There are a lot of do-it-yourselfers building tiny houses these days and Erick from southwestern Ohio is one of them. He calls his tiny house project, “Project Freedom.”
Erick say’s: I’ve recently taken the leap and bought a 20 foot trailer to build my house on. I’m now 3 weeks in on the process and lovin’ it. I’m very much inspired by the many houses and people you’ve covered on the blog.
My particular design is going to incorporate a mini recording studio as well, for me to do what I love to do. I think a mobile solar powered recording studio might be a first! I’ll have the subfloor completed this weekend and be ready to start framing walls!
As far as the plans go, I’ve designed it from the ground up. I needed this to fit my needs as a musician and creative person in general. There had to be space allocated for equiptment specific to recording and as well, space for recording up to a three person live session…even a full drum kit if need be! (believe it or not, it can be done!)
All the while, still providing the basic ammenities that would be expected in any fine cabin! Kitchen, bathroom with shower, sleeping loft with storage, a place to kick back and watch a movie on the big screen and a table for some fine dining for up to three.
Upon completion, I plan on making my little cabin trailer my full time residence. I was really driven to do this after realizing that time, our most precious resource, in which we live, love, hope, dream, and pusue our passions, was being hijacked by the hamster wheel that is maintaining and sustaining the status quo lifestyle of the so called American dream…But in the end, what is left for ourselves?
Where then is the time to write that book, sing those songs, paint those pictures or hike those trails you’ve always dreamed of. I guess it ‘s a matter of priorities and what endeavors are the most meaningful in ones life and of course those scales will teeter differently for everyone. However, I do know for myself, that at the end of my days, my mind will not be on what I have but rather what I have done. And this little cabin, God willing, is going to be start of a whole lot!
Yes, I put up the walls all by myself. I had tried enlisting the help of my brother to hoist the walls up, but he was unvailable at the time. So it was either wait until help could be attained or buck up and see if I could do it.
Well let’s say that waiting didn’t sound too appealing!! I have to say that it was not easy by any stretch but doable as I found out, with the help of alot of bar clamps, cross bracing, subfloor cleats and other various home engineered mechinisims for standing, stablizing, squaring, leving and setting of walls.
The old axiom rings true, “where theres a will, there’s a way”. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t grinning ear to ear right now! I did manage to incure a few minor wounds in the process though. Mostly from the drill slipping while setting screws, standing on a stool. Not really OSHA approved but it got the job done and I’m no worse for the wear!
Stay tuned for more updates of Eric and his tiny recording studio “Project Freedom.”
by Kent Griswold (Tiny House Blog)
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It looks like it is coming along Eric. Nice job. I am looking forward to seeing it when it is finished.
looks like how i built my tiny house all buy myself looks good man keep it up hope to see more as you progress mine is on here some where mikes tiny house wanna chat about it get at me peace!!!
Hey Bill,
Thanks much for the compliments! Yep, I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished either, but I’m loving the process of getting there as well. I’ll definatly keep Kent updated on my progress…
Hey Mike,
Thanks! So you’ve also done the “solo” build…it poses some interesting challenges at times doesn’t it! I’ll look you up on here and be talking at to you soon.
Looking forward to watching your progress, I can’t wait to see how you fit a recording studio in there!
Hi Mike and Erick – here is Mikes house, enjoy: http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/mikes-tiny-house/
Hey Cori,
Yes it will be interesting to see how I fit a recording studio in there. (as much for me too!) My home studio now takes up about a 15×15 ft room, so alot of downsizing will take place. The key is going to be three things. 1) Take advantage of new software technology to replace the duties of hardware pieces that take up physical space. You can now do away with alot of space eating gizmos with programs…for the right price of course! 2) Get rid of seldom used gear and keep only the essential componets. It’s kinda like you do 90% of your work with 10% of your stuff, so right there we can eliminate alot! 3) Replace the “must haves” with newer, smaller, more versitile counterparts which also goes back to the taking advantage of technology thing.
I don’t think this might have been possible, to the degree I wish to do it, even 5 years ago. Yeah there was software developing to replace hardware, but laptop computers couldn’t keep up with the audio processing demands of the programs. Now, they can, at least to do what I intend to do with them!
