Anthony Edwards/Rutland Herald via AP/masslive.com Source: *Vermont college student lives in solar-powered, $3,000 tiny house at masslive.com. * --- ## Tiny Homes by Elvis Summers, house the Homeless URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-homes-by-elvis-summers-house-the-homeless/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-homes-by-elvis-summers-house-the-homeless/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-06-30 13:34:15 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > Ever since Elvis Summers’s good deed – building a tiny house for his homeless neighbor Smokie – went viral, his life has been “nothing but chaos.” That one good deed has transformed into his life’s work virtually overnight. “[If] I have to do it singlehandedly ’til it’s done – building one tiny house at a time until there’s no more homelessness – then that’s what I’ll do,” Summers tells PEOPLE. Since raising over $80,000 on GoFundMe, the Los Angeles man has been working seven days a week to build a movement (and of course, more houses). On Monday, he’ll complete a slightly bigger tiny house for a homeless man named Lorenzo and his three dogs.” – *People.com* Source: *Los Angeles Man Who Built Tiny House for Homeless Neighbor Update* --- ## Drawing up tiny house plans: DIY or hire a pro? Don’t know? Take a workshop URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/drawing-tiny-house-plans-diy-hire-pro-know-workshop/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/drawing-tiny-house-plans-diy-hire-pro-know-workshop/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-03-03 21:00:07 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > Tiny house advocates will admit that these compact dwellings are deceptively complex. People new to this specialized housing segment might think a smaller house means simpler designs and construction… If you have ever wrestled with remodeling a small kitchen or closet to try to maximize livable space and storage, you will understand what tiny house designer are up against” – OregonLive.com. Continue reading Drawing up tiny house plans: DIY or hire a pro? Don’t know? Take a workshop   --- ## “Tiny Home Pilot Program” Proposed in New Jersey Bill to Encourage Building Tiny Houses for the Poor and Homeless URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-home-pilot-program-proposed-in-new-jersey-bill-to-encourage-building-tiny-houses-for-the-poor-and-homeless/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-home-pilot-program-proposed-in-new-jersey-bill-to-encourage-building-tiny-houses-for-the-poor-and-homeless/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-12-06 11:00:36 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > The bill (S2571), which was just introduced last week and will be heard by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on Monday, would create a three-year “Tiny Home Pilot Program” in which the state would award grants to build housing developments consisting of homes with no more than 300 square feet of floor space.” – NJ.com Read all about N.J. would encourage building tiny houses for the poor and homeless under bill. Tiny house pictured is from Jim and Melanie Tomkins of the Backyard Cottage Company. Photo by Steve Hockstein/for the Star-Ledger. --- ## Portland Mayor Charlie Hales Supports Tiny Homes for the Homeless URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/portland-mayor-charlie-hales-supports-tiny-homes-homeless/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/portland-mayor-charlie-hales-supports-tiny-homes-homeless/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-08-22 04:30:12 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > Portland is preparing to endorse the construction of communities of tiny houses on publicly owned land to get homeless people off the street and offer low-income residents safe, clean and cheap places to live. Josh Alpert, Mayor Charlie Hales director of strategic initiatives said the question isnt whether the so-called micro-communities will happen, but when.” – OregonLive.com Continue reading about why Portland Mayor Charlie Hales is infatuated with the idea. Image by TECHDWELL. --- ## 236 Square Foot Tiny House by Architect Pietro Belluschi & Son Anthony URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/236-square-foot-tiny-house-architect-pietro-belluschi-son-anthony/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/236-square-foot-tiny-house-architect-pietro-belluschi-son-anthony/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-03-30 23:00:08 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > Inside, there are three carefully defined sections that are separated by sliding shoji screen pocket doors. The front door leads to the entry hall with a coat closet at the end. The main room to the left serves as the bedroom, living room, dining room and study for reading or drafting.” – OregonLive.com Read and see more of the Pietro Belluschi tiny house --- ## Yardpods URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/yardpods/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/yardpods/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-08-01 00:08:54 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 Another new small prefab builder is now up and running and offering their steel-framed wood-clad, buildings for sale. The price of a complete unit installed is about $16,500, but do-it-yourselfers should check into the kits which cost much less. Yardpods is located in San Rafael, CA. **[Yardpods](http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/yardpods-update/)** --- ## Portlandia’s Satire Indirectly Publicizes The Tiny House Hotel URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/portlandias-satire-indirectly-publicizes-the-tiny-house-hotel/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/portlandias-satire-indirectly-publicizes-the-tiny-house-hotel/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-03-02 09:20:58 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > The Caravan, a Tiny House Hotel in Portland, across 11th Avenue from Radio Room, hosted its own viewing of Portlandias tiny house episode, then roasted Smores.” – OregonLive.com Learn more about the Tiny House Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Read all about Smore tiny houses: Squeezing around Caravans campfire at OregonLive.com. Photo by Michael Lloyd, OregonLive.com Staff. --- ## Which psychological type of tiny house fan are you? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/which-psychological-type-of-tiny-house-fan-are-you/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/which-psychological-type-of-tiny-house-fan-are-you/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-24 09:01:26 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 The folks at OregonLive.com break down some various psychological types drawn to tiny houses. Take the quiz at: From the home front: Ideabox Aktiv on display in Portland; tiny house psychological types; houseboat | OregonLive.com. --- ## Tiny House Nation Season 2 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-nation-season-2/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-nation-season-2/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-12-25 09:33:50 Modified: 2026-02-26 10:15:57 > “Tiny House Nation” returns for a second season this month on A+E Networks FYI channel, to be joined by a new show, “Tiny House Hunting.” The shows feature owners and soon-to-be owners of houses that have living area of just 500 square feet or less.” – NJ.com Read more about Tiny House Nation exploring super small-space living. --- ## Dutch Gable with Dormers Tiny House Design Study URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dutch-gable-with-dormers-tiny-house-design-study/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dutch-gable-with-dormers-tiny-house-design-study/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2022-02-14 12:33:00 Modified: 2026-02-14 12:42:19 **Summary:** A tiny house design study featuring a 10/12 pitch Dutch gable roof with dormers and a transverse center gable. The layout includes a kitchen, four-person dining area, living room, dual lofts accessed by wall-mounted ladders, a home office alcove, laundry closet, full bath, and French doors. An integrated utility shed at the trailer tongue follows the primary roofline to maintain an aerodynamic profile during transport. ### Q&A **Q: What roof style is used in this tiny house design?** The design uses a 10/12 pitch Dutch gable roof punctuated by dormers and a transverse center gable. **Q: How are the lofts accessed in this tiny house floor plan?** Vertical circulation to the dual lofts is provided by interior wall-mounted ladders located within the living zone. **Q: What is the purpose of the integrated utility shed at the trailer tongue?** The utility shed follows the primary roofline, optimizing the aerodynamic profile of the structure during transport. **Q: What rooms are included in the rear section of this tiny house?** The rear program includes a home office alcove, laundry closet, full bath, and French doors. **Q: What architectural feature provides weather protection at the entry of this tiny house?** A recessed wall plane at the entry elevation creates a protective overhang and accommodates bilateral planter boxes. ### Entities - Dutch Gable Roof (DefinedTerm) — A hybrid roof form combining a gable and hip roof, used here at a 10/12 pitch with added dormers and a transverse center gable. - Dormer (DefinedTerm) — Roof projections that punctuate the Dutch gable, adding light and volume to the loft spaces. - Tiny House on Wheels (Thing) — A compact residential structure built on a trailer chassis, requiring aerodynamic roof design considerations for road transport. - French Doors (Thing) — A pair of glazed doors used at the rear elevation, providing access and natural light to the back of the floor plan. - Utility Shed (Thing) — An integrated storage or mechanical structure positioned at the trailer tongue, designed to follow the primary roofline for aerodynamic continuity. - Loft (DefinedTerm) — Dual sleeping or living platforms accessed by wall-mounted ladders within the living zone of the tiny house. **Keywords:** Dutch gable tiny house, 10/12 pitch roof tiny house, tiny house with dormers, dual loft tiny house floor plan, tiny house trailer aerodynamics, transverse center gable, wall-mounted ladder loft access, tiny house utility shed tongue, recessed entry overhang tiny house, tiny house home office alcove, tiny house design study, French doors tiny house, planter boxes tiny house entry The structure is defined by a complex 10/12 pitch Dutch gable roof, punctuated by dormers and a transverse center gable. An integrated utility shed at the trailer tongue follows the primary roofline, optimizing the aerodynamic profile for transport. The entry elevation features a recessed wall plane, providing a protective overhang and accommodating bilateral planter boxes. The floor plan initiates with the kitchen and a four-person dining area, separated from the living room by a partial partition. Vertical circulation to the dual lofts is provided by interior wall-mounted ladders within the living zone. The rear program consists of a home office alcove, laundry closet, full bath, and French doors. --- ## Partner Program URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/partner-program/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/partner-program/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2026-02-14 08:36:42 Modified: 2026-02-14 12:04:05 **Summary:** Michael Janzen, a tiny house designer active from 2008 to 2019, is offering an affiliate partner program to help sell the Tiny House Archive Setu2014a collection of 20 tiny house on wheels plans, 4 cabin plans, and 4 design e-books priced at $47. Partners earn 30% commission per sale with 30-day cookie tracking and monthly PayPal payouts. After this archive closes, Janzen plans to return to design in 2026 with modern and mid-century aesthetic tiny houses built on wider footprints. ### Q&A **Q: What commission does the Tiny House Archive affiliate program pay?