This is Nate and Jen’s tiny home on wheels. It originally started out as a camper that Nate bought which they later dismantled, refurbished, and built this beautiful tiny home on.
The trailer is 8’3″ by 24’10” and he used 2x4s instead of 2x8s for floor joists to decrease the home’s weight. Isn’t it incredible how simple a home could really be if you go back to the basics, sort of like this?
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Living Simply and Free in a Tiny Home
Find out why Nate built it and see the rest of the photos below:
Why a Tiny Home on a Trailer?
I was going to ask Nate what drew him to building a tiny house, but then I found out why on his blog:
- To save money
- To be nomadic
- To live simply
- To be outside more
- To be adventurous
Resonates, doesn’t it?
The Ultimate Way to Live the Simple Life?
How would a house like this change your life?
Inside Nate and Jen’s Tiny House
Notice how the light shines through the ceiling in the living area of the house!
Wall Shelf Storage in the Kitchen
You can order steel Ikea shelves like the ones above from Amazon.
You can also get the utility rack for towels and such that you see above right here on Amazon. If you want those hooks, too, they’re right here.
Check out the slim ladder to access the comfortable sleeping loft above.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Tiny Houses
I’d give the title to wireless rechargeable Dyson Vacuums, how about you?
Notice how often Nate uses the Ikea Grundtal hooks and utility racks to keep things off the floor and countertops.
See below:
Clear Roof in a Tiny House?
Nate used a special material which I’ve asked him about (come back later for update) for a clear roof/ceiling which is pretty awesome.
Dickinson Marine Heater
Dickinson Marine Heaters are a little pricey but they work great in these homes since they’re really made for marine use.
Reclaimed Materials Put to Good Use
Nate and Jen went with plenty of used materials for this house including:
- the trailer (used to be an RV),
- appliances,
- building materials,
- and more!
“Mud Room” in a Tiny Home
Nate and Jen’s Tiny House Floor Plan
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To learn more about Nate and Jen head on over to their blog.
Get Any Creative Design Ideas from this House? Please Share!
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Alex
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Beautiful place you have there. The gas stove right up close to the wood wall finish makes me just a little nervous though. Might I suggest bringing the tile back-splash around the corner and being certain that there is a fire extinguisher handy? Forgive me if this was already discussed (I didn’t have time to read the text portion).
That was what made me Very nervous as well. At the very least some scorched wood.
However, everything else was beyond perfect!
Dickinson heaters are propane fueled. As such there is not a lot of heat at the back of the heater, and anyway, there is an insulating panel at the back on the wall.
These are marine stoves and are typically mounted on wooden bulkheads.
Never mind. I see now that you are referring to the cook stove not the marine heating unit.
All homes should have a fire extinguisher handy. Perhaps there is one under the counter. Just because you can’t see one does not mean it isn’t present or handy. I’m not sure I ever see a smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector in these mobile units. Many trailer manufacturers do have them installed. I’m sure professional builders encourage their installation as well.
Nate said on the blog they are greenhouse poly panels that people use in their green houses.
Mud room is a really good idea that most tiny houses omit.
Nice home.
I’d be concerned about heat loss thru the roof and noise when it rains.
Big fan of side entries, really frees up more design possibilities inside, though I prefer a foldable awning rather than being set-in. Not as big a fan of lining things up like a travel trailer with a narrow walkway between. Love that loooooong window! Not sure what I think of the roof, but with all the pine cone and needle dropping, heavy rain and constant bird and squirrel activity on my roof it might not work at my place. The storage looks well thought out and the “mud room” is brilliant. Best of all? It’s built!
To make the most out of a small space, old habits may need to change. Try storing everything in pull-out baskets beneath furniture. This may eliminate the need for shelving, closets and cupboards.
That is such a pretty house! And I love those racks. I may have to use them in our house.
Glad you liked them!
Looked at a gazillion tiny houses and this is tops! I love the clever design for storage and the terrific pictures. You more than satisfied my curiosity. Most tiny house tours are not so well done! Great job on everything!
I too would like to compliment the photos. Good job.
I’m curious about the snap in insulation though. It is a solution but could be more respectful of the curve. Could the exterior door be out-swing? Also what about bumping up the mezzo by a foot or two like a caboose?
Lastly, I’m presuming that the bottom is a used swimming pool liner. Every spring these become available for free from maintenance companies.
sorry I found comment : “I’m presuming that the bottom is a used swimming pool liner.” unclear – bottom of what?
Pam
What a great place! I love all the photos you were able to post. It looks so much larger on the inside than you would expect.
Thanks Christina glad you liked it!
This looks great.My question is weight? The roof great Idea I’am thinking the same.How does it stand up to rain and snow?Thanks the last Question is your arches.How did you figure out the arch degree and bending the roof was that a problem? Thanks again great looking house you did a fantastic job.Doug
Why build on trailers? Aside from driving it around your yard, there a code or setback advantages?
NOB
Opps, sorry make that:
“Is” there a code or setback advantage?
