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General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: alexkgore on December 16, 2010, 01:35:39 AM

Title: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 16, 2010, 01:35:39 AM
Join Blakes Tiny home from the beginning and watch it take shape. You can cast your vote for your favorite conceptual design at:

www  dot  blakestinyhouse  dot  com/sketches.html. I will be posting more here, and I am excited to get to know you all.

Tell me what you think here, or comment on our blog.



ED: to follow those links ya'll now have to do some copy&paste and sub a .  for the  "dot"  -  MD
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 16, 2010, 01:38:36 AM
Glad to have you here, Alex. 

We don't allow advertising but if you will participate we will accept it as informational.

So we will give it a try and see how it goes.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 16, 2010, 09:38:08 AM
Yeah, no problem. I am really excited to be here and we are trying to get as many people to collaborate as possible on the project. Here is a little overview which I am sure everyone here is familiar with:

Imagine if you had zero rent to pay and your heat, utilities, and water bills were at a fraction of what you pay now?  What if you were able live with less clutter, less junk, less nonsense, less TV, less energy, and less debt?  Wouldn't this result in more space, more time, more physical energy, more conversation, more family, more friends, and more fun?

This is what the Tiny House Movement is all about and as longtime admirers, we have been eager to design and try our hands at constructing our own tiny home.  As young designers we are taking a chance at developing our own cost-effective and elegant tiny house with a contemporary flair.  We see this as our opportunity to experiment, innovate, test our design skills, respond to the ever-present challenges of budget and time constraints.

We invite you to participate with us.  Feel free to explore our website and blog. Please feel free to comment, inspire or criticize us with comments, suggestions and ideas.

I'll be sure to share here. Below is one of four concept designs:

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/oddsnends01/AlsBlakesTinyHouse.jpg)

(https://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q305/djmbucket/oddsnends01/AlideasInterior.jpg)

ok that didn't work. I will have to figure out how to post pictures here. There are plenty of photos on the website. The link is on the first thread. For now I am off to work.

ED: edited img tag links -  MD
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 16, 2010, 12:03:54 PM
Got to admit it is looking interesting.  Now I'm off to work.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: suburbancowboy on December 16, 2010, 12:12:39 PM
Interesting idea but why not just buy a used 5th wheel trailer if you are going to go this way? ???
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Texas Tornado on December 16, 2010, 02:23:09 PM
I looked at each of the plans on your front page, but to me they are all lacking  :(
Perhaps you and your team need to look at what others here have posted to see what I mean...
Irene
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: dmanley on December 16, 2010, 02:31:58 PM
I agree with Suburbancowboy.  Why not use a camper of some kind.  Seems like they would have more comforts and bedroom space.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Texas Tornado on December 16, 2010, 02:38:09 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDpqHrAMKCk&feature=player_embedded
I found this interesting...

And this as well from Youtube...
http://www.morespaceplace.com/
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: rick91351 on December 16, 2010, 09:16:06 PM
To me these types of structures are counter productive and tend to waste resources.  You can find great deals in used pull camp trailers and fifth wheel campers.  We use a 89 Alpenlite for our summer cabin at the ranch.  It cost us a whopping $2500 four or five years ago and we use it a bunch in the spring, summer and fall.  Winter we just pull it out.  That is complete with electrical and plumbing, stove with oven, microwave, refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, hot water heater, to winterize it it uses less than two gallons of RV anti freeze.  It is not fancy but it is paid for.  Also the tires are great so if we decide to go to Yellowstone or the Oregon Coast or Seattle......           

If guests come up we have another spot for them to plug into and dump their tanks.  Or we can put them up in cabins about a mile and a half away at a very, very good rate provided they are not taken of course. Or we also have great tent camping spots.  Tent camping was so popular last year we are thinking of bringing up a port-a-potty this next year. 

(https://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt15/rick91351/P9270233.jpg)
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Sassy on December 16, 2010, 11:01:01 PM
Rotating cabinets, walls that slide down, etc etc - that is all high tech, very expensive stuff! 

How much are you talking about to build a tiny house like you've posted? 