I can’t wait to hear the first recording to come out of the cabin trailer/recording studio! Aside from and beyond the technology aspect, there’s that intangible part of the equasion…the vibe of the environment. How that space around us influences what is derived from the creative side of us…….
Thanks for the comment Cori!
Hey Erick, the house looks like it is coming along great. I have been researching small home options for about a year now. I am trying to find a way to get out of the renting cycle. Are you going to have a small solar setup on board? What about water / toilet / shower? I am in columbus, if you ever want any help I would love to get some hands on with this type of construction. I work on cars for a living and have own tools and would be of great help. Good luck.
anthony_bonacci@hotmail.com
Hey Anthony,
Great questions. Yes I do plan on having a solar setup as the main source of power, although as backup, I want the option of being able to connect the sytem to a 110 line as well.
With the water, a gravity feed system for the sink and shower with tanks in the loft. But as well, set up so it can be hooked up to a regular water line if one is available.
I’m basically thinking sort of a dual system for both the electric and water systems and leaning towards a composting toilet for the shear simplicity of it.
Thanks for the offer to help. I may need some before long. Sheating the roof is going to be interesting! I’ve got your e-mail, so I may be giving you a shout. Thanks!
Heh, brilliant design.
Hey there lookin good. Is that the same dimensions as the fresh start? Here is that link on this site: http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/martin-house-to-go/
So far it was my favorite design except for the kitchin in the living room…i’d rather have that in the back to have more space for my “studio” as i’m a keyboard player thinking of doing the same thing. I’ll keep an eye on your work…keep putting up those pics. I hope to build mine next spring.
Hey, nice looking start…..I live in southwestern ohio to, are you more closer to dayton or cincy? I live over by Kings Island.
i would love o see the finnished product.
hey man very cool that you built your own mobile recorder. A lot of great records were recorded in those! We actually built our own facility also… let’s keep in touch!
Hey Erik!
I’m planning to do exactly this, built a home/recording studio out of one of these, so am following your story with interest!
– Angela
Hey Erik
I also live in southwestern ohio and planning on building a tiny house on a 16 ft. trailer. Would like to see yours if you don’t mind having company.
Gary
Hi Erik, I know this particular blog was written nearly two years ago, but I am also from Ohio and wanting to prepare to build a tiny home for myself. I was just wondering if you came across any obstacles with where you “parked” your house once it was built, some people I’ve talked to said to be careful not to buy a lot before finding out later that “recreational/temporary” residences are not permitted. If you could provide any information as to where you found this information I would appreciated very much. Thanks!
Hey Erick,
This is awesome. Great job on the design. For some time now I have wanted to build my own personal recording studio on a trailer. The work you have done seems to be an exact replication of what I had envisioned! I had a few questions about the build and dimensions of a trailer that would be suited for a recording studio only. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
matthew.korpela@mnsu.edu
Hey everyone, Thanks for all the comments! In all the goings on since this story was originally posted I’ve failed to keep everyone posted on the progress. It’s definately been an adventure to say the least, to get it to where it now is. Which as of today is about 95% complete. It has taken longer than I planned but as well, it has turned out even better than expected. I’d be happy to answer any questions about the process, as I see there’s a few of you looking to do a similar build…
Peace from Ohio!
twentysevenstone@yahoo.com
Incredible man. Great job. With a stereo 1176, a fairchild, and the right set of mics you’re gonna be all set. You could also check out the Focusrite Liquid Saffire 56 to do preamp emulation… I loveeee that thing. Check these out… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k1jhLEyRhE. I want to do exactly what you’ve started… inspiring man.
Whoops… here’s the link I meant to give you… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNIxPhUy5GM
This is a great idea, and I’m very interested in how this turns out. I’m glad someone is giving this a shot. I’ve always loved the idea of Tiny Home living but thought with my job it would be almost impossible to live and work at home, thus taking away the mobility perk of a tiny home. The very best of luck to you Erick! I hope that it turns out wonderfully. I look forward to seeing the end result.