If it’s on a trailer it’s considered an RV, not a house – so it’s an entirely different set of codes. Depending on your area, and your property, that can be a real advantage – or not.
If you own the property, and are allowed to build small, that probably makes the most sense. But if local regulations prevent small houses – or you don’t own the land – or you want to move around a lot – then building on a trailer may be a better solution.
There are many reasons for Tiny Houses, but within the context of your question, it has to do with skirting the issue of minimum house size in most municipal codes. To avoid the conflict, by building on a trailer these Tiny Houses are legally considered recreational vehicles. There will be a time, when governmental entities will approach the issue of Tiny Houses, in an attempt to glean more taxes, and the battle will have to be waged. Until that time, keeping a low profile is the best strategy, by not placing the Tiny Home where adjacent property owners might object.
Zoning defines setbacks, for each individual property, in terms of location, building footprint, and purpose. The key here is how the structure is attached to the ground. If a structure is not attached by way of a foundation, and it is within the setback lines, only the rules surrounding R.V. storage apply. The only other issue is how particular zoning regulations handle the issue of habitation of a space.
If a structure is “fixed” to the property, it becomes a taxable improvement. If it is “portable”, it is not an improvement to the property and does not become a part of the real estate tax base.
Unfortunately for me, in my home town in New Zealand, I was flabbergasted to find that if you have a caravan, which a tiny home is deemed to be, on your property and no other building then you will have to pay rates (property tax) as if a normal building structure is on it.
I think we’ve gone one worse than the Yanks on this… (NOTE: outside of the US a Yank is a term to denote a citizen of the USA, not to be confused with Yankee, which is a Southerner from the USA. It is not derogatory unless used in the context of “that damned Yank” or similar)
Peace be to all.
You better not come to the Southern US and call anyone a Yank! LMAO That is what people from the northern US are called NOT the south. And its not what I would consider derogatory no matter how you use it.
What a cute house. I am really starting to like the tiny houses on trailers. Before I had not liked the idea of a house-on-trailer-bed but the more I see what others are doing with theirs I am starting to see possibilities for what mine could look like. very nicely done.
Very Creative. I like it alot. Thanks.
Really nice, so they show the house. But fail to tell us the high points on things like “what was used on the siding” or “what the roofing material is”…
From their linked blog at http://natejentinyhouse.blogspot.com …
”The roof itself will be made out of polycarbonate panels, like those you’d find in a greenhouse.”
There are also photos of the material being installed.
Wow great post kinda gives me an idea for a flip up awning so I can have a side door…thanks for sharing this
Cute, but don’t like the pipe near the entrance like that.
Really cute. Just wondering about food storage (I’m big into cooking). Didn’t see a fridge.
I’ve contacted Nate and Jen via email, with a ton of questions that I did not want to clog up the blogs with, but I, like a growing number of people like the space Nate and Jen have crafted, for both it’s eye appeal, and livability quotent, proving a good idea and hard work, make for a beautiful end result.
I don’t know if anyone’s ever heard of this company but they offer amazing space saving and functional furniture ideas for the home as well as storage solutions. These products would greatly increase the functionality of a small home and make the best usage of the available space. The companies website is: http://www.resourcefurniture.com/
Very cool but no prices and a mid-town Manhattan showroom, so I’m sure these fantastically designed systems are expensive (though deservedly so).
You’re right. 😀
A daybed or futon couch may be all that is needed. Sit on the bed to dine, study, or entertain. Eat with a plate in your lap and study with a clipboard and handheld computer. Store outfits, kitchenware, linens and dry goods in pull-out baskets beneath the bed. Sit on floor cushions.
Special furniture may not be needed if you change old habits. Just be more creative.
why have the bump in for the door? such precious space needed for the inside. you have very good use of space throughout the house. i prob wouldnt have the sink in the bathroom. just wash hands by sticking hands in the shower. or in the kitchen. the bar shelves in the kitchen could even dry clothes on overnite. great window placement. best have a tarp in storage for that roof in a hail storm. love the light.
I imagine the bump in is for the mud room. Kinda hard to build a side door on a tiny house on a trailer, and not have it intrude on the interior a bit. The limit of 8.5′ on the road means even a fold down awning could be out of the question without moving the door in a bit. With the layout, it doesn’t look like it’s an issue, they basically made that area a walkway, giving the entire home a separated and therefor larger feel.
Beautiful! Love the exterior and the floor plan. Also the roof, but I doubt it
would be serviceable up here in Canada. You are smart people to build this house now and avoid paying a lot of rent. I hope your plans work out well.
So cool. I think the idea of using a dismantled motor home to build on is ingenious. So all your plumbing and what-not are all in place and the little stove too! Brilliant !!!!
Many thanks for sharing.
