Universities with architecture and woodworking programs could integrate tiny house construction into their curriculum while creating student housing. Architecture students design while woodworking classes build, with some students who participate in the project earning the opportunity to live in the completed structures.

Concept Overview

• Programs: Architecture and woodworking departments
• Process: Students design and build tiny houses
• Outcome: Campus housing units and hands-on experience
• Benefits: Affordable housing, rental income for universities, practical education

Tiny House Dorm Concept

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Marc Hyman founded Custom Cabins in Santa Barbara, California after transitioning from law and real estate careers. His company builds custom tiny houses and cabins, including structures under 120 square feet that require minimal or no permits, as well as trailer-based builds that fall under different regulations.

Builder Profile

• Builder: Marc Hyman
• Company: Custom Cabins
• Location: Santa Barbara, California
• Specialties: Custom cabins, tiny houses on wheels, accessory structures
• Size Range: Under 120 square feet to 400 square feet
• Options: Unfinished interiors for buyer customization, eco-friendly materials available

Custom Cabins Tiny House Exterior

Images via Marc Hyman/Custom Cabins

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This prefab building system by Michael Janzen of Tiny House Design uses modular panels that can be constructed off-site and transported to the building location in a standard pickup truck. The snap-click-lock panel system allows assembly without heavy equipment, making it accessible for beginners and those with budget constraints.

Plan Details

• Designer: Michael Janzen (Tiny House Design)
• Type: Prefab panel system
• Materials: Common building materials
• Transport: Fits in standard pickup truck
• Assembly: No heavy equipment required
• Format: Digital plans with instructions

Prefab Panel System Overview

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Quick Housing Solutions, based in Sydney, Australia, has developed a line of compact modular dwellings marketed as “SHACK in a PACK.” The product range includes the one-bedroom Jillaroo, the studio Squatter, and the backyard office Joey.

Design Details

• Manufacturer: Quick Housing Solutions
• Location: Sydney, Australia
• Construction: Modular panel system with snap-click-lock technology
• Assembly: No heavy equipment required
• Models: Joey (office), Squatter (studio), Jillaroo (one-bedroom)
• Customization: Multiple color options available
• Use Case: Granny flats, accessory dwelling units, home offices

Joey Backyard Office Exterior

Images via Quick Housing Solutions

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The Pod, a compact rounded A-frame structure from the UK, inspired this larger cabin design concept. The original Pod units function as glamping accommodations and garden rooms, while this scaled-up version at approximately 14 by 14 feet provides 196 square feet of interior living space.

Design Details

• Inspiration: The Pod UK
• Style: Rounded A-frame
• Interior Size: Approximately 196 square feet (14′ x 14′)
• Windows: Large rear window (9′ wide x 4’6″ tall), two front windows (2’6″ x 2’8″ each)
• Entry: Glass-panel door for natural light
• Design Tool: SketchUp 3D modeling

Rounded A-Frame Cabin Concept Front View

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This compact hatchback car has been converted into a fully-equipped micro camper with sleeping platform, shower system, and kitchen capabilities. The small vehicle requires reconfiguring for each function, but demonstrates how much utility can fit into minimal space. The hatchback opens to reveal a galley-style setup similar to teardrop trailers.

Design Details

• Vehicle Type: Compact hatchback
• Features: Sleeping platform, shower (interior and exterior options), kitchen unit
• Storage: Custom platform base with compartments
• Bed: Inflatable mattress on storage platform
• Water System: Portable tank with pump
• Shower: Privacy curtain system with drain

Storage Platform and Sleeping Base

Images via Camping-205.tk

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The Boxy Lady is a portable micro cabin created by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen of RelaxShacks. Designed as both a trade show display booth and functional single sleeper, this compact structure travels to events promoting simple living, recycled construction, and tiny house concepts.

Design Details

• Builder: Derek Diedricksen (RelaxShacks)
• Name: The Boxy Lady
• Purpose: Trade show booth and single sleeper
• Features: Portable, towable, display-ready
• Materials: Recycled and salvaged components
• Website: RelaxShacks.com

Boxy Lady Micro Cabin Exterior

Images via RelaxShacks

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Go House Go is a technical booklet by Dee Williams focusing on the specific challenges of building a tiny house on a trailer. The 21-page guide covers connecting structures to trailers, preventing wall and roof movement, moisture management, and common building materials for mobile tiny houses.

Book Details

• Title: Go House Go: How to Build a Tiny House on Wheels
• Author: Dee Williams
• Pages: 21
• Publisher: Portland Alternative Dwellings
• Focus: Trailer-based tiny house construction

Topics Covered

• Permits and size restrictions
• Connecting walls and roof to trailer
• Floor construction techniques
• Preventing twisting, leaning, warping, and buckling
• Moisture avoidance strategies
• Building materials list

Go House Go Book Cover

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