Bridge Tender Houses
I recently got back from a trip to Europe to visit family and kept my eye out for tiny houses across the pond. What caught my attention in downtown Copenhagen, Denmark was a steel and copper bridge tender house. My husband and I actually peaked into the windows and contemplated if we could buy one of these things and spend our days watching the traffic and bicyclers speed past. These particular bridge tending homes are now being used as municipal offices, but I think most of these types of buildings would make great tiny houses along the lines of a lighthouse…utilitarian and beautiful.
Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo by Harry Thomas/Silver Monkey.net
In the past, bridge tenders were needed to run the electronics and machinery that raised and lowered bridges on major rivers, waterways and railroad bridges. The machinery was kept in a small house near or on the bridge and the bridge tender would spend most of their time in the house, or even lived there. Their jobs consisted of controlling and monitoring traffic around the bridges, keeping the bridge and the raising/lowering mechanism in good condition and running telegraph machines and other communications. Most bridge tender houses were usually built by government departments of transportation. Continue Reading »
Trillium RV
For fans of small fiberglass trailers, the popular and efficient Trillium is back on the road…with a new modern look. The original Trillium trailer was built in the 1970s and some are still being towed around after 35 years of use. The quality materials, cute design and useful floor plans of these original trailers are being used in the new design. Trillium RV has been set up by the former VP of operations of the original Trillium plant, which was in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Tom oversaw 10 years of manufacturing, sales, service and much of the design work of the original Trillium.
Today’s Trilliums are built utilizing the original models. So the quality, design, and floor plans are true to the former manufacturing standards. The overall look of the fiberglass body remains the same. Big improvements are in the area of newer, high tech appliances, modern cushion materials, curtains, and exterior graphics. The trailers have the same dimensions, but will weigh a little more. This is due to the addition of more equipment that users have requested in the trailers. Continue Reading »
Aluminum Bliss and the Airstream Sport
I came across an inspirational website from Sean Michael of the Long, Long Honeymoon of a young couple who sold their home and belongings to travel and live in a 23-foot Airstream International. But they’re not alone. On their journey, they will be accompanied by their two rescue greyhounds and a newborn baby in July.
As mentioned on their blog, Aluminum Bliss, Chris and Lani decided to make the Airstream their new home because of its sleek, rounded, aluminum interior and large windows that open up a small space and dispel the feeling of living in a box. The modern furnishings inspire a clean environment and the numerous storage spaces eliminate clutter. Their classic rig also turns a lot of heads. Continue Reading »
Travelling (and Living) on the Outskirts
Even when you’ve downsized your life, you may find you can downsize even more. Duncan and Jessica, of Traveling on the Outskirts, found this out when they decided to get rid of the trappings of modernity: the house, car, big TV and full-time jobs.
They initially bought a fifth wheel trailer and a large truck to tow their new home, which they planned to see the country with and do some work along the way. After a few months, they decided to simplify even further by purchasing a 1999 Starcraft pop-up trailer and a smaller Suburban.
Their blog (and nicely done videos) chronicles the lives of two professionals who had enough of the rat race, and decided to hit the road. They work in campgrounds as workampers, usually getting a free camp spot, amenities and a few dollars in their wallets. These jobs are normally seasonal, allowing Duncan and Jessica to stay mobile and work where the good weather is. What I really appreciate about their blog is that they take the time and effort to show important details in the lives of nomads and workampers, including how to find jobs, save money and live in close quarters with your partner. Continue Reading »
Tiny House Living #39
Michael’s latest version of Tiny House Living is up and you can visit it here. This weeks issue covers everything from wall tents to pre-fab. My two favorite stories are the Gypsy Wagon and the Osprey pictured below.
Today is my wife Janelle’s birthday and I am running around doing house cleaning and errands so we can spend this afternoon and evening together so just a short post this morning. Enjoy the Tiny House Living information and have a great weekend.
Issue #36 of Tiny House Living
Michale just put the finishing touches on the latest issue of Tiny House Living, a blog based newsletter MIchael publishes weekly about the tiny house world. In this issue are some articles with topics like: Finding Land for Living, Small House Online Networks, Octagonal Tiny House by Salman, and a there even a progress update on Bill’s Tiny House. Bill is building an 8′ by 16′ tiny solar house from one of my Michael’s free house plans which you’ll find at the Tiny House Design blog.