I'm with those that mentioned campers/5th wheelers. 

And besides, I don't like that modern, high tech look anyway.

Now, if you can post some low cost, cozy little cabins...   :) 

John Raabe has the right idea, here - low cost plans that most anyone can build w/tech & member support...

Don't mean to pick on you - you have the right ideas of going smaller, making every area count & do double duty to free up money & time, but can't see how you'd do it with your ideas so far...   
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 17, 2010, 07:12:56 AM
   Movable, rotate able kitchen?   I wonder how that is hooked to utilities . . .    (Plumbing, gas, electric)

  Rotate able toilet?   Hmmmmm . . .

  I would rather go with a shipping container on a flatbed trailer.   And the interior finished with recycled pallets.

(http://www.constructiontrailers.com/application/app_elements/images/construction.jpg)
/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 17, 2010, 09:42:48 AM
Hello all,

Thank you for your comments and interest.  While buying a camper/5th wheelers would be less expensive, If I did that I would not get to build it with my own hands.  To me its kind of like saying why don't you put a trailer home on your lake front property, instead of building a cabin.  Of course one could get a larger trailer home for the money, but building your own cabin gives you a special experience in life that you will never forget.  I also think you can add a little bit of yourself into the project, thus making it an exciting place to live in.  

Here are some links to the tiny house movement:

pottstownmercury  dot  com/articles/2010/12/06/business/srv0000010146803.txt?viewmode=default
spootylinks  dot  com/14852.html

I would also like to agree with most of the comments here about the completeness of the project.  We have a long, long way to go. This was just the first step of putting our ideas out there. There is a lot more work to be done.


ED: to follow those links ya'll have to do some copy&paste and sub a .  for the  "dot"  -  MD
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: phalynx on December 17, 2010, 12:28:08 PM
Rotating toilets?  Hum, that could change married couple's fights....  "Don't you dare turn your butt on me!"
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: StinkerBell on December 17, 2010, 12:42:39 PM
Quote from: phalynx on December 17, 2010, 12:28:08 PM
Rotating toilets?  Hum, that could change married couple's fights....  "Don't you dare turn your butt on me!"

lol
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 17, 2010, 05:34:42 PM
Quote from: alexkgore on December 17, 2010, 09:42:48 AM

Here are some links to the tiny house movement:




  Thanks for the links . . .    

  I could probably, maybe, actually live in Jay Shafers "trailer home".   His home is conventional and has a warm feeling to it.   Lots of exposed wood and storage.   Kind of reminds me of a ships cabin.

  The trailers you have displayed, while "modern", seem "sterile" to me.

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: hpinson on December 17, 2010, 11:59:16 PM
Have you been exposed to this?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0195024028/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0195019199&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0TNQEM8CZQS3BH9MPR61#_
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 18, 2010, 12:11:28 AM
Alexanders, A Pattern Language was one of John's recommended books.  I haven't read either except excerpts though, myself.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: IronPatriotTN on December 18, 2010, 01:00:13 AM
There is tiny...and there is "don't sneeze, or you'll knock yourself out". lol.
I like small cozy spaces, but damn sometimes you just want to stretch out abit.  :P
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 18, 2010, 01:23:55 AM
I'm still in the land of too much stuff and don't care to change..... [waiting]
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 18, 2010, 01:27:33 AM
Seems to me, before this is real practical we will need to get to a time when each comrade is issued a 20' x 30' lot as his own piece of property to put it on and we will need to get to be a lot more civilized and tolerant than I am..... [waiting]

Now if you can even afford a lot you can go bigger...  I need room and stuff.... [ouch]

Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: MountainDon on December 18, 2010, 02:06:57 AM
I would like to downsize the living space and increase the space for "stuff".
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 18, 2010, 02:13:04 AM
That is kind of like we are here in a way.  16x28 we do most of our living in and the rest is extra for stuff and visitors for the most part, except for the 12x18 bedroom, and the 8x12 master bathroom....and ...  never mind.... [waiting]
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: phalynx on December 18, 2010, 09:32:42 AM
Almost all "small homes" are out of need to be cheap.  If you "darn the costs", why would you want small?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 18, 2010, 07:02:26 PM
I have alexanders, A Pattern Language, but i have not read The Timeless Way to Build.