** The program pays 30% commission on every sale generated through a partner's unique affiliate link, with monthly payouts via PayPal and a 30-day cookie duration. **Q: What is included in the Tiny House Archive Set?** The set includes 20 tiny house on wheels plans, 4 fixed-foundation cabin plans, and 4 design e-booksu201428 plans and 4 books totalu2014offered at $47. **Q: Who is Michael Janzen and what is his background in tiny houses?** Michael Janzen is a tiny house designer from Northern California who created plans inspired by coastal towns like Mendocino and Westport between 2008 and 2019. He describes himself as a maker focused on design and storytelling rather than marketing. **Q: What tiny house designs is Michael Janzen planning for 2026?** Janzen plans to release modern and mid-century aesthetic tiny houses with wider footprints, publishing each new transportable design in simultaneous pairs: a standard 8.5-foot road version and a 10-foot wide version. **Q: Who should consider joining the Tiny House Archive partner program?** The program targets tiny house advocates, bloggers, and publishers whose audiences are interested in small spaces, DIY building, or architectural design. ### Entities - Michael Janzen (Person) — Northern California tiny house designer who created plans from 2008 to 2019 and is returning to design work in 2026 with a new aesthetic focus. - Tiny House Archive Set (Product) — A collection of 20 tiny house on wheels plans, 4 cabin plans, and 4 design e-books documenting Janzen's first decade of tiny house design, sold at $47. - Homesteader's Cabin (Thing) — A fixed-foundation cabin design included in the Tiny House Archive Set, noted as one of the more popular plans in the collection. - Carrack (Thing) — A 10x42-foot tiny house on wheels design by Michael Janzen, used as an example of the planned dual-footprint release format for 2026 designs. - Tiny House Floor Plans (Product) — One of four design e-books included in the Tiny House Archive Set. - Tiny House Design System (Product) — One of four design e-books included in the Tiny House Archive Set, focused on design methodology. - Mendocino (Place) — A historic coastal town in Northern California that influenced the aesthetic direction of Michael Janzen's tiny house designs. **Keywords:** tiny house affiliate program, tiny house plans collection, Michael Janzen tiny house designer, tiny house on wheels plans, tiny house archive, DIY tiny house plans, tiny house partner program, 30% affiliate commission, cabin plans download, tiny house movement history, mid-century tiny house design, wide footprint tiny house, tiny house e-books ### **Help share this legacy piece of the original tiny house movement.** For those who don’t know me, I’m Michael Janzen. From 2008 to 2019, I designed tiny houses inspired by the historic coastal towns of my Northern California upbringing—places like Mendocino, Redwood Valley, and Westport. I am a maker, not a marketer. I focus on innovative designs and storytelling, not sales. That is why I look for symbiotic relationships with partners who have a knack for marketing. It allows us to build a productive connection where we both get to focus on what we do best. I am returning to the tiny house design studio in 2026 with a new focus on modern aesthetics and wider footprints. But before I move forward, I am opening the “Archive” one last time. If you have an audience that loves small spaces, DIY building, or architectural design, I would value your help in getting the word out. ## What You Will Be Promoting You will be driving traffic to **[The Tiny House Archive Set](https://payhip.com/b/3mfb6)**. This is a comprehensive collection of my work from the first decade of the tiny house movement. It is being offered at a steep discount to close out this chapter of my work. **The Tiny House Plan Set Includes:** - **20 Tiny House on Wheels Plans:** Ranging from the 12′ *Philo* to the 10×42′ *Carrack*. - **4 Cabin Plans:** Fixed-foundation designs including the popular *Homesteader’s Cabin*. - **4 Design E-Books:** Including *Tiny House Floor Plans* and the *Tiny House Design System*. **The Price:** $47.00 (Total Value) **The Urgency:** This is a limited-time release before I pivot to new designs in 2026. ## The Affiliate Details I value your time and expertise, and I want to make this partnership simple and rewarding. - **Commission:** 30% on every sale generated through your unique link. - **Payouts:** Paid out monthly via PayPal. - **Cookie Duration:** 30 days. ## Why Promote This Plan Set? - **High Value, Low Cost:** At $47 for 28 plans and 4 books, this is an “impulse buy” price point for anyone interested in tiny living, leading to higher conversion rates for you. - **Historical Significance:** These designs represent the early history of the movement—perfect for audiences interested in the evolution of tiny homes. - **Educational Focus:** As I often say, even if someone never builds a micro-home, studying these plans teaches extreme space optimization—a valuable skill for any homeowner. ## How to Join the Partner Program If you are a tiny house advocate, blogger, or publisher, I’d love to have you on board. [Join](https://payhip.com/marketing?tab=affiliate-section#:~:text=https%3A//payhip.com/auth/register/af69848319987b5) ## What Comes Next? The closing of the archive isn’t the end; it’s a reset. Once this sale concludes, I am returning to the design studio in 2026 with a fresh focus on Modern and Mid-Century aesthetics. By joining the program now, you are getting in on the ground floor of this new chapter. Future releases will address a major evolution in the movement: the need for a bit more space. I plan to publish every new transportable design in simultaneous **pairs**—offering both a standard 8.5-foot road version and a spacious 10-foot wide iteration of the house design, like the Carrack (pictured below). I will be documenting this design process on a new YouTube channel, providing you with a steady stream of fresh, engaging content to share with your audience long after the archive closes. --- ## About URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/about/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/about/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2022-11-20 14:57:35 Modified: 2026-02-14 08:59:05 **Summary:** Michael Janzen is a designer and artist who ran a tiny house design blog from 2008 to 2019, producing architectural plans focused on maximizing utility in small spaces. Rooted in his upbringing in Mendocino County, California, and early years living in a 450-square-foot cabin, his designs draw on Northern California coastal town aesthetics. In 2026, he is returning to tiny house design with a focus on Modern and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics, wider footprint options, and foundation-based homes under 500 square feet. ### Q&A **Q: Who is Michael Janzen and what is Tiny House Living?** Michael Janzen is a designer and artist who founded Tiny House Living, a design blog and resource he operated from 2008 to 2019. The site focused on small-footprint home designs with step-by-step construction instructions aimed at people building their own homes. **Q: What inspired Michael Janzen to design tiny houses?** Janzen grew up in Mendocino County, California, and in the early 1990s lived in his grandmother's 450-square-foot cabin in Redwood Valley, where he also built a small pottery studio. That experience, combined with the architecture of historic Northern California coastal towns, shaped his approach to small-space design. **Q: What are Michael Janzen's new tiny house design plans for 2026?** Janzen is returning to tiny house design in 2026 with a focus on Modern and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. New plans will be released in pairs offering 8.5-foot and 10-foot wide versions, fixed-foundation designs will be limited to 500 square feet or less, and he plans to relaunch a YouTube channel documenting his design process including 3D-printed physical models. **Q: What width options will Michael Janzen's new tiny house designs offer?** Each new design will be released in two versions: a standard 8.5-foot road-legal width and a wider 10-foot version of the same house. **Q: Why did Michael Janzen stop publishing tiny house plans in 2019?** Janzen stepped back from publishing tiny house plans in 2019 to concentrate on a tech day job, though he continued designing, writing, and making art outside of work hours. ### Entities - Michael Janzen (Person) — Designer, artist, and founder of Tiny House Living, known for small-footprint home designs and construction plans produced between 2008 and 2019. - Tiny House Living (Thing) — A design blog and resource founded by Michael Janzen focused on tiny house architectural plans and small-space living, active from 2008 to 2019 and relaunching in 2026. - Mendocino County (Place) — County in Northern California where Michael Janzen was born and raised, which influenced his design aesthetic through its coastal town architecture and timber history. - Redwood Valley (Place) — Community in Mendocino County, California, where Janzen lived in his grandmother's 450-square-foot cabin in the early 1990s. - Mid-Century Modern (DefinedTerm) — Architectural and design aesthetic from roughly the 1940s through 1960s that Janzen is incorporating into his 2026 tiny house design work. - Tiny House Movement (Thing) — Social and architectural movement advocating for smaller, more efficient living spaces, which Janzen contributed to through his blog and design plans beginning in 2008. **Keywords:** tiny house design, Michael Janzen, Tiny House Living, small footprint homes, tiny house plans, Mendocino County cabin, Mid-Century Modern tiny house, 10-foot wide tiny house, 500 square foot foundation home, tiny house construction instructions, DIY tiny house, small space living, tiny house blog, 3D printed architectural models, Redwood Valley cabin **Welcome to Tiny House Living.