Nonya Grenader is principal of her own small firm. She has taught at Rice University, School of Architecture for the past thirteen years. Nonya and Danny Samuels created a Rice Building Project called the Extra Small (XS) House. Although not “tiny” this is a well designed small house.

The Rice University students designed and built a dwelling of 500-square feet with a projected budget of $25,000. The goal was to use innovative design and construction techniques. To be built in a neighborhood of affordable housing. The idea was to build a modern interpretation of the shotgun-style structures from the Houston area.

Using an adjustable footing/foundation system that lifts the building off the ground and is also able to adjust to Houston’s expansive soils.

Hardiplank walls and metal windows were used instead of wood to reduce maintenance.

The core of the house is wrapped in polygal, this distributes light from the center of the house and its placement divides the building envelope into “large” and “small” rooms that may be furnished in a variety of ways.

The storage and services are collected in the thickened west wall and porches offer places for gathering, extending the interior living areas.

To view more of Nonya Grenader’s projects visit her website.

Photo Credit RBW

Interior

Construction

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our feed

You’re living in your tiny dream home and than you find out you have company coming. Now where to put them? You could pitch a tent or rent a motel room, or you could make or buy a Teardrop trailer that will hold your guest just fine for a couple of days plus provide you a getaway tiny RV if you get the urge to go to the mountains or the coast.

Teardrop trailers based upon the designs of the 40’s and 50’s, BIG WOODY CAMPERS are built to provide years of enjoyment and a “look” that will turn heads whether it’s towed behind a classic car or modern vehicle. These sturdy, durable teardrop trailers are lightweight and can be pulled behind any size car. There is no need for electric brakes or extended mirrors. The “cabin” is 4′ x 6′ or longer, and sleeps two people comfortably. A futon mattress fits comfortably, or try a mattress and cover from Knox Foam. The rear “galley” is your “kitchen on wheels” and can be as simple or as elegant as you choose.

There are many Teardrop choices, listed below are a few options:

• Big Woody Campers (retro)
• Little Guy Teardrop Trailers (modern)
• So Cal Teardrops (retro)
• Desert Teardrops (plans)
• Retro Traveler (retro)
• Rollin Oak (retro woody)
• T & B (large modern)

You might also consider Jay Shafer’s Vardo as an option. Although the Vardo does not have a kitchen, it has storage under the bed that would hold your stove and cooler.

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our feed

How would you like to experience tiny house living without having to build one for yourself? This one has been popping up all over the web recently, and I wanted to make sure everyone got a chance to see it. I would like to thank Alex of Shedworking for pointing this one out to me.

Located on Bowen Island in British Columbia, in a cool out of the way spot and called the Eco-Shed, this little place is available for rent on a nightly basis. It’s design is green construction, has a passive-solar design, reclaimed and FSC-certified wood, super efficient fixtures and windows, and nontoxic materials and finishes.

It is situated in a peaceful setting, with a fantastic view. To find out all the details on rates, location and reservations visit the Eco-Shed website.

Photo credits Eco-Shed.

If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to our feed