I like glenn kangisers tag line
"Always work from the general to the specific." J. Raabe

Thats what we are attempting to do at the website. I have quoted below some of the exciting discussion going on. You can reed more at: www dot  blakestinyhouse  dot  com/tiny-blog.html


"Skip
Sat, 18 Dec 2010 1:41:14 pm
The US restriction for a maximum height of anything towed is around 14 1/2 feet. The maximum width without a $pecial permit is 8 feet in many states. Are these designs within those specs? Have you considered the weight of your folding designs and the GVWR of the trailer that it will be built on? How about the tow vehicle required to safely move it?

Are the interior systems(electrical/ plumbing/septic) being designed as self contained/self sustainable? Would things like solar passive/solar energy, rainwater collection, grey water reuse, composting alter these designs? Were those considerations made during the design process?

Could each designer compose a write up about each individual design and elaborate on the systems and livability? Basically, inform us what makes their design vote worthy?

Interesting idea to have a public vote and allow comments about these designs. I'm not trying to discourage. Rather, encourage further depth and discussion relative to achieving the best possible end result.
Good luck.
Skip
Sat, 18 Dec 2010 1:56:19 pm
I noticed that there are two sinks within a few feet of each other. One in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. Roadtrek is a class b rv manufacturer that has created a plastic insert that sits in the stainless steel plastic sink and converts it to a hygenic type bathroom sink. This might be one way to eliminate one of the sink installations and free up valuable space.

Also, on Sarah's design, I love the "insect wings" fold out style she's come up with. Insulation and plumbing would probably be quite a challenge on that one.

What is the dome under screen structure on the top floor of Blake's design? Is that some kind of rain collection or solar system?
Lance
Sat, 18 Dec 2010 4:41:25 pm
Afternoon everyone! A few answers for all you Blake's Tiny Houser's out there. I just posted a new "dimensioned" drawing @

www  dot  blakestinyhouse  com  com/uploads/5/3/7/6/5376675/2482229_orig.jpg?680

Check it out to help clarify some of the dimensional questions at least about my design... I'll see if the others will post a dimensioned image like mine ASAP.

The WEIGHT? Woah?! Now there's a question. Not sure... haven't yet ran calculations or purchased a trailer yet? Ideally this thing would be "lighter" than a typical tiny house. I've been mulling over using light weight steel studs (maybe 2x2 and rigid insulation with most of the frame strapped with x-bracing rather than 1/2" PLWD as the diaphragm)Or maybe we buy a brick of a homemade trailer from one of the local farmers here in Boulder County?

All things to consider... at this point I can only say we're all working with an 8'x16' footprint and don't know the GVWR.

Considering a vehicle... I think Alex's 2006 Chevy Equinox can pull up to 3,500 and my Hyundai Tucson can do 2,500. It will be great to run the calcs after we get to a final design stage. Makes me think a "specs" page could be cool for all you detail connoisseurs.

I really do like the idea of self-contained systems and am interested in digging a bit deeper about what's out there, who did it, and what about that floor box.....? Now that might be a great space to capitalize on for systems in between joists? Anybody heard of someone doing that? If so pass it on!

Green Thoughts Anyone? I think Blake was considering gray water collection with his gothic arch ceilings and parapet walls extended beyond. During the design of my first concept I liked the idea of having the most of the glazing on one side for southern exposure and then closing the deck wall up during the cold night.. The more detailed we get the more we will show these systems.

"Could each designer compose a write up about each individual design and elaborate on the systems and livability? Basically, inform us what makes their design vote worthy?"

That's our next step... we're going to do a pros and cons page run here in the next few weeks and pare things down to 4 or 5 pros and then rework a more consolidated design. I expect this thing to change quite a bit more during that time since we're not tied to any form, system, or other at this point.

