I have to thank EJ again for sending me another great link to a very cool project. It’s a cabin in the mountains of Montana modeled after an old forest service fire tower. To make it look like it was built in 1939 a lot of recycled material was used, corrugated metal roofing, locally sourced rock, and timbers from an 80 year old trestle bridge that had been recently dismantled. It was designed by architect Jeff Shelden, A.I.A. and is an AIA Merit Award Winner.
The lower level is the functional level and provides sleeping space, and a place to cook and wash up. The upper level is the main living area and provides the view and connection with the surrounding mountains. A small photovoltaic array provides electricity for lights, well pump, stereo and television. The composting toilet is in a separate nearby structure. A wood fired hot tub is also just outside the cabin.
Design and photo credit Jeff Shelden, A.I.A.
Hey Tiny Houser,
Have been living in a tiny house ( 64 sq ft) for 5 years. OK, not full time,
I’m not that crazy! Although probably
100 days a year. OK, I am crazy! Add
1 wife and larger dog, shake and pour.
It’s actually been a great time! 6 or more photos can be found at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpt2000/sets/72157610543548718
Thanks,
Jeff
Jeff! I love that little house. I’ve seen photos of it here and there but never knew the story. Thanks for adding comments to the flickr gallery too. If you have any more info you want to share feel free to contact me directly.
Thanks!
Michael
If you like this concept, some of the original Forest Service blueprints are available in pdf format for more inspiration. Go here:
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/acad/lt/
There’s also a company somewhere that sells old lookout and lookout cabin plans; there were quite a few different versions. Though as the disclaimer at the above site states, they may not meet current structural codes.
Thanks for the link and info Bill! Great stuff.
This design might work nice at my Southern Lake Champlain as I look to replace existing wooden cottages that get wet about every 3 years… when water gets high on much of the waterfront.
can i buy plans for the fire tower cabin? do you know of any more cabins like this i can look at?
Hi Phil,
I don’t think the fire tower cabin plans are available for sale, but you could email the architect… who knows.
There are many places that sell cabin plans… I’ve got a good list of links on the website under plans.
I was able to purchase the plans from the architect and they are every thing I expected and more.
That’s great! Thanks for letting us know Ken.
What is the contact information for the architect and how much were the plans? Thanks.
You can find the architects contact info on his website: http://www.prairiewindarch.com/
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