Tiny House Blog

A special HGTV Design Star for tiny house enthusiasts will show Monday evening. The three finalists will be competing to create interiors of three Tumbleweed Box Bungalow tiny houses. These are based off of Jay Shafer’s latest designs of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and from his new book and plans the DIY Tiny House book which sells for $19.95. Plans are available for the Box Bungalow for $49.95

There is a lot of secrecy as to what the designers will actually be doing but I am hoping that they will be asked to design a complete house that includes a bathroom and kitchen and a sleeping area. Can you image what we can learn from HGTV and these expert designers?

The show airs for the first time on Labor Day, Monday September 5, 2010 at 9/8c and again on September 6 at 12 am. If you miss the live broadcast the show will also be posted on Hulu on September 9th.

If you’d like to take part in a chat on Twitter during the show the folks at Tumbleweed will be hosting via hashtag #DSTumbleweed.

If you’re new to the idea of downsizing, please take some time to look around the Tiny House Blog and you will learn what it is all about.

Today I received from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Jay Shafer’s latest book called Tumbleweed DIY Book of Backyard Sheds & Tiny Houses. I decided to do something different with this review and have put together a video book review.

The drawback is for those with slow internet connections as you will not be able to watch it. Simply click on the graphic below and it will take you to the Tumbleweed sales page, there you will learn how to build a backyard cottage Tumbleweed Style. Okay here goes, it’s not perfect so be kind to me

Has anyone built a Tumbleweed Tiny House on a trailer in Australia? The Tiny House Blog received a request from Chris and Natalie and I need your help if you can.

G’day,

My name is Chris and I live on the Gold Coast of Australia.

My fiancée and I are attempting to build an XS Tumbleweed and it seems that if we can get it done, it may be the only one that actually exists in Australia. I have scoured the internet and asked every one I know in the building industry if they have ever heard of a Tumbleweed on a trailer here in Australia. I have not found one single instance.

My reason for seeking such people out is that so far we have encountered several roadblocks. If we cannot get around or minimize these it may not be feasible or perhaps even legal to build a Tumbleweed. I was hoping that if we could find someone who has built a Tumbleweed, that way at least we know whether or not we are heading for a dead end, and perhaps we could seek further advice on specific issues.

If you have any information regarding building a Tumbleweed in Australia anything you could tell me might be useful and would be appreciated.

Regards Chris and Natalie

Please respond in the comment section if you have built a Tumbleweed or if you know of one built in Australia. Thank you for your help!

Somewhere in a warehouse in the state of New York the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is working on a new product. Called the Tumbleweed Box Bungalow, Jay Shafer has been busy designing a new style of tiny house. Steve Weissmann, business partner of Jay Shafer and President of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, is sharing with Tiny House Blog readers a few pictures of the bungalows as they are being constructed and before they are officially launched.

The Box Bungalows are 7 foot by 14 foot in size, around 98 square feet. They are designed to be built on skids and will be available in a kit form so that anyone can easily assemble a bungalow in your back yard or on your property. Stay tuned as more pictures of the construction of the Box Bungalows will be forth coming. P.S. — Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is looking for dealers on the east coast. Click Here.

Spring is just around the corner and Tumbleweed Tiny House Company have put their XS House Plans on sale. Normally $399 they are now on sale for $99. The XS-House is the smallest green home design Tumbleweed offers. The “XS” stands for extra small and excessively efficient. It is very light, and easy to tow, and great for one person. It is also the most affordable home to build in Tumbleweeds catalog. Tumbleweed founder, Jay Shafer, built his own XS-House and lived in it for one year before selling it.

I have seen these plans and have seriously considered building an XS House. Maybe one of these days. For now if you have been thinking about getting the XS House plans, now is the time to do it. You can purchase the plans here for $99.

Jay Shafer from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company has just announced his schedule for his Building and Design Workshops for 2010. He is offering a special discount if you purchase your tickets between now and the new year. You can bring a friend for free. The usual cost for an additional person is $99.

Be sure and Register Now and take advantage of this special offer. I have been to one of his workshops and highly recommend them if you are thinking of building a tiny house someday.

Building Workshops

On Saturday, Jay Shafer will explain how to build a tiny house. The language will be clear and easy for everyone to understand. He will start at the foundation with a look at different types of permanent footings and a detailed description of how to build on wheels. Explanations of how to frame, sheath, insulate and finish will follow. Particular attention will be paid to the best way one can easily guard against the condensation that small spaces are prone to. The merits of different trailers, heaters, kitchen equipment, windows and building materials will be assessed. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.

Design Workshops

On Sunday, you will be taught how to design a small home that meets your personal needs and those of your family. You will have a chance to talk with Jay Shafer, national expert on small living, about the best ways to meet your domestic needs without waste. You will be presented with seven principals along with several strategies for good design before you are asked to develop plans for your own little home. The class is open to beginners, professional architects and anyone curious about how a tiny house is created at the drafting table.

Click here to Register Now