Also, a vote update, we have 78 so far and are waiting to announce the results until we have 100. For most of the design development and discussion we will be continually holding new polls for new opinions about new developments... if anybody doesn't feel compelled to vote yet.. please don't worry we're hoping to host many polls about many things.

Sink tips...Skip could you give us a link to that product? I would like to blog it if its good.

Interesting you like Sarah's concept as it seems the most mechanically complex..a challenge indeed. I think that's why we're not entirely tied to a form at this point... the pros and cons step should be a good evaluator of concept vs. practicality. After all we're the poor saps that will be constructing Blake's Tiny House.

Awesome questions and good discussions so far during this "early" design stage. As a testament to that I have posted a new image under the sketches tab titled, "10 Tiny Houses by F9." Here's the link:

www  dot  blakestinyhouse  dot  com/10-tiny-houses-by-f9.html

I wanted to share this image so show where our heads have been so far in trying to look for an utterly unique design for Blake's Tiny House.

Cheers!
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 20, 2010, 04:01:04 AM
Alex, where do you visualize these being used?

Being a trailer I assume you mean to use them as a trailer, so no need for land?

If on property you are restricted from living in what is regarded as a camper, by many of the code areas and overzealous parasitic taxation agencies, so where do you see it's niche as being?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Jeff922 on December 20, 2010, 07:33:29 AM
Building an ultra-small home in an attempt to save money is a foolish plan in my opinion.  Building materials (particularly unpretentious materials) are CHEAP.  To really save money there are only two ways to go:

1)  Do it yourself - labor is super expensive jacking up cost by at least 50% (this is why we don't make anything in the USA anymore)


2)  Choose your building site carefully - for many (most?) of us, site development is the largest expense.
   
    A) excavation usually costs around $100/hr - it adds up really quick
    B) septic systems are expensive and if your site needs a complex system be prepared to pay out the nose  
    C) don't forget survey, well, utility poles, tree removal, gravel, permits...

To add 400-500 sq feet to a floor plan does not add a significant cost to the building material list in the grand scheme of a building project.
That said, we chose to build as small as we could tolerate for, primarily, environmental reasons.  Heating costs are a big factor up here in Maine and any excess square footage that can be trimmed helps.  Also, large Mcmansion-type trophy homes gobble up far too many mature trees in the building process (another thing we know about here in Maine).  I love the concept of small living - it forces us to examine the "need vs. want" issue directly and keep our consumption to a minimum.  So build small, just do it for the right reasons.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 20, 2010, 08:34:11 AM

   Sarah's concept triggered a brain cell and it reminded me of the HabitaFlex folding trailer home . . .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C2ufYuoauQ&feature=player_embedded#! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C2ufYuoauQ&feature=player_embedded#!)

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: phalynx on December 20, 2010, 09:08:12 AM
Just think of how cheap a home could be if you got rid of all of the taxes, fees, surveys, inspections, insurances, etc......  Not saying cut corners, but if all of these things were absent, the homes would be just about 1/2 the cost.

Why not start a fee free movement or a no government movement?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 20, 2010, 03:40:22 PM
bayview
The "HabitaFlex folding trailer home" video is very similar to an idea Lance and Sarah was thinking. Thanks for posting that! Check out his design. www  dot  blakestinyhouse  dot  com/lances-sketches.html

As for the cost comment your right, building smaller cost way more per sq. ft. This project is not about saving money per sq ft. But about living your life in a different way. The project will also be built on a trailer so excavation will not be an issue.

Glenn -
One Lady who I think lives in Washington State is living in an elderly friends back yard. She helps her older friend take care of things around the house and in exchange lives in the backyard. Another option could be to get kids out of the house. It is tough for some College and High School graduates to find their first place of employment. They then resort to living with their parents (not always the best option for a long period of time).  Maybe they should live in the back yard and take their tiny home with them when they find a job. A lot of younger (and older) people have friends all over the country. They could live in the tiny home until they get their feet under them. Blake, along with many of our friends, lives in South Dakota and has family in North Dakota. Rules up there are... how should I say it... less existent (depending on where you are).  But we are just beginning to explore these issues so let us know if you have any more thoughts.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on December 20, 2010, 03:56:26 PM
I could see it in the situations you mention.