** I’m Michael Janzen. I am a designer, an artist, and a lifelong advocate for the beauty and utility of living small. If you followed the early days of the tiny house movement, you might already know my work. Between 2008 and 2019, I ran a busy tiny house design blog focused on packing maximum utility into the smallest possible footprints. But my fascination with tiny spaces started long before that. ## The Mendocino Roots I was born in Mendocino County and grew up just south of there. In the early 1990s, right after college, I moved into my grandmother’s tiny cabin in Redwood Valley. I renovated that cabin, built a tiny house-sized pottery studio, and spent my days working as a potter. Those years spent in a small space, surrounded by the architecture of historic coastal towns with the memory of the masted sailing ships and timber history, left a permanent mark on me. When I began designing tiny houses in 2008, I named my designs after those towns—places like Westport, Caspar, Albion, and Philo. For me, designing tiny homes has always been about the puzzle. It is the ultimate challenge of optimizing space and creating multimodal living environments. My goal was never just to draw architectural blueprints, but to create step-by-step assembly instructions that demystified the construction process for regular people building their own dreams. ## The Hiatus and the Return In 2019, I stepped back from publishing tiny house plans to focus on my tech day job, though I never stopped designing, writing, and making art by night. Now, in 2026, I am returning to the tiny house design studio with renewed energy and a fresh set of ideas. ## What’s Next for Tiny House Living As I open this new chapter, my design focus is shifting toward Modern and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics. I am also exploring new ways to solve the spatial challenges of tiny living: - **Wider Footprints:** All my new tiny house designs will be released in pairs, offering both standard 8.5-foot road widths and 10-foot wide versions of the same house design. - **Small Foundations:** I am limiting all future fixed-foundation designs to 500 square feet or less, the scale of my grandmother’s cabin which was 450 square feet. - **Extreme Challenges:** I’ll be exploring unconventional concepts just for the fun of it—like how to build on a cliff face, a mountain top, or in an arid desert. - **The Process:** I will be re-launching my YouTube channel to document the “how” and “why” behind the designs, including my experiments with 3D printing physical models. I’m a maker at heart, and I am thrilled to share this next evolution of Tiny House Living with you. Whether you are planning a build, or simply love the ingenuity of small spaces, I’m glad you’re here. Warmly, **Michael Janzen** --- ## The Rise of Tiny Houses: A Sustainable Solution to Affordable Housing URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-rise-of-tiny-houses-a-sustainable-solution-to-affordable-housing/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-rise-of-tiny-houses-a-sustainable-solution-to-affordable-housing/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2019-03-24 07:48:00 Modified: 2026-02-14 08:47:30 **Summary:** The tiny house movement in the United States promotes dwellings of 400 square feet or less as an affordable housing alternative, with average build costs between $20,000 and $50,000 compared to the 2022 median home price of $347,500. Originating in the early 2000s through figures like Jay Shafer and Dee Williams, the movement gained significant momentum after the 2008 financial crisis. Legal hurdles remain, including minimum square footage zoning requirements and the classification of wheeled tiny houses as recreational vehicles, though the 2018 International Residential Code Appendix Q provided a formal construction pathway. ### Q&A **Q: How much does it cost to build a tiny house?** According to the Tiny House Industry Association, the average cost to build a tiny house ranges between $20,000 and $50,000, compared to the 2022 U.S. median home price of $347,500. **Q: What is the legal status of tiny houses in the United States?** Tiny houses face significant legal challenges, including minimum square footage zoning requirements in many areas. Tiny houses on wheels are often classified as recreational vehicles. The 2018 International Residential Code Appendix Q created a pathway for legally constructing tiny houses on foundations. **Q: Who started the tiny house movement?** The tiny house movement traces back to the early 2000s, with influential figures including Jay Shafer, who founded Tumbleweed Tiny House Company; Dee Williams, who documented living in an 84-square-foot home; and Michael Janzen, who published tiny house plans and books. **Q: What counts as a tiny house?** Tiny houses are generally defined as dwellings of 400 square feet or less, with some as small as 80 square feet. **Q: What zoning changes have supported tiny houses?** Spur, Texas, and Fresno, California, have updated zoning laws to accommodate tiny houses. The International Code Council's 2018 release of International Residential Code Appendix Q also provided a legal framework for foundation-based tiny house construction. ### Entities - Jay Shafer (Person) — Early advocate of the tiny house movement and founder of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, offering plans and workshops for building tiny houses. - Tumbleweed Tiny House Company (Organization) — Company founded by Jay Shafer that provided plans and workshops for constructing tiny houses. - Dee Williams (Person) — Author of The Big Tiny, documenting her experience building and living in an 84-square-foot tiny house. - Michael Janzen (Person) — Early promoter of the tiny house movement who published plans and books that generated broad interest in smaller living spaces. - International Residential Code Appendix Q (DefinedTerm) — A 2018 addition to the International Residential Code released by the International Code Council, providing a legal framework for constructing tiny houses on foundations. - Tiny House Industry Association (Organization) — Industry body that tracks tiny house data, including average build costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. - 2008 Financial Crisis (Event) — Economic downturn identified as a primary catalyst for the growth of the tiny house movement, as people sought affordable housing alternatives. **Keywords:** tiny house movement, affordable housing, tiny house cost, International Residential Code Appendix Q, tiny house zoning laws, Jay Shafer, Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, tiny house on wheels, minimalist housing, sustainable housing, tiny house square footage, tiny house legal challenges, 2008 financial crisis housing ## The Tiny House Movement: A History of Affordable Housing Solutions The tiny house movement is a growing trend in the United States that has gained popularity as an alternative solution for affordable housing. Tiny houses are typically defined as 400 square feet or less, with some as small as 80 square feet. They offer a minimalist lifestyle with the potential for mobility and a reduced environmental footprint. This article explores the history of the tiny house movement in the United States, its key milestones, influential figures, and current trends and challenges. ## The Origins of the Tiny House Movement The tiny house movement can be traced back to the early 2000s when influential figures like Jay Shafer, Dee Williams, and Michael Janzen began promoting living in smaller, more sustainable spaces. Shafer founded Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, which offered plans and workshops for building tiny houses. Williams wrote a book, The Big Tiny, about her experience building and living in an 84-square-foot house. Janzen started publishing plans and books for tiny houses, which sparked interest and discussion. ## Key Milestones in the Development of the Movement The 2008 financial crisis was a primary catalyst for the growth of the tiny house movement, as many people were looking for affordable housing options. Additionally, in 2018, the International Residential Code Appendix Q was introduced, providing a pathway for legally constructing tiny houses on foundations. ## Reasons Behind the Movement’s Popularity The tiny house movement has gained popularity as an affordable housing solution due to its relatively low cost of construction, reduced energy costs, and the ability to place tiny houses on cheaper, more accessible land. According to the Tiny House Industry Association, tiny houses have an average cost to build between $20,000 and $50,000, compared to the median home price in the United States of $347,500 in 2022. Tiny houses also have a smaller environmental footprint, requiring less energy to heat and cool. ## Statistics on Tiny Houses in the United States According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were approximately 1,500 tiny houses in the United States in 2018. However, this number is likely much higher, as many tiny house owners still need to register their homes as permanent residences. Google Trends data shows that the search term “tiny house” has steadily increased in popularity since 2012, with a peak in 2019. ## Progress in Changing Government Zoning and Building Codes Changing government zoning and building codes has significantly challenged the tiny house movement. However, there have been some successes. Locations such as Spur, Texas, and Fresno, California, have changed zoning laws for tiny houses. Additionally, the International Code Council released the International Residential Code Appendix Q in 2018, providing a pathway to legally construct tiny houses on foundations. ## Legal Challenges Facing Tiny Houses Zoning laws, building codes, and regulations are significant legal challenges facing the tiny house movement. Many areas have minimum square footage requirements for homes, which makes it difficult for tiny houses to be legally constructed. Additionally, tiny houses on wheels are often classified as recreational vehicles, subject to different regulations than permanent residences. ## Conclusion The tiny house movement offers an affordable housing solution with reduced environmental impact. While there have been challenges in changing zoning and building codes and navigating legal regulations, progress has been made in some areas. As the search term “tiny house” continues to gain popularity, it is clear that the