We are two gals from Reno, NV who have known each other since 1976. In 1998 we began a business specializing in small space living. We like to say we were “Tiny” before Tiny was cool. From then until now we have created almost 300 small spaces through renovating existing buildings, repurposing building for adaptive reuse, and new construction.
Some of our most Some of our most interesting projects have been a firehouse repurposed into 11 studio apartments, a commercial laundry warehouse repurposed into 12 lofts, and four V&T Railroad engineer cottages (216 square feet each) into studio homes. We have enjoyed local and national accolades, and our tiny house development, the first ever in Reno, called TINY TEN was featured on HGTV’s “Tiny House Hunters.”
Our latest endeavor is on a five-acre property in north San Diego County in a town called Rainbow. A 33×8’ foot Alloy semi-trailer left behind by the former owner intrigued our creative senses. Its appearance indicated it was very unloved and used as junk storage. It was filled with filthy mattresses, discarded appliances, and mice. It should be noted here that Kelly and Pamela are both cancer survivors. For years we had been looking for a place where we could create a Cancer Survivor Retreat.
A place for survivors to be in a serene environment in order to recover their health after successful treatment. When we found this property, we knew we’d finally found the perfect location. So, dipping into a retirement fund, we bought the property and have dedicated all of our time to carrying out this vision. The property now contains botanical gardens, olive groves, a lavender pavilion, fountains, ponds, a vineyard, art installations, and a self-guided art walk, all of which we created ourselves using mostly upcycled materials.
Getting back to the Alloy semi-trailer, we initially made it into an art studio and gallery for survivors to create and display art. In 2020, during the Pandemic, we started thinking in earnest about turning the Alloy into a tiny home. While we were in love with the idea, the reality was it wasn’t in the best of shape to start with. The roof leaked, and the floors had gaps.
There was zero insulation. Undaunted, we dove into the process and hired a contractor. Starting with the top, a raised seam metal roof was installed with rain gutters and downspouts. A subfloor was installed underneath the Alloy to seal up all the gaps. A man door and two windows were installed.
Next, the back doors of the trailer were permanently sealed, insulated, and then furred out for plumbing and tile. The only other wall installed in the Alloy would be to enclose the bathroom, the opposite side of which would also serve as the location of the all-in-one kitchen.
The remainder of the floor plan would be open with spaces being defined with furniture in order to maximize the openness. The roll up garage door would also serve to bring the outdoors in, and the large deck would provide additional living space courtesy of San Diego’s great climate.
We wanted a full size bathroom with walk-in shower, flush toilet, sink and vanity. We did not have space for a regular door into the bathroom so we utilized a barn door for access from the living room. The bathroom also has a glass door which leads to an outdoor shower secluded by a ficus hedge. The bathroom also has a closet for additional storage, linens, and clothing. The space behind the kitchen has a small pantry and floor-to-ceiling shelves. This eliminated the need for upper kitchen cabinets and we were able to install modern open shelving.
A raisable Husky tool bench with 2 drawers and a butcher block top serves as the kitchen island, a dining table, or a bar top. Two stools are stored underneath out of the way until needed. The all-in-one kitchen has a sink, drainboard, two-burner cooktop, refrigerator, and storage cabinets.
We utilize solar generated electricity to power the Alloy and we hooked into existing septic. Water was brought over from a mobile home already on the property. A Rinnai tankless water heater supplies hot water. We had a mini split installed to cover the heating and air conditioning needs. The ceiling is insulated with rigid insulation which is hidden with decorative tin. We splurged on a few designer elements and purchased handmade Moroccan Zellige tile from clé.
With our creative utilization of space, we had room for a queen-sized bed, nightstands, and seating for four in the living room. The Alloy has internet, and USB ports in the electrical outlets for charging phones. Within its relatively tight envelope, the semi has every amenity in a light, airy space. With the completion of “Semi Sweet” (formerly known as the Alloy), we feel our vision for the property is almost complete. But, creating small spaces in is our DNA and most likely we’ll never be done. Like we always say: You rest, you rust!
Written By Pamela and Kelly HabeRae for Tiny House Magazine Issue 129
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