Around here it is tolerated until someone calls attention to it, then the parasites jump on it to look important.

Example ... A customer had a young lady of little means who wanted to rent their 5th wheel trailer for a modest fee.  They lit up the propane fridge and it  in a short time lit up the 5th wheel causing a small half acre or so fire.  The local hated newspaper reporter for our mountain fish wrapper went in and made the owner sound like a criminal so, the parasites jumped on it and kicked another senior citizen out of another place on the property - trailer under a Ramada.

Note that these places were not junky looking or run down.  Just people trying to stay alive on a modest retirement income or little income.

Nice idea but problematic.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: John Raabe on December 20, 2010, 05:39:39 PM
This is an old Tiny House project that long-time forum members have already seen: http://www.countryplans.com/cottage.htm

(http://www.countryplans.com/images/6_24.JPG)

This is a no plumbing, no wiring backyard retreat cottage on a simple pier foundation. It was used for about two years by my (then) teenage sons living there at different times. Now used for storage but still holding up well.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 20, 2010, 07:16:41 PM
(http://www.webbsrvcenter.com/sitebuilder/images/19006a-600x450.jpg)
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: HoustonDave on December 20, 2010, 07:55:00 PM
Ok I give...does the deck/porch fold and stow against the side????

That is pretty cool.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 20, 2010, 09:31:08 PM
Quote from: HoustonDave on December 20, 2010, 07:55:00 PM
Ok I give...does the deck/porch fold and stow against the side????

That is pretty cool.

   Yes!

http://www.webbsrvcenter.com/19006.html (http://www.webbsrvcenter.com/19006.html)

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 21, 2010, 02:12:21 AM
You guys are awesome. I really like that Tiny Cabin. Hopefully the team and I can produce some videos for you guys this week. I look forward to jumping into the details after that and hearing what you think.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 21, 2010, 09:33:19 AM
 :) :) :)

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on December 30, 2010, 09:42:32 AM
Blake's Tiny house Polling results are in!

Thanks to everybody who visited Blake's Tiny House and participated in our first design voting poll!  We received 102 votes in all.

What's next you might ask?  Well, over the next week we will be doing a pro vs. con analysis of each design concept as well as considering the poll results in order to formulate a more cohesive design concept with a few variables added.  During this process please check back often as there will be more voting polls and blog posts to gather more input from all of the visitors of Blake's Tiny House.

Find the tally at: www  dot  blakestinyhouse  dot  com/tiny-blog.htm

Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on December 31, 2010, 02:11:15 PM
Quote from: alexkgore on December 30, 2010, 09:42:32 AM

What's next you might ask?  Well, over the next week we will be doing a pro vs. con analysis of each design concept as well as considering the poll results in order to formulate a more cohesive design concept with a few variables added.  During this process please check back often as there will be more voting polls and blog posts to gather more input from all of the visitors of Blake's Tiny House.



alexgore:  

  When you are finished designing, studying, poking and prodding . . .    Are you going to build your project?  

   The concepts you have provided are quite modern . . .   Are they a practical solution?   Expanding walls, rotating toilets, fold-out patios are all ingenious.   But, I would imagine expensive to actually build.

   Are you not limiting yourselves by working with only 4 models?   Are you open to new ideas?

   You might want to consider opening up your competition by allowing others to participate with their ideas.   It might be interesting if others could contribute with their floor plans, etc. . . 

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on January 01, 2011, 10:52:06 AM
   The dream of owning a tiny mobile home isn't new . . .    Seems to have been around for decades.

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2008/04/26/mobile-home-expands-to-form-three-rooms/ (http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2008/04/26/mobile-home-expands-to-form-three-rooms/)

(http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/qf/c/PopularMechanics/5-1936/xlg_expanding_mobile_home.jpg)

/.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Stein on January 01, 2011, 08:18:03 PM
Quote from: bayview on December 31, 2010, 02:11:15 PM

alexgore:  

  When you are finished designing, studying, poking and prodding . . .    Are you going to build your project?  