movement is here to stay. --- ## Forbes Examines Ultra-Posh Tiny Homes URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/forbes-examines-ultra-posh-tiny-homes/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/forbes-examines-ultra-posh-tiny-homes/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-02-18 01:01:17 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:35 > The tiny home craze, a movement centered on the countercultural idea that it’s better to live small than large, is taking a cue from the mega-mansion and embracing upscale amenities. From quality woods to granite countertops to sound systems and LED lights, tiny homes have moved beyond their sawdust toilet roots, with several companies offering scaled-down versions of luxury features. One company is even marketing a tiny hot tub.” – Erin Carlyle for Forbes Read and see more about Ultra-Posh Tiny Homes at ForbesLife. Pictured here is a tiny home by Zyl Vardos. --- ## Tiny House Villages Seek Tiny Plots of Land Near San Francisco URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-villages-seek-tiny-plots-of-land-near-san-francisco/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-villages-seek-tiny-plots-of-land-near-san-francisco/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-02-28 08:25:21 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:35 > Jay Shafer has been designing and building tiny houses since the late 90s. Through his company, Four Lights Houses, he sells tiny-house plans, from a 98-square-foot miniature Craftsman called the Zinn to the 288-square-foot Marie Colvin, whose pint-sized columns are embellished with stonework… For the past two years, he’s been working on a village of his designs. Currently hes considering four potential sites, all within a five-minute walk of downtown Sebastopol, and is in talks with local officials about his plans. Shafer says he hopes to break ground on the village this year.” – Curbed SF Read more about Tiny House Villages Seek Tiny Plots of Land Near San Francisco --- ## Could Tiny Houses Save Ski Towns? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/could-tiny-houses-save-ski-towns/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/could-tiny-houses-save-ski-towns/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-03-01 20:17:56 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:35 > At their core, ski towns are made up of die-hard mountain lovers who are obsessed with snowy peaks, love the amazing but too-short summers, and who are willing to put up with the spring mud season. Unfortunately, rising housing costs are making it nearly impossible for snow lovers to “ski-bum-it” for one season or for twenty. Curbed Ski thinks that the tiny home movement might be just the thing to save a ski lifestyle at risk of extinction.” – Curbed Ski Read more about Why Tiny Homes Might Be Just the Thing To Save Ski Towns. Photo from [Tiny House Listings](http://tinyhouselistings.com/190-square-feet-tiny-house-on-wheels/) via Curbed Ski --- ## Alternative Power Generators for Off-Grid Tiny Homes URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/alternative-power-generators-for-off-grid-tiny-homes/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/alternative-power-generators-for-off-grid-tiny-homes/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-02-04 16:30:50 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:34 Portable alternative power generations like this one are handy during extended blackouts and can make good starter kits for some tiny houses. The size of a system depends on what you need to run; for example if you just needs lights and communications a very small system will do. If you need to power a refrigerator, well pump, and/or clothes washer the system will naturally need to be bigger. You can build solar systems yourself with all the necessary parts or buy [prebuilt packages like the one pictured here](http://www.bepreparedsolar.com/?Click=160) to help you get started. To learn how to build your own solar system I’ve linked a few how-to articles from other websites below: - Eartheasy Blog – Simple DIY Home Solar Power System - [Mother Earth News](http://www.motherearthnews.com/renewable-energy/diy-solar-power-system-zb0z1302zsor.aspx) – DIY Solar Power System Offers Easy Emergency Power Supply - Off Grid Quest – 4 Videos – A Small Introduction to DIY Solar [Learn more about the system pictured above…](http://www.bepreparedsolar.com/?Click=160) --- ## Experience with a Solar Powered Refrigerator URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/experience-with-a-solar-powered-refrigerator/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/experience-with-a-solar-powered-refrigerator/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-08-09 12:59:59 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:34 Off-grid family provides a detailed report on living with a solar powered refrigerator. > “For several months now, the refrigerator has operated smoothly and silently at a constant 4 degrees (C ) at the ‘medium’ setting. There has been no frost or moisture buildup. Our batteries seem to hardly notice the draw.” Continue reading about Our experience with a solar powered refrigerator | Eartheasy Blog. --- ## Jeep® ActionCamper© for The Zombie Apocalypse URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/jeep-actioncamper-for-the-zombie-apocalypse/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/jeep-actioncamper-for-the-zombie-apocalypse/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-08-25 13:00:13 Modified: 2026-02-02 09:12:34 > “The Jeep® ActionCamper© has been developed for overlanding and expeditions with two passengers. The interior is incredibly spacious and fitted with all of the amenities to have a comfortable and unforgettable expedition experience to remote areas. The slide-up roof with insulated hard walls offers in the kitchen area a clearance of 6’3″. All windows are insulated. The roof has a huge panorama window and recessment for two large 120W solar panels. The camper can be taken off the Jeep® in minutes.” – Jeep® ActionCamper© --- ## Want to be on Tiny House Nation? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/want-to-be-on-tiny-house-nation/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/want-to-be-on-tiny-house-nation/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2018-05-01 17:52:18 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 **Summary:** Tiny House Nation, a television show produced by Loud Television and featuring hosts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, was seeking casting applicants for an upcoming season. Interested participants needed an available budget and plans to build or move in between June and November. Casting associate Emma Appel handled inquiries directly via email. ### Q&A **Q: How do you apply to be on Tiny House Nation?** Applicants could contact casting associate Emma Appel directly at emma.appel@itv-creative.com. Requirements included having an allotted budget and planning a build or move-in within the casting window of June to November. **Q: Who are the hosts of Tiny House Nation?** Tiny House Nation is hosted by John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin, who travel across America profiling small spaces and helping families design and build their own tiny homes. **Q: Who produces Tiny House Nation?** Tiny House Nation is produced by Loud Television and airs on the FYI network. **Q: What is the premise of Tiny House Nation?** The show profiles creative small living spaces and the people who inhabit them, while also helping new families design and construct their own tiny homes. It covers a range from ultra-luxurious to budget-friendly builds. ### Entities - Tiny House Nation (Product) — A television series on the FYI network featuring hosts traveling across America to profile tiny homes and help families build their own. - John Weisbarth (Person) — Co-host and renovation expert on Tiny House Nation. - Zack Giffin (Person) — Co-host and renovation expert on Tiny House Nation. - Loud Television (Organization) — Production company responsible for producing Tiny House Nation. - Emma Appel (Person) — Casting associate for Tiny House Nation responsible for recruiting applicants for upcoming seasons. - FYI Network (Organization) — Television network that broadcasts Tiny House Nation. **Keywords:** Tiny House Nation casting, apply to Tiny House Nation, tiny home television show, John Weisbarth, Zack Giffin, Loud Television, FYI network tiny house, tiny house build show, tiny home movement, reality TV casting call Emma Appel, a casting associate for the television show Tiny House Nation reached out to me today. She’s looking for folk to cast for their next season. Applicants should have an allotted, available budget and should be planning their build/move-in within the next several months (June to November). Reach out directly to Emma if you have any questions. Her email address is [emma.appel@itv-creative.com](mailto:emma.appel@itv-creative.com). Here’s what they say about the show: > Produced by Loud Television, Tiny House Nation features renovation experts John Weisbarth and Zack Giffin as they travel across America to profile ingenious, small spaces and the inspiring, everyday people who live in them, as well as help new families design and construct their own mini-dream home. This series celebrates the exploding movement of tiny homes from the ultra luxurious to the budget-friendly. Tiny House Nation is not a typical build show but one that proves size doesn’t always matter – it’s creativity that counts. For more information on the show please visit: http://www.fyi.tv/shows/tiny-house-nation   --- ## Tiny House from The Millenial Lab at Harvard URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-from-the-millenial-lab-at-harvard/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-from-the-millenial-lab-at-harvard/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-07-22 17:00:48 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 > And now there is the Millenial Housing Lab looking at the problems they face. Founded by Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School and Harvard Design School students it is looking at the problems of housing a generation without stability. Their first project is a look at the Tiny House. “The idea: build tiny houses, place them on beautiful rural land and rent them by the night to city folks looking to escape the digital grind and test-drive tiny house living.”” – Treehugger Source: *The Millenial Lab at Harvard builds a Tiny House* --- ## Dabney & Alan’s Summit Prairie Fire Lookout URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dabney-alans-summit-prairie-fire-lookout/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dabney-alans-summit-prairie-fire-lookout/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2017-12-27 06:30:52 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 **Summary:** Dabney and Alan own an 18x18-foot fire lookout tower in Oregon, built in 2009 over approximately 180 days total u2014 90 days for the shell and 90 days for the interior. The structure sits 40 feet off the ground on a mountaintop and operates as an off-grid tiny house. The owners list it as a vacation rental on Airbnb under the name Summit Prairie Fire Lookout. ### Q&A **Q: What are the dimensions of Dabney and Alan's fire lookout tiny house?