Tiny Houses

Allow me to introduce you to one of our new contributors for Tiny House Talk. I’m excited to have someone else on board who loves the topic as much as many of us do. Newt will be contributing once per week so stay tuned for her updates. For now I’ll go ahead and pass it [...]

This Tumbleweed Fencl build documents the construction process of an owner-built tiny house on wheels. The project shows the progression from bare trailer to framed structure, demonstrating how DIY builders tackle tiny house construction. Tumbleweed Fencl Framing Build Details Model: Tumbleweed Fencl Construction: Owner-built from plans Base: Custom trailer Stage Shown: Foundation and framing Builders: [...]

This 320 square foot garage conversion by Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design transforms an ordinary garage into a minimalist living studio. The design features a simple kitchen, built-in bookshelves, and a loft sleeping area. Garage Conversion Interior Design Details Size: 320 square feet Type: Garage conversion Designer: SHED Architecture & Design, Seattle Style: Modern minimalist [...]

Research from the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey showed a notable shift toward smaller home sizes. According to the report, residential architects reported experiencing a decrease in home sizes across both entry-level and upscale market segments. Home Design Trends Key Findings Home Sizes: Decreasing across market segments Lot Sizes: Also shrinking Outdoor [...]

This rustic mushroom-shaped cabin in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California features a geodesic dome design surrounded by Oak, Madrone, and Redwood trees. The unique tiny house is available as a vacation rental. Mushroom Dome Cabin Exterior Photos courtesy of Kitty and Michael Cabin Details Location: Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California Style: Geodesic dome with mushroom [...]

Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Warren, Vermont offers hands-on courses in sustainable design, construction, woodworking, and natural building. Operating as a non-profit organization since 1980, the school provides learning experiences ranging from one-day workshops to multi-week certificate programs. Yestermorrow Sleeping Cabins School Details Name: Yestermorrow Design/Build School Location: 189 VT Route 100, Warren, Vermont Founded: 1980 [...]

Ken Isaacs published “How to Build Your Own Living Structures” in 1974, introducing the concept of modular microhouses. His 8-foot microhouse design demonstrates how small, flexible spaces can serve as complete living environments through thoughtful interior organization. Ken Isaacs Microhouse Design Design Details Designer: Ken Isaacs Size: 8-foot cube Construction: Modular components Feature: Can be [...]

NPR News featured tiny house builder Derek Diedricksen and the broader small house movement, exploring why people choose to live in unconventional small dwellings. About the Feature The NPR story highlighted how the tiny house movement has grown beyond just the houses themselves to include dedicated websites, traveling builders, and a community of enthusiasts across [...]

The tiny house movement connects naturally with other lifestyle choices: renewable energy, simplified living, and alternative transportation. These overlapping interests create a community focused on reducing environmental impact while increasing quality of life. Tiny House Lifestyle Themes Green Energy and Tiny Houses Small homes require less energy to heat, cool, and power. This reduced demand [...]

This compact kitchen demonstrates how small cooking spaces can feel warm and inviting through thoughtful design choices. The combination of natural wood, practical storage, and personal touches creates a functional workspace that doesn’t feel cramped. Cozy Small Kitchen Design Design Elements Chalkboard Wall: Functional surface for notes, reminders, and lists Open Shelving: Keeps items accessible [...]

The tiny house movement intersects with several related lifestyle choices: renewable energy adoption, unconventional housing solutions, and intentional simplicity. These connected interests form a community focused on living well with less. Tiny House Movement Themes Green Power and Tiny Houses Small homes and renewable energy complement each other naturally. Reduced square footage means lower energy [...]

Wild Coast Cottages represents an early example of planned tiny house community development in Canada. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island in Port Renfrew, British Columbia, this project aimed to transform a former RV park into a waterfront village of small cottages. Tiny House Village Concept Site Plan for Port Renfrew Community Project [...]

Architect Arthur Dyson developed a concept for an eco village in Fresno, California designed to serve the homeless population. The project aimed to create a self-sustaining community combining tiny houses with education, economic opportunity, and sustainable living practices. Eco Village Concept Design Project Details Architect: Arthur Dyson Location: Fresno, California Purpose: Transitional housing and support [...]

This tiny house in Grand Cayman Island demonstrates that small living exists even in tropical resort destinations. Located near the famous Seven Mile Beach, this compact Caribbean home shows that tiny houses can be found in unexpected places around the world. Caribbean Tiny House Location Details Location: Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands Nearby: Seven Mile [...]

Bicycle sidecars offer a practical way to expand your bike’s cargo capacity or carry passengers. This DIY approach demonstrates how a simple sidecar attachment can transform an ordinary bicycle into a versatile utility vehicle. DIY Bicycle Sidecar Design Bicycle Sidecar Features Attachment Type: Frame-mounted sidecar Construction: DIY build with custom frame Uses: Cargo hauling, passenger [...]

Martin House Company, also known as Lodge on Wheels, builds custom tiny houses on trailers that are wider than the standard 8-foot designs. At 10 feet wide, these homes offer additional interior space but require permits or escorts for highway transport in most states. Width Comparison The difference between 8-foot and 10-foot wide tiny houses [...]

These floor plan concepts for a 19-foot by 8-foot tiny house demonstrate how a compact 152 square foot footprint can accommodate different layout configurations. Visualizing floor plans helps with furniture placement, kitchen and bathroom positioning, and window locations before building. Main Floor Layout Floor Plan with Furniture Scale Loft View Design Details Dimensions: 19 feet [...]