   

I was wondering the same thing when I read this thread.  Is this just a design exercise?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on January 04, 2011, 10:32:51 AM
Hello all, Yes we will be building the Tiny House, probably around the beginning of summer. Bayview I like your idea of opening up the design to others. I will bring up your suggestion. I don't know if there would be enough people interested. But if you have an Idea or Sketch and want it posted, send it to my email. Also The Tiny House crew will be blogging and posting designs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday starting Monday the 10th. I'll put links on this forum. Here is the breakdown:

TUESDAYS : Design Days - We will be posting new and interesting ideas under a new yet to be determined tab.
WEDNESDAY: Thoughts and ponderings on what it means to live in a tiny house and take on the tiny house philosophy will be discussed in the Wednesday's article of the week.
FRIDAY: Find something Cool Friday will consist of an interesting article, website, or video that will be posted on the Blog. This will often relate to something happening on or to Blake's Tiny House.

Feel free to drop us suggestions. First suggestion: we should have a suggestion box. We will work on that, but for now post a comment on any of the blog posts and we will be alerted to your interesting and insightful suggestion or comment.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on January 12, 2011, 04:37:56 PM
Blake Has made his list of demand. Here is the article below. It can also be seen at: blakestinyhouse  dot  com/tiny-blog.html. What do you think are the positives or negatives so far. Lance and Alex will now be designing a new version of Blake's Tiny House based off of his comments.


Many have commented on the design concepts on Blake's Tiny House and quite a few have voted as well.

Since I am shifting to more of a client and critic role, I thought I would give my opinions/comments on the designs:

Transformers (or Blake's Megatron House)
Some of the designs have featured really unique ways in which the tiny house can be transformed or modified.  This is a particularly fun concept and it is surprising element in that is not typical of tiny houses.   It is a great away to expand or create unique spaces.

It does, however, present some technical and cost challenges.  In order to make the transformational elements a reality, I think the tiny house needs to be fully function without them, but can pick up "bonus" space once they are employed.   Otherwise, the transformation seems a bit gimmicky.  Also, I think a "fold down" or "fold up" approach seems easier to tackle than something which "pops out."

Green Strategies
There have been many comments regarding what green design strategies have been incorporated on the Tiny House.   It is our wish to incorporate as many simple and effective green design strategies as possible.   I think it would be best to look more passive strategies as opposed to active ones, as typically these are more cost effective, which is important with our tight budget.  In order of importance, I feel the following green strategies would the most benefit, in order of importance:

1.       Passive daylighting
2.       Passive heating/ventilation and Water Heating
3.       Mini roof or vertical garden; mini greenhouse
4.       Rainwater collection

Vertical and Roof Space
All of the designs used vertical space to some degree—mainly for a lofted bed.  This is great, as vertical space is kind of a freebie—more usable space without increasing the area of the footprint.  However, I think we can become more creative than just a lofted bed.  Just to throw out some possibilities: additional open shelving or a mini-herb garden above the kitchen area.

Also, I think a roof balcony is another area where there is space to take advantage...

Surprise Factor / Simple Interior
All of the designs have some type of surprise factor:  Lance's can fold down, Sarah's has pop out wings, and Alex's has movable interiors.  The one idea I really liked about my design is the difference between the outside and inside.  On the exterior, the tiny house appears as a boring ice fishing house.  But walk inside and it changes to a curved ceiling that allows in dappled light.  It is a simple, but I think dramatic and comfortable effect.  It basically that old phrase of, "Don't judge a book by it's cover..." which I think can be very powerful.

Sofa
As someone had posted...there definitely needs to be a sofa.  We'll make it fit somehow.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Native_NM on January 12, 2011, 10:55:20 PM
Don't rule out something like this for a small, portable, building:

http://www.willscot.com/cgi-bin/act_location-lookup.cgi

If that link does not work, try this one:

http://www.willscot.com/clearance/index.php?section=mo

Enter your zip code and view the results.  In Albuquerque, for example, one can buy a 56x12 office for $10,000.  Smaller ones are $5K.  This is on a chasis, full electric HVAC, with a NM stamp for modular building.  They are actually built identical to a standard, framed home.  They meet the latest UBC code.  We bought a building for work, which had plumbing for a bath.  We gutted it, added partition walls, updated the electric and bath, towed it to our work site, dropped it on a semi-perm foundation, and had a 720' office for less than $30,000 all-in.  The moving was about $2K, inlcuding the assistance with the foundation.  Our costs were for commercial-grade products.