Nice design, great use of space. Side entrance is good but although design wise looks appealing however in such a small area you lost some valuable living space. I do not see a fridge but there is a dishwasher. Is that a freezer opposite the stove? I live in Canada and that roof will not hold up to the elements here, snow, wind, rain, rodents and a great source of heat loss. My quests this little gem will cost more to heat, eventually leak water thru the roof but at least you have the dog to cuddle up too…. Thanks for the photos.
Hi I’m from Canada too. Also have that question about heating
I like your tiny house very much! The shoe space under the entry door is unexspected and well thought out, also the “see through” ceiling. Thanks for sharing will us.
Alex: MANY thanks for including a floor plan on this home!!!! As an architect, being able to read the plan along with the photos is perfection! I realize that you don’t have access to a plan many times so when you do…it makes for happy, happy readers. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know and I’m glad I could provide it too! I’ll continue trying to include that. 🙂
agree! – I’m not an architect but as I visual person I love floor plans
I wonder about condensation forming and dripping from the roof…is that a plastic rug in the living room I see? I’m all for it if it doesn’t drip and loose heat/cooling. I notice Reflectix between the rafter above the ceiling…that should help w/the heat a good bit…at least over that part of it, but I don’t know how effective it is since it is not air-tight. Would like to hear how it’s working out for them, and how much it costs heat and cool this neat little cabin!
Love your GORGEOUS finished product. Curious about some details:
brand of stove? Is that a vent above stove? If yes, brand? Brand of sink? Fridge?
Stove is a caloric (a propane model) we found on craigslist. The vent above it is a braun intended to be mounted inside a cabinet (newegg.com). The fridge is a chest freezer which we converted to be a fridge to save money on power (search youtube for conversion instructions).
Interesting design. I am curious why they have the doors bumped in which seems to be a waste of space ?
A clear roof would mean no insulation and most heat is lost through the roof so I would like to know if this is being used in winter and where ?
The Dickinson wood heater like that appear to be only produce about 3-5K BTU and would have a tough time heating a large space comfortably.
It has potential but I would do some things differently if that is a year round house.
I’ve heard that Dickinson heaters keep large boats nice n toasty. Why would they have a problem with a Tiny House?
OK, in this tiny house possibly, with the polygal type roofing, despite it’s twin walls will leak heat like a sieve in cold weather… and in warm weather I would think the interior would be unbearable.
Add to that the dastardly (to me anyway) ladder to loft and it’s a no goer for me.
Clever! I, too, am planning a “re-use” of an existing trailer. I was wondering if anyone has thought of using a larger/longer trailer, everyhing I see is about 20 feet long on this site. Is there a particular reason? I ask because I see many well used, considerably larger trailers languishing in yards and fields, and since I have partial custody of 2 boys, would need the extra room. A used 32 foot trailer, needing full re-hab can be found for about 2k in my area.
What material is on the roof? and what climate will this house be used? (Canada, north, south, california. etc.) I love the idea of the light coming in the roof, but it appears that you needed insulation up there at the loft, which hurts the look, but in time, you can finish that out better. I get that many of these are great in concept, but don’t always work out perfectly, but I love the use of space, especially shoe storage under the door! SWEET!
As with every ‘tiny home’ I view, I find wonderful ideas that help me when putting together my ideas for my own tiny home. I’m not surprise to see some great space saving ideas from Ikea. The first ‘tiny home’ I saw is in the Ikea right in our city. They used about 592 sq ft to create an incredibly spacious 2bdrm ‘tiny home’ that is BEAUTIFUL! Maybe next time I am in Ikea, i will take pics/videotape it and submit it here.I know it isn’t a ‘real’ tiny home, but i think even Alex will be so impressed with that he will include it here!
Thanks Diana! Ikea has some great ideas. You know… One of the times I went there I took a video tour of their sample homes. I’ll have to make a post about that here on THT but for now you can just go straight to my YouTube videos of them:
375 sq. ft. Ikea apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9e4VFv4Wx8
251 sq. ft. Ikea apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUxLPn2p2J4
Hi Alex
I have been dismantling an old Prowler RV to rebuild a new tiny house on wheels. I have seen others do this and am wondering how they were able to get a license plate and insurance for their home. I would be using mine as an RV and moving quite a bit between the US and Canada each year.
Thanks Alex
Cozy, cozy, cozy. I look forward to more information on the material used for the glass ceiling. I like their inclusion of a distinct mud room. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to discretely situate one into a tiny house. I think it’s more of a necessity in a tiny house than a conventional home -otherwise your whole home can become ‘the mud room’.
Another great looking tiny house with everything one needs -and dog makes perfect. 🙂
I was wondering if anyone has investigated or accomplished building a fold out cube on wheels. It would be great to expand the space with fold out cubes on each side with supporting posts.
The siding is great! I was going to go with the board and batten look for my tiny house but definitely going with this design it looks really good! And light weight!
Am not sure about this one at all. At first look, the outside looks good. Close look tho, it looks like the wood is unfinished, and spaces between the wood. The gaps will allow rain and snow to accumulate, and set. Also invite insects to make homes there, and that would likely invite woodpeckers.