Since 1985, Kurt has owned and operated Fine Line Design, a custom home design firm located north of Redding, California. The recent downturn in home construction allowed him the free time to get back to his woodshop where “MiniTears” began to take shape in 2008. Kurt’s background in home design and construction, along with the fabricating skills his father passed on to him, gave him everything he needs to build these beautiful Teardrop Trailers.

You can see a video of Kurt’s MiniTear here.

Photos courtesy of MiniTears

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

This movable studio is a live/work space for the artist who seeks inspiration from the land and a vehicle for interaction between the display of work to the public as well as a response to the land and context in which it sits.

In a space as confined as this street legal 8.5’ wide x13.5’ tall trailer, privacy with the ability to utilize nature as a living room allows the greatest flexibility of use and comfort. Claiming outdoor space with the unfolding façade is vital for both functionality and inspiration for the artist in addition to its mobility for tours or living simply off-the-grid. Its operation gives the artist control over daylight, ventilation, and security through means of slatted screens, folding awnings, sliding skin, and extending decks.

The wooden screen is a repeating element that functions in multiple aspects. For the glazed façade, double wooden slatted screens are offset to allow diffuse light without compromising privacy. The exterior screen also folds up as an awning and shading device while the interior screen and enclosure can remain open or closed to the elements. The artist can engage this active façade to achieve desired effects from an open to partially screened to solid interface between the interior and exterior. The folded screens form outdoor spaces and become the media for art displays when open while providing a transition between the small interior and vast landscape.

“If I see an old piece of furniture laying around, and it looks like it can still be used, I’ll saw it up,” Joseph said. “It makes the whole ‘find is and use it’ process more enjoyable.”

Joseph initially designed and built the stained glass window in the gypsy wagon, but he thinks he might look for a local stained glass artist to do the window in his next wagon. The wagon weighs about 1,500 pounds and can be towed by a small truck. It was recently sold for about $8,500 and Joseph plans on keeping his next design’s price to below $10,000.

If you are interested in one of Joseph’s gypsy wagons, email him at jsph.crowell (at) gmail.com.

Photos courtesy of Joseph Crowell

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

This video shows some nice interior views of the Popomo’s “great room”, bedroom and kitchen (with or without the antics of the reporters). Fox Business News focused on the Popomo being an alternative living option during the housing crisis.

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The exterior of the wagon contains laminated oak struts, a T&G planked floor and metal roofing. The wagon is insulated and the exterior wood is finished with teak oil. The interior has oak bead board paneling and the benches, tables, cabinet doors and drawer fronts are solid oak. The wagon can by towed by a truck or other large vehicle and handles well on the highway with speeds up to 70 MPH.

The wagon contains the following appliances:

• 3 burner LP cook stove oven and broiler
• Wood/coal cooking and heating stove
• Sink and exterior shower
• 40 Gallon water tank
• 5.5 cubic feet refrigerator LP
• 12 volt solar panel and lighting
• 2 LP gas lights
• 3 burner LP stove & grill (rear pullout)
• 6 gallon LP hot water heater

Photos courtesy of Kenny Harris

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The Eddie Bauer Airstream is a 25-foot trailer with the classic Airstream styling and costs $74,000. It has a queen-size bed with an Eddie Bauer Goose Down duvet, pillows, and throw, maple and soapstone laminates, quilted fabrics, and stain-resistant Sunbrella upholstery on the interior, an oversized hatch for loading and unloading gear like bikes and kayaks, and a generous side awning. The panoramic windows and the hatch let in the outdoors and fresh air. Other features include:

• A non-slip Aquatrac” bumper perch to assist with loading/unloading
• Fold-away modular dinette/lounge furnishings to increase storage capacity (71 sq. ft. total)
• Perimeter interior-tie downs to secure stored items
• Premium Michelin” tires and 16″ wheels to provide greater ground clearance
• Rugged wheel-well cladding for protection against off-road debris
• A retractable clothesline in the bath and additional racks in the bedroom for hanging wet clothing
• A handheld outdoor shower for showering, hosing down equipment, or even washing the dog
• Heavy-duty exterior hooks for locking-up equipment or tying up the dog