The inspector came out, looked at the foundation drawings, verified the stamp and plans, and issued a CO in 30 minutes.  Our cost was ~$40 per foot for essentially a brand-new space, as we put in new floors, windows, doors, etc.  For our business it works great.  The whole time we were doing it I was thinking of just buying one for a cabin.  I could replace the siding with something woodsy, add some trusses with a couple dormers for a steeper, pitched roof, and have a nice place for very little, with the added benefit that I could work on it in my commercial yard in town, then just have it moved to a final site.  I actually drew up a budget and figured I could be all-in for $20K for a 12' x 44'. 

Something to think about....

The guy we worked with had pictures of people who have put two together - for example two 10' wide units into a 20' x 40'. 
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on January 15, 2011, 01:55:34 PM

Native_NM:

   I don't think they are wanting to build something traditional. . .    I think they would like something unique with a contemporary look.   With unusual "bells and whistles".   Like folding and hinged exterior walls, rotating toilets, movable kitchens with rotating cabinets, collapsing furniture, sleeping lofts . . .    Built on a trailer.

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Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: cbc58 on January 15, 2011, 02:32:43 PM
i'd like to know how that expanding mobile home works...  do you know?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on January 21, 2011, 06:00:17 PM
Join us in the design of Blake' Tiny House!

We have posted our design iterations 2.0. a taste of it is below. We look forward to your comments. We are trying a new thing this time around.  Download a SketchUp model or grab an image and feel free to sketch, manipulate, or redesign Blake's Tiny House.  We would love to see ALL of your thoughts and comments and will post them to our blog if you return them to us.  Email your ideas to: blakestinyhouse@gmail.com.
Here is the website, there is a two designs there:

blakestinyhouse  dot  com/new-design-development.html#/news/

(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/110112Alex4.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/110112Alex1.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/110112Alex2.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/110112Alex3.jpg)

Some features of this design include.

Storage behind bookcase
Interior garden
Stairway
Lofted Bed and Hammock
Fold-down patio
Potential solar panels
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: Native_NM on January 22, 2011, 05:46:52 PM
Quote from: MountainDon on December 18, 2010, 02:06:57 AM
I would like to downsize the living space and increase the space for "stuff".

My dream house at retirement is a 5 car garage with an ~800 sq. foot cabin. 
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on February 13, 2011, 02:13:28 PM
We have pick a final design to move forward on and we will now dive into the details! Here is what we are working on next:

·         New and different façade designs.

·         Integrating sustainability features (possibility of sponsorship)

·         Deciding where to go for the Blake's Tiny House tour.

We're planning a journey that takes us to builder shows/conferences, RV shows, or general festivals/fairs. Home base will be in the Bolder/Denver/Longmont area and we only have 7-8 days to do the tour. We are looking to tour in June or early July. Where do you want us to go? Comment at: blakestinyhouse  dot  com/blog.html

(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/BTH4.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/BTH3.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/BTH2.jpg)
(https://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad78/akg980/BTH1.jpg)

Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: hpinson on February 13, 2011, 08:51:44 PM
Have you considered how bedding/ sheets will be changed in this design? It will not be very easy.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on February 13, 2011, 10:07:54 PM
Yes we have, in the next stage we are going to allocate a little more room to the platform to help with this. It wont be the easiest job in the world but it will be doable.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on February 13, 2011, 10:49:55 PM

   Any idea of what the completed trailer may cost?   Are you  considering mass production?

