Tiny House Blog

These tiny prefab homes, originally created as “sheds for living” by architect, Richard Frankland, have morphed into the company dwelle. Their tiny houses are called dwelle.ings. Right now they are only for sale in the UK, but with the world’s response to the current economic climate, that may change.

This range of carefully designed micro buildings are highly sustainable, quick to erect and adaptable to many landscapes. The intent for each building is to be completely off-grid with additional costs added to incorporate renewable energy systems. Continue Reading »

Ian Anderson one of my readers contacted me about his tiny house project. Ian wanted to wait until a time when there would be more frequent updates before he had me put it up on the blog. Ian has been so close to this project for so long that it is hard for him to tell what people want to see.

I think that you will agree with me that you will want to follow along as he gets busy this spring so I think now is a good time to share Ian’s build with you. I’ll let Ian tell you more about his project.

Several years ago, a friend of mine showed me the Tumbleweed House site. I loved the idea of living a more sustainable, compact and cheap lifestyle by living in a small house. I immediately started sketching out floor plans for the way I would build a house. At first these plans were just a creative escape for me while I was trying to focus on my engineering classes. I returned to it again and again throughout the next two years of school. It seemed like a great way to apply my love of design and building to something practical that would benefit me and others for a long time. Continue Reading »

Kim one of our readers gave me a heads up on the Vermont Cottage from  Jamaica Cottages. It is one of my favorite designs of their products. This is a 16′ x 20′ cottage including the front porch and has many possibilities. From a cabin getaway, guest house, artist studio, pool house, just use your imagination for this great little building.

You can learn more by watching the video below and by visiting the Jamaica Cottage Shop website.

Last year I introduced you to the Pennypincher Barn Company that was just moving into the production of tiny cabins and buildings. Anne recently contacted me to let me know about their newly redesigned website and to let me know about a new product they are offering. She also mentioned that the company has experienced huge growth of interest and buyers in the tiny house construction over the last year.

Pennypincher is introducing their own pre-cut timber frame buildings. One is featured in this post and the details follow below.

Nearly complete! Our buildings are designed to accept most types of siding and the cedar lap siding came from a local mill. Pennypincher’s rustic wood windows fit neatly in the dormers. Glass door blanks are installed both fixed and operable to create a wall of windows. Continue Reading »

I first saw an EcoNest about 9 years ago and had forgotten about them until now. Even after studying many different types of natural building, Econests will continue to be one of my favorites because of their beautiful resemblance to the curves and colors of nature. They might even be the closest way to be outdoors without stepping out the door.

EcoNests are simple, elegant, and healthful handcrafted dwellings that welcome owner participation in their construction. Continue Reading »

At first glance you would not think of Cabin Creek Timber Frame company as a tiny house builder. If you view their site you will see huge timber frame homes. But don’t let this first impression fool you. I discovered that Cabin Creek Timber Frames takes their left over wood and builds tiny structures. Recently I communicated with Norma Jo Bell who gave me some information I wanted to share with you about this alternate building style for tiny houses.

I personally think the 12 x 16 with the half loft would make a great tiny home….at a great price. One could enclose it with (SIPS) structurally insulated panels and have an extremely energy efficient unit. Depending on how it was finished out it could even qualify for the ‘new home’ tax credit. The 12ft x 12 ft compound joinery frame in the video is not on attached price list yet but it will sell for $6,000. Continue Reading »