** The fire lookout is 18 feet by 18 feet. **Q: How long did it take to build the Summit Prairie fire lookout?** Construction took roughly 180 days total u2014 about 90 days for the shell and another 90 days to finish the interior. **Q: Can you rent the Summit Prairie fire lookout?** Yes, Dabney and Alan list the fire lookout as a vacation rental on Airbnb through the Summit Prairie website. **Q: Where is the Summit Prairie fire lookout located?** The fire lookout is located in Oregon, positioned 40 feet off the ground on a mountaintop. **Q: Who filmed the tour of the Summit Prairie fire lookout tiny house?** Dylan Magaster filmed and published the tour video on YouTube. ### Entities - Dabney & Alan (Person) — Owners of the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout, an off-grid tiny house fire lookout tower in Oregon that they also rent on Airbnb. - Summit Prairie Fire Lookout (Thing) — An 18x18-foot off-grid fire lookout tower tiny house in Oregon, built in 2009 and available as an Airbnb vacation rental. - Dylan Magaster (Person) — YouTube creator who filmed and published a tour of the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout tiny house. - Airbnb (Organization) — Platform through which Dabney and Alan list the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout as a short-term vacation rental. - Oregon (Place) — U.S. state where the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout is located. **Keywords:** fire lookout tiny house, Summit Prairie Fire Lookout, Oregon tiny house, off-grid vacation rental, fire lookout Airbnb, 18x18 tiny house, mountaintop tiny house, tiny house tour, Dylan Magaster, fire lookout tower rental, off-grid living Oregon [Dylan Magaster](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuyCsMOEkJ27lHZ-AT9TmA) visits Dabney & Alan’s tiny house fire lookout in Oregon. They had this 18’x18′ fire lookout built in 2009. It took about 90 days to build the shell, and another 90 days to finish the interior. Photos via the video by [Dylan Magaster](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuyCsMOEkJ27lHZ-AT9TmA). Dabney & Alan also rent out their tiny house fire lookout on Airbnb. So if you’d like to experience living off-grid and 40-feet up on a mountaintop yourself, check out their vacation rental listing on Airbnb.com. For all the details visit the Summit Prairie website. For more great tiny living tours like this subscribe to [Dylan Magaster on YouTube.](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFuyCsMOEkJ27lHZ-AT9TmA)   --- ## Architect Kelly Davis Designs Tiny Home URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/architect-kelly-davis-designs-tiny-home/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/architect-kelly-davis-designs-tiny-home/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-07-08 13:21:28 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 > It is a very different plan from most tiny homes, divided by the lofts into three zones, one washroom, one living area and one kitchen and dining. As shown it can accommodate six; that will be cozy around the dinner table. I also think the full size range is overkill, but they offer a two-burner induction stovetop as an option.” – Lloyd Alter for Trehugger Source: *Talented architect tackles the tiny house and comes up with a mini gem : TreeHugger. Photos by Escape Traveler* --- ## Kimberly Mok for Treehugger Reports on Canada’s First Tiny House Festival URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/kimberly-mok-for-treehugger-reports-on-canadas-first-tiny-house-festival/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/kimberly-mok-for-treehugger-reports-on-canadas-first-tiny-house-festival/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-07-28 11:32:44 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 > …we visited Canada’s first official tiny house festival over the weekend, along with hundreds of curious people who descended upon Lantier, a small municipality an hour and a half north of Montreal, Quebec, which recently approved a sustainable housing development for small homes under 1000 square feet in size, without basements.” – Kimberley Mok for Treehugger Read the complete story: *Canada’s first tiny house festival debuts as part of planned tiny housing development at TreeHugger* --- ## Lighthouse by Camera Buildings URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lighthouse-camera-buildings/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lighthouse-camera-buildings/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-05-12 19:40:22 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:41 > With loft, bathroom, kitchen, living and work space options, the Lighthouse is a fully functional building designed for one or two people. Well-insulated and weather tight, it is ready for four-season use while windows and skylights provide ample daylight and ventilation.” – Prefab Camera Buildings See more of this Prefab Building --- ## Cozy Mountain A-frame Cabin – Photo by AndrewQ URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cozy-mountain-a-frame-cabin-photo-by-andrewq/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cozy-mountain-a-frame-cabin-photo-by-andrewq/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-01-29 08:00:06 Modified: 2026-01-30 09:23:40 > Stayed at cozy little cabin in the mountains this weekend. Just big enough for the whole family without feeling too cramped. If all the rain had been snow instead, it would’ve been perfect!” – AndrewQ via Mountain Cabin | Flickr Photo credit to AndrewQ PDX --- ## Built in 6 Weeks for $4,000 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/built-in-6-weeks-for-4000/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/built-in-6-weeks-for-4000/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-09-06 05:25:19 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Amazingly, Herrle was able to construct this tiny cabin of 11 by 14 feet in the woods for only $4,000 and in only six short weeks… Herrle is now well on his way to building more tiny houses for other clients and other projects that he’s passionate about. Check out more of Dave Herrle’s work over at Herrle Custom Carpentry and on Facebook.” – Kimberley Mok for TreeHugger See and read more about this Romantic tiny forest home built in 6 weeks for $4,000 at TreeHugger. --- ## Tiny Yurt Living in Northern Minnesota URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-yurt-living-in-northern-minnesota/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-yurt-living-in-northern-minnesota/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-12-31 09:20:00 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Grace Brogan and John Kamman live in a yurt. It’s a squat round structure with lattice walls, a dome skylight and a few layers of canvas over the whole thing — think of a tent with stiff walls. Tents are great in the summer, but this is winter. In northern Minnesota.” – Minnesota Public Radio News Read the whole story… Even in the frozen North, a yurt’s so good at Minnesota Public Radio News. Thanks again to Ben for sending this story my way! --- ## The Lovable Loo and other Alternative Toilets URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lovable-loo-alternative-toilets/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lovable-loo-alternative-toilets/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-05-19 18:33:35 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > I have twenty-five years of experience with alternative toilets, but have never looked seriously at the bucket and sawdust toilet as a viable alternative. In fact, re-reading Joe Jenkins’ Humanure Handbook after many years, I began to appreciate the logic and sophistication of this solution.” – Lloyd Alter for Treehugger Continue reading about The hot poop on alternative toilets. Photo by Chris Tack --- ## LifeEdited: Graham Hill Moves In! URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lifeedited-graham-hill-moves-in/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lifeedited-graham-hill-moves-in/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-12 17:19:15 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 Here’s an update on the tiny apartment the founder of Treehugger built in New York. > “Graham Hill, founder of Treehugger & initiator of LifeEdited, challenged the jovoto community with interior design ideas for his 39 sqm space in New York, remember? …A few weeks ago, in May 2012 Graham Hill could spend –  his first night sleep in his fully realized apartment space. And it was published in a 3 page spread in the New York Times newspaper!” Read more about LifeEdited: Graham Hill moved in! --- ## Would You Like to Build Yourself a Chemical-Free Tiny House? