CountryPlans Forum

General => Owner-Builder Projects => Topic started by: John Raabe on April 05, 2010, 04:13:59 PM

Title: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 05, 2010, 04:13:59 PM
Lloyd Kahn is doing a new book on smaller houses (500sf or under) and has asked if any of the CountryPlans folks have good photos of projects they have built. Expandable smaller houses (those that started out as 500sf or under) would be especially interesting. For instance, has anyone built a Little House (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/29.html) building and then expanded it into a larger home? Perhaps using some of the planning materials in the Enchilada Plans Kit (http://www.jshow.com/y2k/listings/43.html)? Here is one example: (click the image)

(http://www.countryplans.com/images/Nicolaisen/outside2.jpg) (http://www.countryplans.com/nicolaisen.html) 
NEWS: This house is in the book (http://shelterpub.com/_tiny_homes/tiny_homes_book.html) on page 99. 

In our CountryPlans business I have noticed we are selling more of the smaller house plans and fewer of the larger ones. That tells me there is a timely need for a small, inexpensive and easy to build starter house that can be expanded in the future. Are any of you building one? It does not have to be using one of my plans - your own ideas are welcome.

If so, please let me know and post photos in this tread.

If you are not familiar with Lloyd Kahn and the books of this prolific writer/photographer/publisher click on Shelter Publications (http://www.shelterpub.com/index.html) and check out the titles. You can also checkout Lloyd's Blog (http://www.shelterpub.com/_blog/Year_of_the_Tiger/gimme_shelter.html).

(http://www.shelterpub.com/_builders/BPC-288DSW.jpg) (http://www.shelterpub.com/_builders/BPC-book.html)

As a further incentive to take some great photos, for every project from a forum member that makes it into the new book I (or Lloyd) will send you a copy of the book.

John Raabe
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Solar Burrito on April 05, 2010, 04:23:55 PM
Ooh ooh ooh, I love his books! Can't wait for another!

Hurry up Lloyd!
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Pine Cone on April 05, 2010, 11:20:04 PM
I know others are building small structures, and many must be more finished than this one... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8030.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8030.0)

Don't know if this qualifies since it is still a work in progress, but the cabin is 196 square feet while the deck is 256 square feet.  Under 500 square feet any way you add it up.

In the grand scheme, this cabin is the bedroom, with a kitchen and bath building which may follow in a few years nearby when we recover from building this one and can afford what is likely to be a deep well and very expensive septic system.  For now the composting toilet and outdoor grey-water shower will have to do.

(https://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx172/Pine_Cone/May16_2010.jpg)
Picture updated, 5/16/2010


(https://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx172/Pine_Cone/Cabin_June_5_2010.jpg)
New picture, 6/5/2010

NOTE: This house is in the Tiny Homes (http://shelterpub.com/_tiny_homes/tiny_homes_book.html) book on pages 30, 31.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: MountainDon on April 05, 2010, 11:55:59 PM
I'm in, but I have to choose a photo to post here...  :-\

Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Phssthpok on April 06, 2010, 03:28:49 PM
Is there a deadline?

I won't be able to begin reassembly on my structure for at least another six weeks. (I just got another six inches of snow dumped on my access road last night) :(
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: ScottA on April 06, 2010, 03:36:17 PM
(http://www.brightok.net/~cyscott1-ss/pics/421091.JPG)

I always liked this shot. 400 s.f.

NEWS This house is in the book on page 99.

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3419.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=3419.0)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 06, 2010, 03:39:42 PM
Any deadline would be set by Lloyd, but I would think a couple of months would be a minimum time-line for this.

Hey, we're getting to see some fine little houses here - all in one place! :D :D :D

PS - If you are posting a project that has a progress thread with more information or photos, add it as a link to your photo here and we can use this thread as a kind of overview of small house projects. (Such threads would be a better place for questions of the builder/designer than would this one.)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: MountainDon on April 06, 2010, 07:56:15 PM
Here we go; this cabin...

