Rural Studio at Auburn University developed the 20K House project to address affordable housing challenges. The program asks: what kind of house can be designed for $10,000 in materials when the other $10,000 goes for labor costs and profit?
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.
Funky Dwellings is a small building team that creates sheds, modular cabins, furniture, and other small structures using recycled and renewable materials. Based in the Pacific Northwest, they focus on structures under 200 square feet.
Canvaschic operates one of the first yurt camps in France, located in the Gorges de L’Ardèche nature reserve. The camp provides a relaxing environment for visitors while preserving the natural setting.
Convertible furniture plays a critical role in making small spaces livable, especially for families. Multi-functional pieces allow desks to transform into beds, shelves to become tables, and single rooms to serve multiple purposes throughout the day.
A vintage booklet called “Second Homes for Leisure Living” by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association contains prefab cabin designs from mid-century architects including George Matsumoto, Frederick Liebhardt, David George, and Henrik Bull.
This 6 x 8 garden studio in Vermont was designed and built as a first building project using mostly recycled materials. The small structure demonstrates that even beginners can create functional outbuildings with minimal investment.
NPR News featured tiny house builder Derek Diedricksen and the broader small house movement, exploring why people choose to live in unconventional small dwellings.
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 North America.
This custom mini camper demonstrates how a basic utility trailer can become a functional travel camper through DIY construction. The builder extended a 4 x 8 Harbor Freight trailer to 5 x 8 and added insulated walls, an RV door, and basic amenities.