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/build-chemical-free-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/build-chemical-free-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-08-13 10:00:32 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > The tiny house concept has been a godsend for not a few people suffering from MCS, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia and other auto-immune illnesses; it gives them a chance to live in a home that is built without any of the paints, glues, plastics and chemicals that they react to, usually in a place far away from pollution and other irritants.” – TreeHugger Read the whole story, Woman builds herself a gorgeous, tiny, healthy, “chemical free” house. Visit the My Chemical Free House website to learn how to do this yourself. Photos by the folks at My Chemical Free House. --- ## Smallest House in Great Britain URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/smallest-house-in-great-britain/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/smallest-house-in-great-britain/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-08-22 00:05:30 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 Derek, from [RelaxShax](http://relaxshax.wordpress.com/), stumbled on this cool tiny house that is the smallest house Great Britain. It’s called the Quay House and measures just 10 by 6 feet. **Smallest House in Great Britain** --- ## Expanding House Pops Out of Trailer URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/expanding-house-pops-trailer/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/expanding-house-pops-trailer/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-04-22 06:30:43 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > This cleverly compact mobile housing design by [Mehdi Hidari Badie](http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/04/05/amazing-modern-mobile-home/) has got all the bases covered when it comes to making the most of limited space… The versatile design is not only incredibly easy to transport, but has a refined aesthetic that is unrecognizable as a mobile home once it’s been unfolded.” – TreeHugger Learn more about this Amazing Expanding House Pops Out of Single Trailer. Design by [Mehdi Hidari Badie](http://www.yankodesign.com/2012/04/05/amazing-modern-mobile-home/). --- ## Laughing House in Oregon by The Cob Cottage Company URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/laughing-house-oregon-cob-cottage-company/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/laughing-house-oregon-cob-cottage-company/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-11-21 22:00:38 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Hidden away in a lush Oregon woodland near Coquille, OR, USA is a collection of tiny cob homes with names like Dawn and Dusk and the jewel among them is the the home of Ianto and Linda called Laughing House. Ianto and Linda run the Cob Cottage Company sharing their many years of natural building experience and philosophy with what must now add up to hundreds of people from all over the world.” – Natural Homes [See and read more at Natural Homes…](http://naturalhomes.org/cobcottage.htm) --- ## Jackie’s Cob House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/jackies-cob-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/jackies-cob-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-03-24 02:00:11 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Man needs a home, and a comfortable home at that. Can it really be done one handful at a time? To find out, and to learn how to build a cozy (and super-super beautiful!) house customised to our needs, my partner and I are at Spirit Pine Sanctuary (Los Olivos, California) doing a natural building apprenticeship with Cob Cottage Company.” – Permacultured Read and see more Jackie’s Cob House --- ## Tiny Homes for Holiday Getaways URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-homes-holiday-getaways/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-homes-holiday-getaways/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-12-12 17:15:13 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > The curious but non-committed may wonder, however, what it is like to actually live in a tiny home without going through the whole process and cost of designing and building one, or may be wanting to find a tiny house or cottage to stay in while on holiday. In that case, take a look at our visual tour of some of the many tiny homes for rent all over the world.” – Kimberley at TreeHugger Read more about 11 Tiny Homes you can rent for a holiday getaway --- ## Building a Cob House for $7000 URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/building-a-cob-house-for-7000/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/building-a-cob-house-for-7000/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-02-11 13:15:25 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Cob building has been used for centuries in Europe but is relatively unknown in the U.S. In the summer of 2007, Hap and Lin journeyed to Oregon to learn cob building at the Cob Cottage Company, the home of Ianto Evans and Linda Smiley.  They are the major force promoting cob building around the globe.” – Linda Egenes for Iowa Source Read the whole story about Building a Cob House for $7000. --- ## Glide Pod URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/glide-pod/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/glide-pod/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-10-06 12:00:43 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 > Fitting neatly in to many gardens it offers enough space to be practical for a large number of uses. Despite it’s ample size in many cases we may even be able to install a Glide Pod in your garden without the need for planning permission. In addition to the quality features of our other smaller pods the Glide Pod also features a sliding louvered screen.” – Glide Pod Another backyard office space that really inspires the imagination. Learn more about the Glide Pod.    --- ## MicroPod URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/micropod/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/micropod/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-05-31 00:06:00 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:08 This tiny garden office is available from Pod Space in the UK. It’s available with options like a living roof, underfloor heating, high efficiency windows, and custom integral furniture. **[MicroPod](http://www.shedworking.co.uk/2010/05/compact-micropod-launched-by-pod-space.html)** --- ## Guodros Medis in Lithuania URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/guodros-medis-in-lithuania/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/guodros-medis-in-lithuania/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2009-12-18 00:02:32 Modified: 2026-01-29 12:49:07 I was recently introduced to this tiny house builder in Lithuania. They sell many small log homes that can serve as wooden summerhouses, garden houses, chalets, garages, and saunas. Using Google Translate you can read their website in English (although for some reason the images get turned off). **[Guodros Medis in Lithuania](http://www.guodrosmedis.lt/)** --- ## Earthbag House in Turkey Survives 6.1 Earthquake URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/earthbag-house-in-turkey-survives-6-1-earthquake/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/earthbag-house-in-turkey-survives-6-1-earthquake/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2012-07-04 18:12:36 Modified: 2025-12-06 08:27:34 Of all the building methods earthbags seems the most inviting. Here’s another example of their strength under adverse conditions. > “The house has a diameter of 6 metres and is circular for maximum strength. After a winter of deluges, unprecedented freezing nights and last week a 6.1 earthquake, the house is still standing not only strong, but dry.” Read more about Earthbag House in Turkey Survives 6.1 Earthquake. --- ## Micro Palace URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/micro-palace/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/micro-palace/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-01-23 20:05:44 Modified: 2025-11-18 17:48:55 > This is the micro-Palace. It’s small, luxurious, energy efficient, movable house that I designed, co-ordinated the construction of, and currently live in. micro-palace.com.” – [Tiny House Swoon](http://tinyhouseswoon.com/micro-palace/). See more of the [Micro Palace](http://tinyhouseswoon.com/micro-palace/) --- ## Cabin in the Woods at The Tipi Village Retreat URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cabin-woods-tipi-village-retreat/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cabin-woods-tipi-village-retreat/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-04-13 16:45:37 Modified: 2025-11-09 17:46:09 > The Cabin in the Woods  enjoys the best of all worlds:  it is nestled under tall old trees in our forest, and it overlooks the wide open field to the West of the retreat, getting flooded with late afternoon sunshine. It is a real treat to sit on the deck in the afternoon, watching the sunset.” – Tipi Village Retreat Learn more about this Cabin in the Woods --- ## Tiny House Expedition URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-expedition/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-expedition/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-04-06 13:55:58 Modified: 2025-10-25 14:00:15 > Filmmaker duo, Alexis Stephens & Christian Parsons, are an ordinary couple embarking on an extraordinary expedition across the nation in a tiny house on wheels. **The Plan:** Build a tiny house on wheels & take it on a 12-18 month cross-country expedition. **The Purpose:** Document tiny house community building projects, across the nation and tell the story of how each came into being, the people behind them & how they are making a difference in their communities.” – Tiny House Expedition Learn more about the project on the Tiny House Expedition blog. [Tiny House Expedition At Triad Home and Garden Show.](https://vimeo.com/122687403) from [Tiny House Expediton](https://vimeo.com/tinyhouseexpedition) on [Vimeo](https://vimeo.com). --- ## Nomad Micro Home – A Kit That Should Be Easier to Assemble Than Furniture URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/nomad-kit/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/nomad-kit/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-11-12 06:00:05 Modified: 2025-10-22 09:14:58 > The Nomad Micro home is the brainchild of Vancouver architect Ian Kent, who is currently raising funds to begin producing the home through an Indie Go Go campaign. The Nomad Micro Home can be described as a sustainable tiny house kit. It is so small and lightweight that the buyer can ship it anywhere in the world, and once it arrives, anyone with some basic carpentry skills can assemble it on their own…” – Christine at JETSON GREEN Read more about A Nomad Micro Home is Easier to Assemble Than Furniture. --- ## NOMAD Micro Homes Goes Viral URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/nomad-micro-homes-viral/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/nomad-micro-homes-viral/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-11-12 03:00:32 Modified: 2025-10-22 09:14:58 > Since I last posted about NOMAD Micro Homes, they’ve created an IndieGoGo campaign, and have gone viral almost overnight. The tiny house company has been popping up frequently on UK, and US based websites, and magazines over the course of the last week. The design of their tiny 10 foot square house is one of my own personal favorites, and if you’d like to support their campaign check out their IndieGoGo page!” – Niall Read more at Humble Homes…   --- ## 10 Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/10-tiny-homes-for-wisconsin-homeless/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/10-tiny-homes-for-wisconsin-homeless/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-01-26 12:00:55 Modified: 2025-10-22 09:14:58 > If we raise $50,000 we can build 10 homes for people currently experiencing homelessness.  These homes can be plugged in to the grid, have solar power for lights and small appliances.  They have a composting toilet, an internal water system for washing hands or brushing teeth as well as a vented propane heater and substantial insulation for warmth!  