Tiny homes

When we were in Spain & Portugal I had no idea that the way we were living was actually part of a huge movement, a global one.  Not until I got a copy of TINY HOMES by Lloyd Kahn. 

All his SHELTER books are inspirational, but this one is a real treat, with literally thousands of photographs of wonderful and original small houses, plus links to their websites.

To qualify as tiny the house has to have a floor-space of less than 500 ft² (46m²).  Nothing more.  My only quibble with the book is that at least half of the homes are made commercially, or used for holidays, which I think detracts from the usefulness as a resource.  So, to redress this I’d like to feature photos here of real tiny homes, and invite the owners to send them in.

 TINY HOMES = small shelter, which as far as I am concerned means (in no particular order):

• is a primary residence.  Not a second home, or holiday cabin/ boat/ recreational vehicle/ whatever.
• it’s a place where the owner has put down roots.
• the design is totally theirs, made to fit exactly their needs.
• built using as much free labour & recycled materials as can be found locally, and without any additional finance (loan), including the power system/ water provision/ and all fittings & appliances.
• to live in, as sustainably as possible, which means no children and income as low as possible.
• keeps the inhabitants warm and dry with the minimum of heating.
• is a healthy place to live (see below).
• and acts as an example to others.   A home for very little cash outlay, low to zero running costs, and the surrounding land is used to increase ecological diversity and fertility, as well as a place for foraging food and medicine.

 TINY HOMES should also aim to have the following (though not necessarily all):

• no mains electricity, relying solely on alternative energy, generated from natural renewable sources (wind/ solar/ or waterpower).
• no internal wiring or mains power.
• no metal in the structure.
• no fixed phone line connection, or mobile signal.
• no mains sewage, no septic tank, no mains water (all waste being composted on-site).
• plenty of natural light, roof-lights especially.
• no toxic chemicals used in construction/ furniture/ or maintenance.
• and located as far as possible from public roads/ urbanisation/ industry.