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1010387small.jpg)

(https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/djmillerbucket/jemez%20mountain%20property5/P1010631small.jpg)

The building thread may be found here. This link is the place/time ground was broken...
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.msg60127#msg60127

I could also supply a link to the photo album that feeds the images in the topic to be able to view the images only without all the words. More pictures not posted also available.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Southern Steve on April 06, 2010, 09:06:44 PM
I am fascinated by tiny houses.  Unfortunately, this county's (Vanderburgh, Indiana) zoning ordinances require a house of at least 720 Sq Ft  on a lot with at least 60 Ft front footage.  Can we say "contributing to urban sprawl"?
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Solar Burrito on April 07, 2010, 10:39:01 AM
After looking at my 2 of Mr. Kahn's books last night I know how to get your cabins in his new book.

WIZARD CARVINGS and SAUNA'S  :D

For sure if you have sometime of homemade funky off the grid sauna near your 499sq house with a hand carved person/wizard or sunman you will get printed.

I'm definitely working on my carving skills and am going to tell the wife it's all to get published. A Sauna is needed honey, you want to get in the book don't you.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 07, 2010, 06:50:41 PM
 :D :D :D
Right ON! However I sense that this book will be a bit more practical (in tune with the times?)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 09, 2010, 03:34:29 PM
These are interesting alternative houses, but for this thread (and Kahn's book) let's just post projects that forum members have BUILT.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Whitlock on April 09, 2010, 11:49:08 PM
Feel free to use anything in my posts on this little shack if you like. I wish it were finished d*

http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5331.0

(https://i455.photobucket.com/albums/qq278/Minermatt/t-frame018.jpg)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: speedfunk on April 10, 2010, 11:12:52 AM
I'll take them off I didn't realise it was just members houses my bad.   d*
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 10, 2010, 12:43:45 PM
Sorry Speedfunk:

Let's see if we can save that information...

I have reposted much of it and have started a new thread here:

Interesting small houses found on the Web (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=8794.msg113728#msg113728)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: tinybuilder on April 15, 2010, 11:28:48 AM
Quote from: John Raabe on April 09, 2010, 03:34:29 PM
These are interesting alternative houses, but for this thread (and Kahn's book) let's just post projects that forum members have BUILT.

I built this 190 square footer...

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/little%20house/IMG_3212.jpg)

It's not very stylish as it reflects my skill level.  d*
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 15, 2010, 03:06:25 PM
Looks very sturdy and serviceable. Is that a 10' sidewall height?
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: steve_wolverton on April 19, 2010, 12:40:11 AM
Note from Admin: These images are not showing. The links are not valid. Perhaps Steve can fix this.

Hi everyone.  

Here's my little house I'm working on.  

(http://www.stevewolverton.net/040410.JPG)

(Note: the website address http://www.stevewolverton.net does not resolve.

It's a 14x14 house.  The front porch is 14 x 8.  The utility room attached to the back of the house is 10x8 (washer/dryer - lawn mower, tools, etc.).  The exterior is about 75% complete - I need to finish the siding on the back of the house.  I'll post more details soon in a build thread.  The upstairs window has been trimmed since this photo.   ;)  

This is my first house.  I used the post/beam ideas from Mr. Raabe's kit.  

(http://www.stevewolverton.net/041910D.JPG)

(http://www.stevewolverton.net/040510.JPG)  
Ah - found a pic of the window trimmed!   :P  

And the back.  Please pardon the mess.   :-[
(http://www.stevewolverton.net/041910.JPG)

Thanks,
Steve
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: tinybuilder on April 27, 2010, 08:26:07 PM
Quote from: John Raabe on April 15, 2010, 03:06:25 PM
Looks very sturdy and serviceable. Is that a 10' sidewall height?