Most importantly, these houses provide safety, a place to store items, a bed to sleep in and a place to call home!” – Occupy Madison Learn more about 10 Tiny Homes for Wisconsin Homeless on Indiegogo. --- ## Poll Shows Primary Use of Sheds Is No Longer for Storage URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/poll-shows-primary-sheds-longer-storage/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/poll-shows-primary-sheds-longer-storage/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-04-17 10:00:53 Modified: 2025-10-19 09:20:50 > Research from Dunster House suggests that keeping sheds as storage areas is no longer the most popular way of using them  – more than half of the people surveyed said they use their shed as a dedicated hobby space or relaxing hideaway.” – Shedworking Read more about [Sheds more popular for working in than storage says poll](http://www.shedworking.co.uk/2014/04/sheds-more-popular-for-working-in-than.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Shedworking+%28Shedworking%29). --- ## Cob Cottage Company Builds Beautiful Handcrafted Homes URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cob-cottage-company/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cob-cottage-company/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-08-30 09:00:02 Modified: 2025-09-16 11:16:19 > Our inspiration comes from direct observation of Nature, and from the wisdom of traditional cultures. We are committed to deconsumerizing, to reducing the flow of cash, resources and waste, and helping others to do the same. We work with a wide range of natural materials. Numerous cob demonstration buildings all over North America are now open to visitors. The many buildings at the North American Retreat Center for Natural Building in Oregon’s rainforest where we live, are open by appointment.” – Cob Cottage Company. See more of the house pictured here on The Cob Cottage Company website. --- ## Vancouver Man Lives in a Van While Saving Up for a Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/vancouver-man-lives-van-saving-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/vancouver-man-lives-van-saving-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-06-12 12:00:30 Modified: 2025-09-07 17:17:36 > I would feel like a sucker if I was paying $700 in rent going in someone else’s pocket, when I could save up money instead and build a tiny house.” – Cameron Gray via Vancouver Courier Read the whole story about a Vancouver man saving up for tiny house. Photo above by Dan Toulgoet. Photo below from Cameron’s Twitter Page. --- ## The Ovida – Getaway Tiny House in the Woods URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-ovida-getaway-tiny-house-in-the-woods/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-ovida-getaway-tiny-house-in-the-woods/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-11-08 18:18:26 Modified: 2025-09-04 11:59:24 Less than two hours north of Boston on I-93 are three tiny houses built by the Millennial Housing Lab – a startup that helps you get out of the city. Each house is unique and serves as rural rental retreat. Want to give tiny house living a try? Pictured here is The Ovida, which can sleep 4 people. She’s stocked with all the essentials to make your stay comfy and fun. To learn more or reserve a tiny house sleepover visit the [Getaway website](http://getaway.house/). You can also find them on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/getawayhouse), [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/getawayhouse/), and Instagram. Learn more about *The Ovida « Getaway – Tiny Houses in the Woods*   --- ## Lindley Tiny House by Tiny Life Construction URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lindley-by-tiny-life-construction/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/lindley-by-tiny-life-construction/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2016-03-27 07:05:24 Modified: 2025-08-28 11:14:38 The Lindley tiny house by Tiny Life Construction is built on a custom 20-foot trailer. It’s 8’6″ wide and 13’4″ tall. The primary sleeping space is a loft with ample headroom, but it also has space on the main level for a futon sofa to accommodate guests. The exterior can be finished in natural or stained cypress siding. Inside you’ll find white oak flooring, LED lighting, a sliding barn door for the bathroom, propane range, full size refrigerator, solid oak counterops, and an automatic heating/cooling system. It’s built with standard RV hookups for power and water and an RV toilet system or composting toilet are also options. It’s pictured here with a standard flush toilet. The Lindley tiny house is built by Tiny Life Construction in Greensboro, North Carolina. To learn more visit the Tiny Life Construction website. --- ## Tiny House Zoning Success Story URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-zoning-success-story/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-zoning-success-story/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2009-11-06 00:08:28 Modified: 2025-08-28 11:14:38 Here’s a great story about some folks in Washington state getting approval for a tiny house community by showing their local planning department how multiple small homes are not really much different from an apartment complex in terms of units-per-acre and square-feet-per-unit. When a property is zoned multi-family a community of tiny houses can be possible without changing the rules. **Tiny House Zoning Success Story** --- ## Notch Mountain Shelter, Colorado – A Tiny House on Top of The World URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/notch-mountain-shelter-colorado-tiny-house-top-world/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/notch-mountain-shelter-colorado-tiny-house-top-world/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-05-25 19:33:29 Modified: 2025-08-07 08:21:23 > I start to settle into my bag when another wind gust shoots a stream of chilling air under the door… and I’m cold, but I know it’s 13,000+ thin, breathing is fine, bag will eventually warm to at least “survival” and given enough time even maybe “comfortable” and rest, however rudimentary will let my body recharge.” – TallGrass via 14ers.com • Trip Report – Chapter 1: Noob Backdooring Holy Cross? --- ## Filter Studio by Camera Buildings URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/filter-studio/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/filter-studio/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2013-12-19 11:00:07 Modified: 2025-08-01 14:45:43 > This tiny studio has been created by Camera Buildings, a company based in Vancouver that designs and builds small spaces and tiny houses.Called Filter Studio, the micro-space is mounted on a trailer allowing you to park it wherever your local zoning regulations allow, but it can also be built on a permanent foundation. It measures just under 13 foot by 8.5 foot, and provides a separate living space that could be used as a home office, library, or a little getaway.” – Niall [Read and see more at Humble Homes…](http://humble-homes.com/filter-studio-flexible-space-camera-buildings/) --- ## Brittany & Dan Gibeau Explain… How To Build Your Dream Mountain Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/brittany-dan-gibeau-explain-how-to-build-your-dream-mountain-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/brittany-dan-gibeau-explain-how-to-build-your-dream-mountain-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-12-30 10:00:45 Modified: 2025-07-23 16:16:07 > The Lucky House is very photogenic, and extremely space-efficient. The bedroom sits above, lofted and out of sight from the kitchen.” – Teton Gravity Research. Read and see more of this Base Camp: How To Build Your Dream Mountain Tiny House at Teton Gravity Research. --- ## Ebersolt’s Wheel Room URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/ebersolts-wheel-room/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/ebersolts-wheel-room/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2010-01-01 00:05:30 Modified: 2025-07-23 16:16:07 Here’s a really cool tiny space designed by French architect Gilles Ebersolt. It was inspired by a wheelbarrow and intended to be used for spending a night outside in the greatest comfort. The walls are light curtains. Be sure to explore this architect’s website… there are many tiny structures like this one. I first saw this on This Tiny House. **Ebersolt’s Wheel Room** --- ## Dan & Brittany’s Dream Mountain Tiny House URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dan-brittanys-dream-mountain-tiny-house/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/dan-brittanys-dream-mountain-tiny-house/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-11-09 18:25:58 Modified: 2025-07-23 16:16:07 Dan & Brittany call their house, the Lucky House. They built the home as an alternative to renting an apartment. It was designed by Laird Herbert of Leaf House, a small company from the Yukon that specializes in cold climate tiny house design. The house is off-grid, has a solar panel on the roof, deep cycle batteries. When there is no sun they charge-up at the nearest 110-volt outlet. They equipped it a composting toilet, custom-built from a Colman cooler of all things. There’s also a tub/shower in the bathroom. In the kitchen they have a 24-inch range and a refrigerator/freezer that can run off propane, AC, or DC power. Propane heats their water. After working out some bugs their often snow-bound tiny home works great in the coldest weather. Continue reading and learn *How To Build Your Dream Mountain Tiny House  at Teton Gravity Research* --- ## The Great Escape Update URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-great-escape-update/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/the-great-escape-update/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2009-12-04 00:04:38 Modified: 2025-07-17 18:45:54 James and Kristen have moved into their tiny house but have been encountering tough milestones as they work to make their great escape. I really admire these folks and have been impressed with their strength as they overcome each challenge. I suspect the light at the end of the tunnel is getting bigger and brighter for them and looking forward to seeing how their story develops once they are settled into their new tiny home and head out for Texas. **The Great Escape Update** --- ## For Those Worried That Tiny Homes Reduce Neighborhood Real Estate Values… This One May Sell for $1 Million URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/worried-tiny-homes-reduce-neighborhood-real-estate-values-sell-1-million/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/worried-tiny-homes-reduce-neighborhood-real-estate-values-sell-1-million/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-06-06 11:55:11 Modified: 2025-07-13 