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Vina Lustado of Sol Haus Design built this 140-square-foot off-grid tiny house on wheels and lived in it full-time for nearly a decade in Ojai, California. Built on an 8.5-foot by 20-foot trailer with an 80-square-foot sleeping loft, the home operates completely off-grid using portable solar panels and passive solar design.
The build cost approximately $35,000 and features highly insulated walls, ceilings, and floors for passive heating and cooling. A propane gas fireplace provides supplemental heat, while operable skylights add natural light and ventilation. The signature outdoor deck extends the living space beyond the compact interior.
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Sol Haus Exterior with Signature Deck
Images © Chibi Moku
Open Living Area with Natural Light
Compact Kitchen with Storage
Propane Fireplace for Heating
Bathroom with Compact Shower
Interior Details and Built-In Storage
Sleeping Loft Access
Outdoor Living and Deck Space
Vina at Sol Haus
Images © Chibi Moku
Video Tour: Vina’s Off-Grid Tiny House
Design Details
- Owner/Designer: Vina Lustado
- Company: Sol Haus Design
- Location: Ojai, California
- Main Floor: 140 sq ft
- Sleeping Loft: 80 sq ft
- Trailer: 8.5′ x 20′
- Build Cost: $35,000
- Power: Portable solar panels
- Climate Control: Passive solar design
- Heating: Propane gas fireplace
- Insulation: High R-value walls, ceiling, and floor
- Natural Light: Operable skylights
- Shower: 30″ wide with 6″ bench (24″ x 24″ pan)
- Special Feature: Signature outdoor deck
- Loft Capacity: Sleeps 2
- Time Lived In: Nearly 10 years full-time
- Plans: Available (built by dozens worldwide)
Lessons from This Build
- Passive Solar Design Reduces Energy Needs: Highly insulated walls, ceilings, and floors combined with strategic window placement minimize the need for active heating and cooling systems
- Outdoor Decks Expand Livable Space: The signature deck effectively doubles the usable living area in good weather, making 140 square feet feel much larger
- Portable Solar Enables True Off-Grid Living: Rather than roof-mounted panels, portable solar allows repositioning for optimal sun exposure and easier maintenance
- Simple Design Enables Long-Term Living: Vina lived in this home for nearly a decade, demonstrating that well-designed tiny houses can serve as permanent residences, not just temporary experiments
- Plans Allow Replication: By making plans available, Sol Haus Design has enabled dozens of people worldwide to build their own versions, proving the design’s practicality and adaptability
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Alex
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