They're 8 foot sides. I hung the loft floor for more height upstairs (5' at the center), so the downstairs ceiling finished out at 7'6". It has everything a large house has except space... fully insulated, tile floor, 100 amp electric service with meter, 3/4 inch water main, 3 inch sewer main, hot water heater, shower, toilet, stove, refrigerator, sink, remote thermostat built-in wall heater, bath ventilation fan, bath ceiling heater, and a loft with a skylight. The raised cinderblock foundation made it easy to install the water pipes, drains, and electrical. Even the water heater is under the floor.

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3637.jpg)

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3639.jpg)

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3643.jpg)

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3644.jpg)

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3641.jpg)

(https://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/compost_bin/IMG_3642.jpg)

The structure is a modular shop-built TuffShed, and was assembled on the foundation as a complete weatherproof shell in just one day including siding, windows, shingled roof and exterior paint. Then I finished the interior to my own specs. Total cost for complete living unit: $15,000   




Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on April 27, 2010, 10:18:36 PM
Koowl Kabin!
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Ndrmyr on April 28, 2010, 06:41:52 AM
Impressive!  Why isn't this an option for public housing. Our idiot government loves to give people homes that cost in many cases more than the value of the home that an average tax payer lives in.  10 of these built for $150,000 could house single mothers and small families.  Far cheaper than the FEMA Katrina trailer debacle!  This is something that a low income family could actually OWN and afford to keep.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: DeekMcD on May 13, 2010, 05:40:36 PM
Wow- some GREAT stuff! And Lloyd's book will be great- I'm sure. I own a few of his others....

Here's a few things/shacks/guest cabins/mobile sleepers I've worked on/built recently- most of them based on designs in my indie micro-housing book- and I'm peckin' away at some more cabins (and designs) currently, as well....

I also have some "tv" youtube overview episodes on a few of them too...

(http://relaxshax.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/dereks-vt-cabin-exterior-new1.jpg?w=300&h=225)
(http://relaxshax.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/hickshaw-11.jpg?w=225&h=300)
(http://relaxshax.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/hick-shaw.jpg?w=300&h=225)
(http://relaxshax.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/a-gypsy-junker.png?w=300&h=168)

AND A VIDEO of one of the cabins.....
.youtubedotcom/watch?v=LmR3kx660gw[/url]

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen
relaxshacksdotcom


ED: one post with all those links is one thing, but three with all the same links is pushing the no advertising rule a little too much. I changed the links so SDEO's don't recognize them but anyone interested can still go to the sites.

Please feel free to contribute ideas and thoughts, but honor the no ads policy.  - MD
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: DeekMcD on May 17, 2010, 07:54:29 PM
Sorry- it was an autosignature- and didn't think they were ads, my appologies. Wasn't my aim, more so, just wanted to add to/contribute to the thread. The youtube link was just so whoever could see more, etc....esp. since I didn't have a good still picture of one of the cabins, Again- sorry.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: dmlsr on May 25, 2010, 04:33:44 AM
if there is anything of my place you can use  go right ahead.

cabin in nh


Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on June 05, 2010, 05:52:29 PM
I thought the videos that Derek has done are great. These are Micro houses that feature inventive uses of very low cost or free materials.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEvYT3CMtQI&feature=related
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on June 06, 2010, 09:38:07 AM
(https://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h132/dmlsr/102_3213.jpg)

Here's Dave's (dmlsr) multi-page cabin link: http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=1568.300
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Freeholdfarm on June 11, 2010, 09:31:46 PM
I just watched the first two of Derek's videos (well done!), and would like to know more about that vegetable oil stove -- would you be willing to start a new thread about that, Derek?

