If you could point to a single structure that ignited the modern tiny house movement, this would be a strong contender. Jay Shafer’s original Tumbleweed tiny house — built between 1997 and 1999 — was a radical experiment: could a person live comfortably and with dignity in just 89 square feet?
The answer, as Shafer proved by living in the house himself, was yes. That proof of concept didn’t just change his life. It launched a company (Tumbleweed Tiny House Company), inspired a generation of builders, and helped create the cultural framework we now call the tiny house movement.
In this video tour, Derek “Deek” Diedricksen — author of Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, host of HGTV’s Tiny Yellow House, and one of the tiny house community’s most recognizable voices — walks through the original Tumbleweed and gives us an inside look at where it all began.
Derek “Deek” Diedricksen of RelaxShacks.com has spent his life building tiny structures—from childhood backyard forts to dozens of micro cabins, sleeping huts, and unconventional shelters. Self-described as a “bizzar-chitect,” Deek approaches tiny architecture with creativity, resourcefulness, and a healthy skepticism of conventional housing norms.
Origins of a Micro Builder
Deek’s passion for small structures started early. At 14, he discovered Lester Walker’s book Tiny Houses, which showed him that others shared his fascination with compact dwellings. That realization launched a lifelong pursuit of designing and building micro architecture.
His backyard has become a showcase of micro cabins, shelters, and shacks—each completely unique, most built from salvaged materials.
In July 2011 Derek Diedricksen gave me a copy of one of his homemade books so that I can give it away to you guys.
When you’re done reading this post you’ll know exactly what to do to win this copy.
Handmade Copy of Humble Homes, Simple Shacks
Deek’s book has one of the longest titles I’ve ever seen. The full title reads: Humble Homes Simple Shacks Cozy Cottages Ramshackle Retreats Funky Forts and Whatever the Heck Else we Could Squeeze in Here!
This homemade edition of the book covers things like…
Basic bridge building
Redneck window construction
Rain barrels
Solar showers
And there’s so much more. All ideas and concepts are accompanied by illustrations from Deek.
How You Can Win this Signed Copy of Humble Homes
All you have to do to enter is the following. The more you do, the better your chances of winning the book.
The Berkshire Botanical Garden features seven unique backyard structures designed and built by local architects, ranging from treehouses to sheds, forts, and micro cabins. Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, this outdoor exhibit combines garden beauty with innovative small-space architecture, open for visitors from May through mid-October.
Garden Details
Location: 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA 01262
Derek and Dustin Diedricksen built this tiny cabin retreat in Northern Vermont as a weekend escape from Boston. Purchased in 2000, the property has been developed incrementally using mostly hand tools without power equipment. The cabin provides a quiet getaway for family and friends to enjoy nature, play music, and disconnect from city life.
The Boxy Lady is a portable micro cabin created by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen of RelaxShacks. Designed as both a trade show display booth and functional single sleeper, this compact structure travels to events promoting simple living, recycled construction, and tiny house concepts.
Matlacha, Florida is known for its collection of colorful, eclectic small structures. This fishing village on Pine Island features funky architecture, artistic buildings, and a distinctive character that attracts tiny house enthusiasts.
NPR News featured tiny house builder Derek Diedricksen and the broader small house movement, exploring why people choose to live in unconventional small dwellings.
About the Feature
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.
Photo Courtesy of Derek Diedricksen via YouTube
