LaMar Alexander of Simple Solar Homesteading has been a long-time advocate for off-grid living and affordable tiny house design. Over the years, he has inspired countless builders through his YouTube channel and his own practical cabin builds.
In this post, we’re taking a look back at some of the off-grid tiny house design concepts that have come from his community, as well as a look at his own 8×8 cabin design.
Don’t miss other interesting tiny homes – join our FREE Tiny House Newsletter for more!
LaMar’s 8×8 Tiny Cabin Design
This compact 8×8 tiny cabin design by LaMar showcases how much functionality can be packed into a minimal footprint. It’s an excellent example of an affordable, DIY-friendly shelter.
Images via Simple Solar Homestead
Video: Off-Grid Design Concepts
In this video, LaMar discusses various tiny house design categories, from homes under 200 square feet to tiny houses on wheels and van conversions, offering great inspiration for your own build.
LaMar’s Small Off-Grid Solar Cabin
Here is another look at LaMar’s personal off-grid tiny cabin, demonstrating his practical approach to simple solar homesteading. It’s designs like these that empower individuals to build their own debt-free homes.
Images via Simple Solar Homestead
Highlights
- LaMar Alexander’s 8×8 tiny cabin design
- Inspiration for DIY off-grid housing
- Exploration of different tiny living categories (THOWs, cabins, campers)
- Focus on simple solar homesteading and affordable building
Design Details
- Designer: LaMar Alexander of Simple Solar Homesteading
- Designs featured: 8×8 tiny cabin and off-grid solar cabin
- Categories explored: Homes under 200 sq. ft., 201-400 sq. ft., THOWs, and camper conversions
- Focus: Affordable, DIY off-grid housing
What Makes These Designs Special
- Extreme Affordability: Focuses on low-cost materials and DIY-friendly construction techniques.
- Off-Grid Capability: Built with solar power and off-grid living in mind.
- Educational Value: LaMar provides extensive resources and inspiration for the DIY tiny house community.
Experience It Yourself
- Website: Simple Solar Homesteading
- YouTube: Solar Cabin YouTube Channel
Our big thanks to LaMar Alexander for his continued dedication to affordable, off-grid living solutions!
You can share this using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks!
If you enjoyed this you’ll LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more!
You can also join our Small House Newsletter!
Also, try our Tiny Houses For Sale Newsletter! Thank you!
This post may contain affiliate links and/or sponsored content.
Alex
Latest posts by Alex (see all)
- Custom Built 7×14 Cargo Trailer CAMPER Tour - May 20, 2026
- Living Full-Time in a Tesla Model X - May 20, 2026
- Tiny House Communities in Georgia: Where to Live Small in the Peach State - May 20, 2026
Way Cool!! Thanks Lamar!!
I believe we and many other fields would do well doing such contests to progress the state of the art. I believe they will create jobs too if people build or inspired by them to produce them.
I really like your designs and maybe in the contest each should have a materials, labor hrs cost to build so designs can be better compared to each other. Thus like your designs, keeps costs reasonable would be a good judging metric..
I have a couple that I think people will like. And will need to learn computer drawing. Need to anyway to keep up with the times.
Thanks Jerry and hope you will submit some designs!
I will include material costs if provided but because we will get a lot of unique materials (I hope) and it is hard to value some materials like recycled I will not make that a requisite but will ask submitters for an estimate. Builders, contractors, furniture designers and appliance makers are all starting to see the push towards smaller sustainable living and are producing products and smaller houses that people are asking for. We are going to have a fast growing population of single homeowners as people are putting off or just not choosing to marry or have kids and older retired people that no longer need a large house to raise kids and don’t want a 30 year mortgage. So I think the small house business will continue to grow and become more popular and hopefully seeing creative designs will inspire more people to think smaller, simpler and more sustainable.
Love this “Misty’s 400 Sq. Ft. 16×25 Solar Off Grid Small House” I received as part of the other models you have sent me via email. I will like to know if you can show more details of real one or way to print and/or buy the plans for it. Who can I contact too. Thanks.