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Couple Build $500 Micro Cabin in the Woods


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This is the story of a couple who built a $500 micro camper in the woods on their own land in Northwestern Wisconsin.

Would you ever consider building a micro cabin like this?

If so, would you want to build it on land or on a trailer so you can tow it wherever you like and travel with it?

Interview with Couple who Built $500 Micro Cabin in the Woods on their own Land

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Images © Alsono Sierralta

What are your name(s)?

Alonso Sierralta

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Where are you from?

Minneapolis, MN

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How did you first become seriously interested in tiny houses?

I have always been interested in small, efficient dwellings. The idea of the large house always seemed wasteful and ostentatious to me and when the tiny house explosion took place, I became even more interested and fascinated by all the possibilities.

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What type of tiny house do you have or are you working on?

I have just finished installing a micro cabin in my plot of land in northwestern WI. It is very modest, mainly sleeping quarters for one or two adults. I like to call it bb (stands for bread box). This little guy was inspired by teardrop campers and other similar designs I found online.

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Why did you go tiny? What are you hoping to get out of it for yourself?

Tiny is best for a number of reasons: cost, maneuverability, upkeep, and I just adore the cuteness of it all.

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How long did it take you to build?

Three months.

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Did you do it yourself? Who helped? How much did it end up costing you to build it?

This one was mainly me, my amazing wife helped with overall design suggestions as well as final installation. It cost just above $500

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How did you figure out where to put it?

The land is rather thick with trees, my wife and I like to keep the place as natural as possible. We also wanted it to be somewhat clear of potential falling trees and branches. We opted for a spot not far from the fire ring where we like to hang out.

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What’s been the most challenging part so far?

Since this micro cabin is so new, we haven’t slept in it yet. It is four feet high, I have a feeling that I will hit my head when I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

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What benefits are you experiencing from it so far?

It’s cozy, cute and cost effective.

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Images © Alsono Sierralta

What helpful piece of advice would you give to others who are interested in doing something similar?

Plan well, do lots of research, find things that have multiple uses, try to incorporate as much flexibility as possible. Going tiny is also the best way to purge things you don’t need.

***

Our big thanks to Alonso Sierralta and his wife for sharing their micro cabin project with us! Hey! Let us interview YOU!

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 4 comments… add one }
  • jerry
    July 4, 2018, 1:30 pm

    Nice but little more than a hard tent. I’d also make the plastic flat so you could enjoy a clear view.
    I’d likely make the ply the bend side, roof and have flat plastic/glass on the flat side.
    I’ve done a lot of these though mostly in the form of a boat to live on in Key West for my clients. You couldn’t afford to rent so many of the workers live in liveaboard boats anchored out or at a dock.
    So for $500 or so I’d whip one out they could finish the paint, etc and they’d have a place to live cheaply.

  • D. Pedersen
    July 5, 2018, 1:36 pm

    That is not a cabin. That is a shack. Not much more than a tent. You can sleep in it. But not much else. If the sun hits it, it will be stinking hot.

  • Damian K
    October 23, 2020, 9:32 pm

    Nice design, I wouldn’t use the plywood for one main reason: It will creates mildew overtime resulting the wood to rot away.

  • Cj
    March 12, 2022, 6:33 pm

    That’s the ticket, sometimes you just need a place to sleep and Stow your gear. Attend can rip, snow can smash it LOL and the neighbors Pitbull can get into easy LOL

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