The Hickshaw is a micro cabin built by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen using recycled materials for under $200. This compact getaway demonstrates that functional small structures can be built on minimal budgets using salvaged materials.
The Hickshaw Micro Cabin
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This dual-purpose chair converts into a step ladder, making it ideal for tiny houses with lofts and limited storage space. Originally attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the design provides seating that transforms into a practical stepladder with a simple flip.
Chair to Ladder Conversion
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Full-time van dwelling requires solutions for heating, sleeping, and water systems. Experienced van dwellers have documented their approaches to these challenges, providing resources for those considering this lifestyle.
Key Van Dwelling Topics
- Heating systems for winter van living
- Bed and mattress configurations
- Water systems for hygiene
- Storage solutions
- Stealth parking strategies
Design Considerations
- Type: Van conversion for full-time living
- Lifestyle: Mobile, location-independent
- Heating: Propane, diesel, or electric options
- Sleeping: Platform beds, convertible setups
- Water: Tank systems with hand or electric pumps
- Stealth: Exterior appears as standard work van
Lessons from Van Life
- Winter Heating Requires Planning: Insulation and heating systems must be designed before cold weather arrives
- Comfortable Sleeping Is Essential: A quality mattress and proper bed dimensions affect long-term livability
- Simple Water Systems Work: Basic tank and pump setups provide adequate hygiene without complexity
- Experience Teaches Best: Long-term van dwellers have solved problems through trial and error
- Documentation Helps Others: Sharing solutions online builds community knowledge
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The Ochopee Post Office in Florida is considered the smallest post office in the United States. Originally an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm, it was pressed into service after a fire destroyed the town’s general store and post office in 1953.
Ochopee Post Office Exterior
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Tiny house kitchens require creative storage solutions to maximize limited counter and cabinet space. These examples demonstrate practical approaches to organizing cooking essentials in compact environments, from mobile homes to garage-style open shelving systems.
Box Truck Kitchen with Slide-Out Drawers
This mobile home kitchen features slide-out drawers with plastic containers installed above the water tank—a smart use of vertical space. A curtain beneath the countertop can conceal tanks and plumbing while maintaining accessibility.
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Patrick Dougherty creates large-scale sculptures from woven saplings and branches, demonstrating the structural possibilities of natural materials. His installations, known as “stickwork,” appear in arboretums, museums, and public spaces worldwide.
Video: Loop de Loop Installation
This installation at Morris Arboretum showcases Dougherty’s technique of weaving flexible saplings into habitable-scale structures.
Design Details
- Artist: Patrick Dougherty
- Medium: Woven saplings and branches
- Style: Large-scale natural sculptures
- Technique: Traditional basket-weaving scaled to architectural size
- Materials: Locally-sourced flexible saplings
- Lifespan: Temporary installations (typically 2-3 years)
- Website: stickwork.net
Lessons from Natural Building
- Woven Structures Have Surprising Strength: Basket-weaving techniques create rigid forms from flexible materials
- Local Materials Reduce Costs: Saplings pruned from nearby trees eliminate transportation and material expenses
- Traditional Techniques Scale Up: Ancient basket-making methods apply to shelter-sized structures
- Natural Materials Are Biodegradable: These structures return to the earth when their useful life ends
- Art Installations Inspire Practical Building: Sculptural experiments demonstrate possibilities for functional natural construction
Learn More
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The Oberon Fourplex by Monolithic demonstrates how dome construction can create multi-unit housing in a single structure. This round building contains four separate 201 sq ft studio apartments, totaling just 804 sq ft for all four units combined.
Fourplex Dome Exterior
Images via Monolithic.com
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Living in a tiny house doesn’t mean giving up music. Several instruments work well in small spaces, from hand drums to steel tongue drums to digital options. The key is choosing instruments that are compact, store easily, and won’t overwhelm your neighbors with volume.
Djembe Hand Drums
The djembe (pronounced JEM-bay) is a West African hand drum with a goatskin drumhead. It’s a popular choice for small space living because it requires no additional equipment, stores upright in a corner, and can be played at varying volumes. Derek “DEEK” Diedricksen of Relaxshacks has recommended these for tiny house dwellers.
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The EZ Traveler is a compact travel trailer that weighs approximately 1,400 pounds, making it towable by minivans and small SUVs. Unlike teardrop trailers, this design offers enough interior height to stand up inside while maintaining a lightweight, single-axle configuration. Features include rooftop air conditioning, an awning, and a small kitchenette.
EZ Traveler Mini RV Exterior
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