Photos courtesy of Airsteam

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

The Paniola is the first and premier model built with attention to quality and detail. The finishes include Sapele wood custom cabinetry, bamboo flooring, glass raindrop door between the bathroom and the kitchen, full insulation, refrigerator, two-burner stove, on demand hot water heater, a heater for cooler nights, Wilsonart countertops, an office, and an indoor bathroom with a shower and a composting toilet. The ladder is a unique and ergonomic design custom made from beautiful Sapele wood. The dimensions of the Paniola are 16 feet x 9 feet x 14 feet and there is a comfortable sleeping loft with windows above the kitchen. The Paniola is solar ready, wired for 110 volts and set up for a rain water catchment system. This Habitat is available to see by appointment only. Please call Barrie Rose at 808-960-6785. You will have the opportunity to discuss custom designs to fit your individual needs.

Watch the video of the Paniola on YouTube.

The Hele Mai is a compact Habitat which lends itself easily to mobility. This model has tremendous storage capacity underneath the punee or couch which doubles as a sitting area and a bed at night. The awning windows are custom designed by talented craftswomen on the island and offer great ventilation and light. The Hele Mai’s shower and composting toilet are outdoors, and it’s also set up for solar and a rain water catchment system. The company rents this model out for romantic getaways.

Photos courtesy of Habitats Hawai’i

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Designed and developed for Glastonbury Festival 2005, the podpad will stand up to the most severe of weather conditions. They are comfortable, weatherproof, cool, soundproof, secure, and safe with optional extras available to increase comfort. They are also a possible solution to a group base camp, on-site storage, as well as live-in accommodation.

The podpad is designed to accommodate two adults comfortably on either a double or twin beds. In exceptional circumstances, they can accommodate a family of three. The podpad is 8 feet by 6 feet with a wooden floor and a fitted carpet. They have raised beds with mattresses, shelving, windows with curtains, a mirror, light and a 12V socket. Podpads are also solar powered by a panel outfitted as a sunflower on the roof. This can be used for low usage items such as charging cell phones, laptops and iPods.

Podpads are usually offered for camping and festivals in small groups called podcamps, and also come in scaled up versions called the Luxpad, the Bunkpad and the Octopad. The Luxpad is 10 feet by 8 feet and has a higher roof, more storage and 240v power. The Bunkpad is the same size as the Luxpad and offers bunkbeds for families. The Octopad is a 16-foot octagon with a low roof. It’s supported by a center pole and can accommodate a large family or group.

Photos courtesy of Podpads, Rockness and NME

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

What makes this camper unique is not only the style (polished wood fittings, teak floors, porcelain sinks and chrome faucets), but that fact that the trailer portion can be dismantled and be used as a guest room or a tiny house. Each unit includes a bed, kitchen and eating space, a small bathroom and storage for bicycles. They also include a large water tank, a combination boiler with hot water and heating system, an on-board battery, a spacious fridge with freezer and a gas stove.

The Tonke Campers cost around €45.000 ($60,000) for the unit and €80.000 ($110,000) for the complete vehicle.

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

Traditional Indian tents were often used as royal structures for the Maharajas and their courts. Ceremonial tents became the symbol of wealth and rank and the centerpiece of religion and society. Tents were often the most precious possessions – dwellings of both utility, luxury and mobility. The history of tents is long and widespread, mentioned in holy literature, recorded in poetry and depicted in art. Today, these tents are still used at palaces, private properties, gardens and resorts.

Most of these tents are handcrafted from strong waterproof canvas and decorated with traditional Indian block designs. Once one of the basic forms of transportable housing, modern-day tents have stepped it up to include floors, decks, kitchens and bathrooms. Some companies even design and build furniture, rugs and curtains specifically for tents.

Several companies design, build and deliver these types of tents all over the world:

Taluka Tents

Maharaja Tents

Sangeeta International

Photos courtesy of Taluka Tents

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]