Kathleen
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: ListerD on June 14, 2010, 06:19:26 AM
(Sorry for the topic drift) I got Deeks book a while back, felt like a kid again dreaming of all the cool little shelters.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: speedfunk on June 14, 2010, 10:30:35 AM
64sq  shelter. 8x8 with 4x8 deck.  4x8 sleeping loft

Our thread w/ more details:  http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5741.0 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=5741.0)

(http://oursideofthemountain.com/images/600_IMG_2654.JPG)

(http://oursideofthemountain.com/images/600_IMG_2652.JPG)

(http://oursideofthemountain.com/images/600_IMG_2651.JPG)

(http://oursideofthemountain.com/images/600_IMG_2649.JPG)

BTW Deek... Great stuff..I had a great time checking over your videos!  
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Alasdair on August 04, 2010, 06:29:33 PM
288sq ft. plus deck
http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6980.80 (http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=6980.80)

(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th025.jpg)

(https://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh196/alianita/countryplans/build/August4th026.jpg)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Headed for the Hills on September 09, 2010, 07:58:28 PM
Alright, tryng it again:

(https://i1034.photobucket.com/albums/a430/Headed_for_the_Hills/IMG_2433.jpg)

Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: need4news on October 15, 2010, 06:18:04 AM
(https://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad9/need4news/IMAG0110.jpg)

Mr. Raabe,

Here is a picture of my house in progress.

More to follow as it gets done.

Thank you for your informative site.

Charlie M.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on October 15, 2010, 09:33:29 AM
Need4news:

Cool little hut or cottage. Looks like it has lots of light.

What is the size?
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: need4news on October 15, 2010, 03:11:25 PM
Mr. Raabe,

It's 12x10 with a 14' roof.

R-13 in the walls, 1/2" styrofoam overlayment with Hardie Board exterior.

Almost all materials gleaned.

Will be my house when finished; I share 11 acres with my big sister (bigger in age only) and her husband and my inter-species life-partner, Bucky (English Bulldog).

Here is more info:  http://gleaninghouse.blogspot.com (http://gleaninghouse.blogspot.com)
Thanks,

Charlie M.

Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Chuck Adze on November 03, 2010, 06:03:44 AM
I so love good design.
I like log home, adirondack, mid century modern, cube, mountain style, craftsman, containers.....etc.
I love good lines and proportions.

Where I live we have alot of old capes from the 1700's-1800's (still lived in).
Many of these were smaller capes.
Remember clapboards predate cedar shingles, thats why you still see many of the older New England Capes with clapboard siding (they brought the technology from England).
I came by this re-do.
It measures 18' x 24' with a partial upstairs.
The small bumpout on the end contains a small kitchen.

(https://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k593/Chuckadze/SmallCape.jpg)

Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Chuck Adze on November 03, 2010, 06:13:43 AM
I really like Moss Creek designs.
This small guest house design (log construction) can give a person many ideas;

http://www.winterwoodshomes.com/design-gallery/natural-element-homes/the-blue-ridge/

Also on www.americanbuilderssurplus.com, there is a sale for 80+ stainless steel skinned SIP panels (2" thick) for 5K....and I immediately thought of a modern cube design.
A person could use steel and wood exposed truss work inside, even stud the walls for added insulation and then cover the outside with the stainless skin.
The only thing would be to watch the sun and the mirror / forest fire effect.
Of course you could curve a wall and pin point towards solar collectors.

Anyway....my small cottage is based upon my actual living room (real life space placement).
Its 16' x 24' with a small U shaped stair case in the far corner.
I am going to bump out the side wall with a 10' x 20' bump out and put a small bedroom and a master bath.
The end wall will also have a small bump out where I will put the entry and a small kitchen, until such a time I can complete the barn style great room (with my timber trusses), then this original cottage will become the master suite.

Blessings.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: frankvance on February 08, 2011, 12:08:20 PM
 :)I have some pictures of my 12 x 34 408 square foot merc 8)antile styled retreat.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Timberjack on March 27, 2011, 08:24:06 AM
The living area is 18'x24', with the front porch its 26'x24'.

