Month: May 2010

Cavco Off-Grid Lodge

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Last year Cavco introduced their first off-grid park model and I published a post on it. For 2010 Cavco is introducing a new park model called the Off-Grid Lodge and it was recently placed in the KOA campground in Herkimer, N.Y.

The 400-square foot unit has solar panels on its roof, which are capable of producing 2 kilowatts of power. The unit also has a prototype backup propane generator, bamboo flooring, LED lighting, recycled axels and tires, recycled lumber composite decking, rinnai on-demand water heating, energy efficient heating and air-conditioning.

The unit has also been equipped with a complete assortment of eco-friendly cleaning and bathroom products, including coreless toilet paper that leaves no cardboard core at the end of the roll. Even the unit’s Amish-style furniture has been manufactured from recycled milk jugs and recycled hickory wood.

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Trawlers

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With summer on the way, the tiny house dream of some people might take the form of a boat. Instead of a sailboat or other sleek sailing craft, a trawler has all the amenities in a tough little package – with a loyal following.

A trawler or pilot house is a usually a boat used for fishing or for the military and the police, but pleasure versions of the them are built as well that have comfortable areas for living and cooking. These boats are called cruising trawlers or trawler yachts and they come in many styles and sizes. Since they don’t have a sail, they rely on fuel and have cruising speeds of around 14-20 knots.

Typical designs of trawlers include a raised pilothouse or offset deckhouse and a “portuguese bridge” which consists of a walkway behind the foredeck, in front and to the sides of, the pilothouse windows, separated from the foredeck by a (generally) waist-high bulwark. The purpose of the bridge is to deflect water from the foredeck up over the superstructure top rather than slamming against the forward windows of the pilothouse. It gives a semi-sheltered area outside the pilothouse while underway. A secondary benefit is that it provides a “safe area” or handhold when it is necessary to be on the foredeck in inclement weather.

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Wonder Cottage or Granny Pod?

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One of the Tiny House Blog readers Ginmar spotted this article in the Washington Post and I thought I would show it to you. The Rev. Kenneth Dupin, who leads a small Methodist church here, has a vision: As America grows older, its aging adults could avoid a jarring move … Read more

Derek’s Tiny House for Sale

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***Sold*** Derek contacted me the other day, about his house that is on sale at craigslist and wanted me to share some more pictures with you and let you know that it is for sale. The house is located in Sebastopol, California.

Here is a review of some the features of Derek’s home:

The siding, trim, windows, and door were custom made from recycled Cedar. Inside, the floors are made from salvaged Douglas Fir and the paneling is salvaged from old-growth redwood fencing.

The home uses a Dickinson Marine fireplace for heat, has a stainless steel refrigerator. It includes a fold-down eating table for two, a walk-in closet and bathroom with toilet, sink and shower, and of course a sleeping loft.

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Protostoga Interior

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On the last update of the Protostoga there were many requests for interior photographs. Ann recently sent me some so I wanted to do another update.

Ann says: The interior of ProtoStoga is difficult to photograph because the space is so small. The floor area is 4’10”x7’6”. At the ledge it is it’s widest 6’4”x8’3”. I hope the photos I included this time will give a better idea of what the space feels like. The one through the front door is a photoshop collage and does not quite line up correctly but it still gives a pretty good idea.

We had our first guest this weekend. It was really exciting! We set up the interior as a bedroom with a full-sized bed across the space. There was enough room left over for a bags and stuff. She made a little video and when she sends me a copy I will share it with you…

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Tumbleweed Loring Plans on Sale

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Tumbleweed Tiny House Company has another set of their plans on sale for the month of May. Designed as a very small bungalow, the Loring comes with several options to suit your needs. You can choose between a sleeping loft upstairs, or a cathedral ceiling. Tumbleweed also has a larger … Read more