
New Englanders:
come build a tiny structure on wheels this summer!
This summer, Elizabeth Turnbull is designing & building her own tiny house to live in as a Yale graduate student. Come join her! She is opening the building process to the community in a series of ‘burgers & barnraising-style’ building parties with family, friends, small house enthusiasts and other interested folks. The structure is being built on the campus of The Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA. Elizabeth will supply all your meals and can even offer places to stay. Her last two building weekends are July 26/27 and Aug 2/3. Please RSVP to turnbulltinyhouse@gmail.com if you are interested - you’re welcome to come for a few hours or the whole weekend.
Framed on an 8 x 18 flatbed trailer, Elizabeth’s house has solar power, a composting toilet, a kitchen, a sleeping loft, and a generous workspace. It has been built with the most environmentally considerate materials she has been able to find. Her goals for the project are elaborated upon below.
Her local newspaper is following the story, too. You can check out the first four articles here:
Newburyport Daily News Article 1
Newburyport Daily News Article 2
Newburyport Daily News Article 3
Newburyport Daily News Article 4
Elizabeth says that many organizations and members of the community have offered generous donations and materials. A roof & hardwood floors have been donated, as well as lights, cedar paneling and interior faux-painting services. Check it out! Visit the Turnbull Tiny House.
Big Goals for a Small House
- Make it beautiful and lovely to inhabit
- Source reclaimed and recycled materials where possible
- Build without VOCs, formaldehyde or toxic materials
- Incorporate energy-efficient LED & halogen lights and minimal appliances
- Celebrate a small budget! Sustainability and Economy are sisters and should be treated as such
Minimize fossil fuel use:
- Live near enough to Yale to easily walk, bike or use public transit
- Insulate well with natural materials
Educate and inspire with a running blog exploring the design/build process, detailing my budget, and providing resources for low-budget, low-impact structures
Open the tiny house to the communities at Yale and New Haven as a learning and demonstration opportunity.
turnbull.e@gmail.com
(978) 758.1051





If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our feed