09:53:08 > This 420-square-foot studio in Manhattan can transform into five different rooms and is on the market for just under $1 million.” – CNN Money See more of The $1 million foldable apartment – Video. All Joking aside… $1 Million is an insane price for any tiny home; it kind of defeats the whole purpose of extreme downsizing. On a positive note, this story also shows that the assumption that tiny homes bring down neighborhood home values may be wrong. First they are in a class by themselves and not comparable to larger homes – and efficient compact designs often take more thought and careful engineering to implement – hence the typically higher cost per square foot for tiny homes. But temper that with the knowledge that many tiny home owners find themselves living mortgage free faster than owners of *normal* homes. --- ## Westport – Tiny House on Wheels Plans URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/westport-1-of-12-tiny-house-plans-available-now-for-79/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/westport-1-of-12-tiny-house-plans-available-now-for-79/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-06-17 16:40:08 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 Pictured here are some photo realistic renderings of the Westport – formerly known as the Coast Cottage. It’s a 28-foot tiny house design that features two rooms separated by a bathroom & kitchen. Above the kitchen & bath is a sleeping loft. Off the back room is a french door. In these illustrations I show that back room used as a dining room but you can configure this house to meet your needs. To learn more visit Tiny House Design and preview all my designs. --- ## Cozy Dining in this Blue Sky Tiny House. Too Cozy? URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cozy-dining-blue-sky-tiny-house-cozy/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/cozy-dining-blue-sky-tiny-house-cozy/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-05-04 06:44:09 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 > A tiny house on wheels in North Salt Lake, Utah. Designed and built by Open Trail Homes.” –  Tiny House Swoon See more of this [Blue Sky Tiny House](http://tinyhouseswoon.com/blue-sky-tiny-house/#more-3941) --- ## Albuquerque’s Tiny House Guidelines URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/albuquerque-tiny-house-guidelines/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/albuquerque-tiny-house-guidelines/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2016-08-12 13:49:15 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 Albuquerque, New Mexico is officially recognizing tiny houses (not THOWS [Tiny Houses on Wheels]) as an option for affordable and sustainable living. Albuquerque’s Planning Department’s Building Safety Division has published some guidelines so that potential tiny home builders know the specific building codes and regulations that will need to be followed to stay in compliance with the law. Here’s a quick preview, [but check their website for the official facts](https://www.cabq.gov/planning/news/tiny-house-building-guidelines). - A tiny home must have one room that is at least 120 square feet – that may also contain a sleeping area and kitchen area. - A tiny home must have sanitary facilities (bathroom) with a toilet, sink, bath or shower. - The kitchen and bathroom must have hot and cold running water. - The home must be on a permanent foundation. - An exterior door at least 32″ wide by 78″ high. - Smoke Alarms - [Read them all here…](https://www.cabq.gov/planning/news/tiny-house-building-guidelines) ### About Albuquerque This is my personal take on Albuquerque; I lived there while going to college. Great town, love the weather and seasons, love the big sky, love the diversity, love the location, and most of all… LOVE the Green Chile. Albuquerque is roughly in the middle New Mexico and is at an elevation of about 5,300 feet. It is surrounded by desert. On the east side are the Sandia Mountains standing at 10,600 feet. On the west side are some ancient volcanos, and to the north – about an hour away – is Santa Fe. It doesn’t get terribly hot in the summer and you’re treated to the occasional sudden monsoon storm. In the winter you might see a sprinkling of snow too. Ski bums will enjoy the skiing at Sandia Peak, above Santa Fe and up in Taos. New Mexico is a state that understands the need and value of alternative architecture too. You’ll find more open minds there in planning departments. For example many homes are made from old-fashion adobe blocks. You’ll find building standards for straw bale construction. You’ll even find homes built from reclaimed tires up in Taos called [EarthShips](http://earthship.com). Now, tiny houses on foundations are good to go too. If any of that sounds good to you, and you want to live tiny, check out Albuquerque. It may be a good destination for those looking for a city friendly to tiny house living. Pictured here is a tiny adobe in New Mexico that’s even smaller than what Albuquerque would approve – but shows how much can be done with so little. The photo was sent to me by the homeowner, Samuel Gray. See more of this Tiny Casita at Tiny House Design.     --- ## Butterfly Cabin by Yahini Homes URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/butterfly-cabin-yahini-homes/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/butterfly-cabin-yahini-homes/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-04-12 11:00:09 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 > The Butterfly is built with ease of moving in mind–integrated porch, 110volt electric hookup to a standard outlet, water hookup to either a garden hose or a more permanent 3/4″ water line. Easy to remove propane tank. Total weight is 5100lb.  Trailer has brakes on one axle.  Road height is 12′, length, including tongue, 21′. Width, including gutters, 8′ 6″.” – Yahini Homes Learn more about the Butterfly Cabin in the Project Gallery at Yahini Homes --- ## 12 Pack of Tiny House Plans Giveaway – HAS ENDED URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/12-pack-of-tiny-house-plans-giveaway-248-value-ends-sunday-at-12-noon-pacific/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/12-pack-of-tiny-house-plans-giveaway-248-value-ends-sunday-at-12-noon-pacific/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-07-24 16:14:29 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 **UPDATE: Sorry, This ended Sunday July 26, 2015 at 12 noon PST. Congrats to the winner, John in Rowlett, TX.** Enter for a chance to win a **12 Pack of Plans** for Tiny Houses on Wheels. These plans are made to be easy to read & follow – like tiny house building instructions. They show all the steps you’ll go through as you put your own tiny house together – ideal for owner-builders. Just sign-up for our Tiny House Design & Living Newsletter and give it a try. You can unsubscribe anytime and we never share our subscribers’ email addresses.     --- ## Mattozzi Maine Project URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/mattozzi-maine-project/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/mattozzi-maine-project/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-05-28 18:00:14 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 > The 2005 “Maine Prototype” has two small bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and a kitchen/living room area. The house feels extremely comfortable and not at all “constricted”….The cabin can be built following different specifications. An open concept with no walls/rooms is also possible because the inside walls are not “weight bearing walls”.” – MATTOZZI MAINE PROJECT via MATTOZZI MAINE PROJECT – Home. --- ## Smart Tiny House with Intel Inside, Outside, Throughout URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/smart-tiny-house-with-intel-inside-outside-throughout/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/smart-tiny-house-with-intel-inside-outside-throughout/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2015-11-07 11:21:30 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:17 I love this tiny house design, but it forces me to ask the question… does complex technology help folks live more simply? I’m no [luddite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite), but that sure sounds like an [oxymoron](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymoron) to me. At the end of the day the amount of tech in a tiny house boils down to a personal choice, but I wanted to call it out because too many people these days seem to automatically think technology simplifies life.  In fact the phrase *technology simplifies life* already sounds like a catchy tag line we’ve heard a million times. I would agree, technology does simplify a head-spinning number of tasks – until it breaks. At that moment – depending on our own reliance on technology – we find would find ourselves at the mercy of our own dependency when tech crashes. **Case in point…** imagine the central power grid going down for an extended period of time. Society would literally come to a stand-still. So some would say we’ve already got too many tech-eggs in one basket. But now imagine a civilization, (or home), that’s less reliant on electricity and with the ability to power itself. It might not be as efficient in some ways, but as a home, (or civilization), it may be better at providing it’s most important core function – security & stability. But I digress… I don’t think the folks at Intel were concerned about such esoteric noodlings. I think the Intel folks were just trying to build a showcase of every imaginable technological amenity – and as that, it’s cool. But as a tiny house designer I had to point out that too much technology imbedded in a tiny house seems like an about-face to the core values the tiny house movement embodies. Read more about *Intel’s Smart Tiny House at Inhabitat.* --- ## Tiny House Giant Journey Takes to the Highway URL: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-giant-journey-takes-to-the-highway/ Markdown: https://tinyhouseliving.com/tiny-house-giant-journey-takes-to-the-highway/?aeopugmill_llm=1 Published: 2014-09-10 09:40:10 Modified: 2025-06-30 17:48:16 > The couple of two years [Jenna & Guillaume] set off last week in their newly finished, 132-square-foot Tumbleweed Cypress home from Shelbyville, Ill., where Spesard’s parents Alan and Rebecca Spesard live… They will travel the nation and Canada indefinitely, making upcoming stops in Boston; New York; and Montreal, Quebec, and Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada.” – daytondailynews.com Read the story, Former Centerville student hits road with ‘tiny house’. You can learn more on the [Tiny House Giant Journey blog](http://tinyhousegiantjourney.com). Photos by Nick Graham for the Dayton Daily News. --- Generated by AEO Pugmill — https://aeopugmill.com