(https://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l636/timberjack1123/0115.jpg)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on March 27, 2011, 10:00:12 AM
Nice looking fairly simple project Timberjack. Good work.  :D

I like the way the porch tucked under the roof provides more room in the loft. Classic design of course.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on March 27, 2011, 03:10:09 PM
Here's a new photo sent in by David_S




(http://www.countryplans.com/images/curlew-cabin.jpg)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: ScottA on March 29, 2011, 06:12:52 PM
Nice little cabin but the 2 TV dish look ugly on it. Somehow cabins and TV dish don't mix.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: curlewdave on March 29, 2011, 08:00:43 PM
Sorry Scott, but I like my sat TV up there to keep up with things, and also have a hookup for the computer--so 2 dishes... Techno geek---Curlew Dave
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: AdironDoc on July 09, 2011, 10:35:13 AM
My 384sf, 16 x 24 guest cabin.
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/0000_830622928_medium.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/June%20camp/064.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/June%20camp/IMG_1262.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/June%20camp/IMG_1265.jpg)

My neighbor and friend Gene's just completed 16 x 24 that I patterned my new project after:
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/24feetOriginal.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/178.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/176.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/152.jpg)

20 x 12 in Syracuse I almost bought.
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000668.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000657.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000655.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000651.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000650.jpg)
(https://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee314/glennjakobsen/P1000648.jpg)
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: MountainDon on July 09, 2011, 02:45:53 PM
Nice cabins.

That is a very low clearance bunk bed though. Last time I saw pictures where the bunks were stacked that low there were two more levels on top. That was at Dachau.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Moni on October 27, 2011, 10:39:21 AM
beautiful cabins!!! Wow, so much inspiration here

A pic of our 16x20 cabin
(http://mpetersenphotography.smugmug.com/Other/the-cabin/i-3s2dx6x/0/L/DSC4393-L.jpg)

lots of pics from the build here:
http://mpetersenphotography.smugmug.com/Other/the-cabin/14354291_VvkvNt#1063023126_BfQCW
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: PunchAndJudy on October 27, 2011, 02:06:54 PM
I'm building a standard 12x16 lofted gambrel with a 5x16 porch.  Will wire it, and put in a rough kitchen (sink will drain to a bucket for greywater use).  Lovable loo (sawdust bucket toilet in a pretty wooden box), bucket shower and a plastic stock tank for a tub.  Small wood heater. 

Project will start within 2 weeks.  The building will serve as temporary housing for me and my Mother.  We'll winter in it.  If I build it well and don't get sick of carpentry by the time I'm done, it will house us while I build a 2 story house, probably the Universal Cottage(20x34). 

Anyways, I'll send pictures when I've got it up, which should be very soon.  I'm not sure what to expect from the weather this year, so I'm trying to get a jump on winter.  Coldness sucks.
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: John Raabe on January 10, 2012, 11:19:38 AM
Lloyd's new book is out now! It is titled Tiny Homes - Simple Shelter (http://shelterpub.com/_tiny_homes/tiny_homes_book.html).

Click either the link above or image below to go to a special order page.


(http://countryplans.com/images/TinyHomes.jpg) (http://shelterpub.com/_tiny_homes/tiny_homes_book.html)

There are at least two homes that are shown in this tread and are featured in the book. There were, of course other good projects that didn't make the pages. (Lloyd is already planning a follow up).

If anyone who posted here got into the book and didn't get a copy directly from Lloyd, please send me an email (john@countryplans.com) and I will get a copy to you. 

There is a tiny-tiny version of the book that Lloyd sent me (I don't know if it is for sale). It takes younger eyes than mine but with a reading glass that little book is actually readable. Lloyd gets amazing printing results.

Thanks to everyone who posted here and here's to great projects in 2012!
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: Whitlock on January 19, 2012, 08:23:55 PM
I want this book :( But I'm trying to boycott things made in China and Lloyd went to China and had it printed up >:(
So I guess I will have to do without :-\
Title: Re: Photos wanted for small houses under 500 sf
Post by: MountainDon on January 19, 2012, 08:36:03 PM
W. I've asked our public library to look into getting a copy. No word yet, but maybe they will? Maybe they won't?