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Seattle is an interesting place to pay attention to for tiny and small homes because of these 5 trends, as showcased via the Seattle Backyard Cottage blog.

They’re all very interesting trends that we will very likely see spread to other areas. And who knows, you could very well be one of the first to inspire it. Let me tell you a little bit about these trends, and how you could possibly see them in other areas of the country and world.

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1. Newly adopted Seattle code allows for family-friendly DADUs… With an extra 200-sq.-ft. of space, many detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) are being built for families.

Up until now a majority of cottages were being designed for aging parents or as rentals accommodating an individual or a couple without children. These new larger cottages are also being designed for families with children including a 900 sq. ft. cottage we are designing in Ballard for a family of five. And a 1,000 sq. ft. cottage for a family of four.1

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This is one couple’s fisherman’s tiny cottage in Ballard. It’s a backyard tiny home they built which was featured over at the Seattle Backyard Cottage blog. I love backyard tiny homes like this because they’re a wonderful way to (legally) get more small and tiny houses built.

This idea reminds me of the article we did on the city who is encouraging homeowners to build backyard tiny homes. It’s such a great idea, isn’t it? Anyway, take a look at this beautiful little cottage below and let us know what you think about it in the comments. You can also read the interview with the couple who built it over at Seattle Backyard Cottage’s original article on it.

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Fisherman’s Tiny Cottage in Ballard – Seattle Backyard Cottage

Fisherman Tiny Cottage in Ballard – Seattle DADU – via MicrohouseNW

Images via MicroHouseNW

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This is the story of how backyard tiny houses are helping to solve California’s housing problem, specifically in Clovis city where city planners have made it easier for homeowners to build a backyard tiny cottage on their current lot. Here’s how it works…

They are giving homeowners three house plans to choose from (for free). The designs are 400-square-feet or less and are only available to homeowners in the area who have a lot with access to an alleyway, which is common in Old Town Clovis. There are other perks and incentives, too. But what’s the catch? This is having an overall very positive impact on the community so it’s a win/win for the city and the homeowners. Do you think other townships should take notice of this strategy?

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Clovis City, California Helping Homeowners Build Affordable Backyard Tiny Homes w/ their ‘Backyard Cottage Program’! Here’s How…

Backyard Tiny Houses Are Helping California's Housing Problem (And Beyond): Here's How... via Faircompanies

Images via Faircompanies/YouTube

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This is the Crown Hill Backyard Cottage designed by Bruce Parker who specializes in these in the Seattle area.

It’s a built atop a single car garage on the property’s backyard.

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Crown Hill Backyard Cottage Atop Garage

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This is the Backyard Cottage Recording Studio designed by Microhouse.

Jon and Rita wanted to build a recording studio that would also serve as a guest cottage for friends and family.  We worked with them and an acoustical engineer to create a simple yet elegant backyard cottage. The cottage contains the recording studio, a kitchen, bath and a loft like bedroom.

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Backyard Cottage Recording Studio

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