/.   
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: alexkgore on February 14, 2011, 11:42:23 PM
Hi Glenn, I'm thinking the complete trailer would cost around $7,000 - $10,000 not counting labor or the PV's.  I have considered mass production, and I am really starting to wonder what RV people would think of a set up like this. Do you have any thought on that train of logic?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: glenn kangiser on February 15, 2011, 12:16:32 AM
What I am seeing right now with the economy being as it is, is that the RV yards are full and they are making deals to get rid of them, but for the right person, they might be just the ticket.

It seems that people are just sitting tight on what money they have right now - but maybe they could be a niche market for someone who could sit on the back of dads lot.
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: considerations on February 15, 2011, 01:21:23 AM
I may have missed something, is there a bathroom in your design?
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on February 15, 2011, 08:24:04 AM
   It doesn't seem to be a lot of framing on the glass wall . . .    There will be quite a bit of movement when the trailer is moved . . .    Possible window damage?

  How will the outside wall/deck be raised and lowered?   Hydraulics?   Cable and winch?   I would suppose that the deck would have to be pretty sturdy . . .    It's large enough for a dozen people . . .    Is there a weight consideration?   How will it be supported on the ground when lowered?  

  Is there a way into the trailer unless the wall is lowered?

  Where will you store the rain water?

  You have a wall of glass . . .    What will you doing for heat/air conditioning?   Where will the HVAC be located?   A small enclosed area will produce a lot of humidity . . .   Especially with an indoor garden under a skylight . . .     How will you overcome this?

  Where will the batteries for the PV cells be located?

  How will you be able to maintain the "garden"?   A ladder?   Maybe have a garden on wheels. . .    So it could be moved outside to the deck.

  How do you exit the loft in case of an emergency?

  The loft is directly under the kitchen and bath area . . .    Accumulating heat and various odors. . .     Have you considered flipping the plan and putting the loft over the living area . . .    

  The stairway takes up quite a bit of space. . .   http://www.countryplans.com/alt_stair/alt_stair.PDF (http://www.countryplans.com/alt_stair/alt_stair.PDF)

/
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: EPriesing on February 15, 2011, 01:37:50 PM
Its an interesting idea. 

But as someone who has had many different types of campers and tented it, this wont work as it is now. Love the idea of being open to the outside.....but it rains and sometimes a lot!  I would hate to be the poor sap that had to pack up all the furniture and put the wall back up ....while or right before it happens.  d* 
I see no convience there.  You maybe able to salvage this by figuring a way to make that wall a "rain draining deck"  with lots of draining spaces, that would not be attached to the same level of the inside floor.  At the same time having a 2nd roof on the main area that could slide over the deck with wall/pole supports to the ground, making a covered area. Or an awning, but those need to be put away in windy rain conditions. You also have to remember how are you going to support that wall/deck, i think it is going to add a lot of weight to that side of the trailer. 

The wall that is "open" will take a lot of needed storage space away.  Cabinets should be partly on these walls to also help tie up the structure of the trailer to the rest of the walls.  You will need to move the kitchen to the front of the trailer for an access door outside when it is fully shut.   I would also require the basics any camper kitchen has fridge/freezer, stove and sink, heater, toilet.  You will need a "fire access window" at the bed.  I would not buy this without a bath/toilet compartment. :)  That could be under the loftbed giving it some structural help.  I wouldn't want the stove/oven under my bed.  ???i wonder if its allowed?

Most trailer lofts will not hold adults because the weight issue, the walls are not stronge enough to hold much of anything.   Most trailer companies are trying to cut as much weight out the trailer so that our smaller vehicles can tow it....with all the stuff we put into it.   

Mabye put the stove counter sink area along the deck wall towards the front half.  Put your sliding window and table there up against the counter.  You must factor in where your water tanks, black and grey tanks, water heater will be as you design it.  If you plan to put them under its going to push your height up pretty high and you already have some height going on with the loft.

Giving friendly advice from someone who has never built a trailer but has camped alot.  Looking forward to your next step. ;D

Betsy
Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: bayview on April 20, 2011, 03:47:42 PM

   ?

   Any progress?

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Title: Re: New Tiny Home
Post by: MountainDon on April 20, 2011, 03:53:27 PM
alexkgore hasn't been around since Feb. sometime