Comments on: The Loft House

By: Tom

Tom — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:38:25 +0000

awesome job.. I like the use of steel studs.Think about how you could make a low cost elevator. Codes be damned.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:43:14 +0000

I would add some rubber or foam type material to the steps. Most building codes allow a ladder to an area that is less than or around 200sf. I really would like to see better egress from the loft area’s, especially the trailer type models.Maybe a skylight that opens up so you can escape onto the roof. This will also allow for some ventilation in weather that doesn’t quite need air conditioning.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:33:24 +0000

I think if someone was worried about running into those steps. You might be able to attach some rubberized material to them to help any impact that may occur. Most current building codes allow for a ladder type access to an area around or under 200 sf. I still would like to see better egress out of some of these loft area’s. Especially the trailer type models.

By: Stephan Deen

Stephan Deen — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:19:48 +0000

I defy those who praise this monks-stairway to gulp down two strong gin and tonics and then make it down the stairs without breaking their necks. This design is a lawsuit just waiting to happen—if it hasn’t already.
Nevertheless, highest praises to those who are sincerely trying to house the poor on the tighest of budgets.

By: vernoh

vernoh — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:09:33 +0000

i love this little house and im blown away by the other projects by the rural studio. theyve been busy for years and are way ahead of their time. for the most part visionary and not too radical.personally, the stairs are not that big of an issue. to me, it seems the whole kitchen should be shifted around to the far wall with the sink in front of the window and the stove out of the corner and vented to the outside. the stairs could easily be covered and have quite a bit of storage built under them. the wall to the left of the stairs could have a breakfast bar or l shaped counter for more storage and still have an open kitchen space.im sure i will incorporate much of these students projects in my future home.

By: di

di — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:05:32 +0000

Sorry, I just don’t understand this design. This is just a satire about human behavior and habits…

What ever happened to logic and common sense? I thought we needed to conserve our PRECIOUS resources.

OK – enough with the lofts! Lofts require a tall building. Because heat rises, you could spend a lot of money cooling the loft and heating the downstairs.

Why would you put your heart and soul into a house that you cannot use once you’re elderly? What if you were disabled – at some point, it will probably happen – if we’re all going to live to be a hundred…

Currently, there are very few states that allow tiny houses. It’s difficult to get a loan or insurance. Therefore, it may be difficult to sell. You could be stuck with your house for a very long time…

OK – enough with the kitchen cupboards! Store a set of dishes in the drawer of the stove. Store a set of pans in the oven. Stack dry goods under the sink.

Placing a kitchen sink to one side of the counter creates a larger counter space. For additional counter space, add a pull-out cutting board – it also makes a great ironing board…

Skip the dishwasher and add an under-counter washer/dryer. At some point, you may not be able to get to the laundry mat…

OK – enough with the unused kitchen windows! Use the daylight rather than lighting. Create an under-counter kitchen and add windows across the entire counter area. If desired, add skylights over the counter. An entry near the kitchen counter makes it easier to bring in groceries. Add a coat hook near the door.

OK – enough with the dining areas and dining room sets! It’s okay to eat and entertain with your plate in your lap while sitting on a couch – for most, it requires little skill…

OK – enough with the closets and shelving! Store your possessions under a daybed or futon couch. Slightly elevate the bed, if needed. If desired, use decorative pull-out boxes or baskets. Use a computer notebook / iPhone for media. Iron your outfit and wear it…

OK – enough with the large sinks and vanities in the bathroom! What else do you need to do other than wash your hands or shave? Anything else can be done in the kitchen sink. For convenience and to save space, just add a tiny 12-inch-depth corner sink and a towel shelf over the toilet. Use a towel hook rather than a towel rack.

OK – enough with the small mirror over the bathroom sink! Just add a full-length mirror to the back of the bathroom door – usually, they’re less inexpensive…

OK – enough! Wouldn’t you rather be looking out onto your peaceful backyard – when you’re at the kitchen counter or sitting in your living room…

OK – enough with turning the lights on! Add arched windows to the gabled sides of your home. Add taller and wider windows. Add a couple skylights over a couch. Try a glass slider as a back door near the kitchen counter.

Imagine…

By: BTate

BTate — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:36:21 +0000

House is really cute — think a spiral staircase would look better and be less “dangerous.”

By: Ahmed

Ahmed — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:20:46 +0000

I agree. The way things are going with the economy, I feel this project is going the right way. Where do I buy one?

By: Christina

Christina — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:55:51 +0000

Thanks for the link Brillo. We did a post on the garage conversion with this type of staircase:

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/tiny-garage-conversion/

By: Greenotter

Greenotter — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:49:13 +0000

I love what this Rural Studio group is doing. I like this house, but don’t get the purpose of the cedar bump out. From a distance, the wrap on the side just looks a spot where the siding hasn’t gone on yet, and it spoils the visual rhythm of the window placement.

Of course, it would be pretty simple just not to put that in.