Portland - Part 8

Backyard Shipping Container Retreat

Dave contacted me Friday about this article and I fully intended to publish it Friday afternoon but life got in the way and so I’m finally getting it out today.

Oregon Live published this neat article about Mike Corvi who lives in Southwest Portland, Oregon. Mike bought a slightly used empty cargo shell for $2,900 and than with the help of a of skilled builder, and a couple of friends and lots of hard work and in about 6 weeks time, constructed this office retreat in his back yard.

His total cost was about $8,000. He enjoyed building it so much that he is taking the next step and going to create a business where he constructs and sells these and plans on making some with a small kitchen and bathroom also.

Small Houses Go Big-Time

by Kent Griswold

There have been several great articles popping up in print magazines and newspapers lately. I discovered this one from the Portland Oregonian and thought you would enjoy reading it too. This one written by Eric Mortenson of the Oregonian starts like this: Tell the truth now. You have a formal … Read more

Katy’s Vardo

by Kent Griswold

Last July, KT Anderson and Dee Williams had a workshop in Portland, Oregon and the group started the construction on a tiny house house on wheels as part of the workshop.

I have been in touch with Katy and Dee as I wanted to see their completed project. I am calling the project Katy’s Vardo and here are some pictures of the project in process.

Katy plans on using the Vardo for an office/spare bedroom and also use it to show off their work as she and Dee launch their new business.

Here is a recent note from Katy: The Vardo is shaping up. It’s been very fun to work. I finished the french doors and the back window.

Unique Houseboat on Ebay

by Kent Griswold

Jared alerted me to this unique find on Ebay at 5:00 A.M. this morning. Tiny houses and floating homes are a passion of mine and this one a real find.

If you are in the Portland, Oregon area I would run down and check this out right away as I am sure it will go fast. I am in the process of duplicating the Ebay ad as I know it will go away in a few days and I want this available for all to see for a long time. At a Buy Now price of $28,900 it can be yours today.

I am also trying to get in touch with the owner to see if plans are available for those who might want to build one themselves. This is a long post so hit the more link below. Here are the details:

You are bidding on a 28-foot long, steel-hulled, river barge boat. If you are considering a small houseboat or floating home for a retreat on the water, this might be a perfect alternative. It could be the perfect bachelor’s pad, artist’s or writer’s studio, weekend or vacation spot, or whatever you would like it to be! It could be a great liveaboard situation for a single person, who is also handy in finishing up some undone work.

This is NOT a fixer. Just not quite finished yet. Pride of ownership shows!

Unofficially named the “Gypsy Ark”, but the name is nowhere printed on the hull or siding, so you could rename it easily. (It is only painted on one horseshoe lifering)

Portland Tiny Homes: Reused and Recycled

by Kent Griswold

Guest Post by Tammy Strobel

I’ve been obsessed with these tiny Portland Cottages ever since I read about Jeff and Brad’s building techniques on OregonLive.com last year.

Fantastic Tiny Home Tour

I was lucky enough to tour these tiny cottages during my mini-vacation a few months ago. When I arrived in Portland, I sent Jeff and Brad a quick email on the off chance that they might be around and let me tour their beautiful little homes. To my surprise Jeff emailed me back and said yes!

Jeff and Brad are the cottage designers and builders. The couple created these beautiful spaces using salvaged and recycled materials. Brad has been building in Oregon for over 30 years and Jeff has an incredible amount of experience in gardening and masonry.