Lloyd Kahn, author of “Shelter” and “Tiny Homes: Simple Shelter,” has spent decades documenting owner-built homes and practicing self-reliant living on his Northern California homestead. His half-acre property demonstrates how recycled materials and hands-on building create unique, personal living spaces. Video: Lloyd Kahn’s NorCal Self-Reliant Half-Acre Homestead About Lloyd Kahn Known For: Author of “Shelter,” [...]
Video Tours
Solar-Powered Bush Car: Camouflaged Electric Vehicle Concept
This unusual vehicle concept combines solar power with camouflage design, creating a mobile, ride-able bush car. The fully enclosed design uses cameras and monitors instead of traditional windows, while solar panels provide power for the electric drivetrain. Video: Solar-Powered Bush Car in Action Vehicle Concept Details Power Source: Solar panels Drivetrain: Electric Exterior: Camouflage foliage [...]
Roly West Cabin: Owner-Built 1960s Waterfront Cabin in Maine
The Roly West Cabin in Maine demonstrates what owner-builders could accomplish in the early 1960s with modest budgets. This 20 x 40 foot waterfront cabin was built by its owner on land purchased for just $2,500, with the cabin itself constructed for another $2,500. The property features a porch facing the water and a recently [...]
Scouting for a Tiny Island in Maine: Tiny Yellow House Adventure
In this episode of Tiny Yellow House, Derek Diedricksen and his brother explore a lake in Maine while scouting potential tiny island properties. The video captures the adventure of searching for small, affordable land parcels that could support a minimal cabin or retreat. Video: Scouting for an Island Video © RelaxShacksDOTcom/Derek Diedricksen About Tiny Island [...]
Musical Instruments for Tiny Houses: Compact Options for Small Spaces
Living in a tiny house doesn’t mean giving up music. This episode of Tiny Yellow House with Derek Diedricksen explores musical instruments that work well in small spaces, featuring a live performance with guitarist Bill Bracken and a Doumbek drum. Tiny House Friendly Musical Instruments Images © RelaxShacksDOTcom/YouTube Live Performance Setup Video: Tiny House-Friendly Musical [...]
Gary Chang’s Domestic Transformer: 330 Sq Ft Hong Kong Apartment with 24 Configurations
Architect Gary Chang transformed his 330 square foot Hong Kong apartment into a shape-shifting space with 24 different configurations. Using sliding walls and convertible furniture, the “Domestic Transformer” demonstrates how technology and design can maximize small urban living spaces. Apartment in Living Configuration Photos © Gary Chang / Faircompanies Kitchen and Workspace Revealed Sliding Wall [...]
Gypsy Junker Micro Cabin: Recycled Materials Build by Derek Diedricksen
The Gypsy Junker micro cabin demonstrates how salvaged and repurposed materials can create functional small structures. Built by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen of RelaxShacks.com, this portable cabin showcases creative reuse of dumpster-dived and curbside materials. Gypsy Junker Exterior Images © relaxshacksDOTcom/YouTube Construction Details Interior Features Design Elements Video Tour Design Details Name: Gypsy Junker Builder: Derek [...]
N55 Walking House: Off-Grid Mobile Dwelling with Mechanical Legs
The Walking House by N55 is an experimental mobile dwelling designed for nomadic living. Powered by solar panels and small windmills, it features mechanical legs that allow movement across various terrains without roads. The design includes rainwater collection, water heating, composting toilet, and a wood-burning stove. Walking House with Solar Panels Photo Credit: N55 Mechanical [...]
Building a Tiny House Office: Complete Construction Timelapse Video
Building a tiny house for use as a backyard office combines the satisfaction of DIY construction with the practical benefit of a dedicated workspace. This timelapse video documents the complete construction process from foundation to finished structure. Video: Tiny House Build Timelapse This timelapse compiles hundreds of video clips recorded over 14 months of weekend [...]
12×24 Tiny House Design: Michael Janzen’s Compact Floor Plan with Optional Loft
This 12×24 tiny house design by Michael Janzen of Tiny House Design demonstrates how a compact 288 square foot footprint can include all essential living spaces with an optional sleeping loft for additional room. Video: 12×24 Tiny House Design Walkthrough This video walks through the design showing how all components fit together. Design Details Designer: [...]
Teardrop Trailer Features: Boat Storage, Privacy Curtains and Bathroom Solutions
This video segment from RV Crazy showcases several teardrop trailers and the creative solutions their owners use for common camping challenges. From carrying boats on the roof to outdoor changing areas and bathroom arrangements, these compact campers demonstrate that small doesn’t mean compromising on function. Video: Teardrop Trailer Showcase Features Highlighted in This Video Roof-Mounted [...]
Deek’s Hickshaw Video
There’s a nice view of the door that I really wanted to show. This thing is so cool! So you’ve already seen Deek’s Hickshaw pictures.. Now check out his new video that he uploaded to YouTube yesterday. Visit Derek over at his website RelaxShacks.com
Pallet Tiny House Construction: Building Affordable Shelter from Free Materials
Wooden shipping pallets offer a free or low-cost building material for tiny house construction. These structures demonstrate creative approaches to sustainable building, from refugee shelter designs to owner-built cabins. Pallets are widely available from warehouses, shipping companies, and retail stores. Pallet House Concept Design I-Beam Design Pallet House for Refugee Housing The Pallet House by [...]
Geodesic Dome Tiny House: DIY Framing Guide with Step-by-Step Construction
Geodesic domes offer a unique approach to tiny house construction, using triangular framing to create strong, efficient structures. This guide covers the framing process for a compact dome cabin, from foundation to final assembly. Completed Dome Frame Images via RRAction/YouTube Step 1: Foundation Layout Choose a flat, stable area and clear debris. Create a circular [...]