8×20 Solar Tiny House Plans – Version 1.0
I just put the finishing touches on the 8×20 solar house and uploaded the plans. I can see how SketchUp Pro with the bundled presentation building software, Google Layout, would be a real time saver and would really improve the final output. But I’m still amazed at the high quality 2D and 3D renderings that are possible with the free version of SketchUp. I’ve posted the first version of the plans for the 8×20 online for your review. I’ll take the feedback posted in the comments and try to do a quick revision.
I know I’ve missed some important things like specifications for hardware and lumber in the plans. I’ve been thinking that 2×4 framing, 24″ O.C. and 1/2″ plywood or OSB for the sheathing. Anyway take a look at the plans SketchUp file and let me know what you think.
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- Free Plans – 8×8 Tiny House v.3 - Last night I posted version 2 of this free house plan but I had missed a couple of important things,
- 8×20 Solar House Update… Free Plans Nearly Complete - For the past two weeks I've been test driving Google SketchUp Pro and have come to a simple conclusi
- Free Plans – 8×8 Tiny House v.2 - I've been having fun refining these tiny house plans I drew last week. I'm still missing a materials
- 8×20 Solar House Plans – Progress Report - For the past few days I've been exploring Google SketchUp Pro while working on my next set of free t
28 Responses to “8×20 Solar Tiny House Plans – Version 1.0”
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Hey, I like this design, keep developing it, I think you're onto something for sure.
Here is something I've been working on with Sketch-up. I know it's not tiny, but it is small…:)
http://logicalhousedesign.blogspot.com/2009/06/...
Hi Michael-
Thanks for this finalized version of the plan. I have sent it along to my uncle for review.
Regarding the bed… have you planned some kind of flip-down wall-storage or something? I'm not sure I fully understand from the drawing.
I was thinking a good alternative to a loft in this design might be a floating “bunk bed” with desk space underneath…
I like it, I really, really like it. Maybe you could add a glass block window to the shower.
Hi Michael,
I like the overall design too. I think you may be over designing your frame in a couple of places though. That of course is not necessarily a bad thing. The one place that jumps out in my thinking is the use of the diagonal braces. I think if you are using 1/2″ plywood or OSB and especially if you glue and nail it to the framing that you will find that the diagonal bracing is not needed. I know you said that you left hardware information out of your design so far but one thing that you might want to add that can be wood is some plywood gussets at the peak of your roof rafters. I would suggest 1/2″ plywood (scraps from your sheathing) nailed (or screws) and glued at that intersection.
Keep up the good work…
Malcolm
Wiring and plumbing schemes coming next?
Man, that would be sweet! I am still lost on how we are going to implement a grey water holding tank near the drain (so we can use it at RV parks and stuff) and also how to implement the electrical system properly so that it can be hooked up easily to a simple extension cord… wouldn't mind also being able to hook it up at an RV park, but I don't know what the standard is there either.
Michael, I was inspired by another version you posted a picture of at one point, the 8×20 with dormers. We are most likely going to go with a modified sonoma shanty design that adds dormer windows for loft head room and lighting.
While we do love your 8×20 solar house, we really want to implement a loft for the extra floor space. And it seems easier to add dormers to the Sonoma Shanty than it would be to add a loft to the solar house, so we're leaning that way at this point.
Hey Michael, As you have got such a great handle on the Sketch Up tool why not submit your ideas for this competition…
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/education/sa...
Go for it!
Mark
I think this is a brilliant design. The best way to utilize solar energy is with passive solar storage – the – sun shining on a surface and heating it up. In the summer – turn the mobile home so it faces north to keep things cool or build louvered shade surfaces out of corrugated steel to reflect direct sunlight away from the interior of the house. You have 4 excellent surfaces for your solar electric panels – if you have two panels – put then on the south facing side in the winter – move them to the north side in the summer and turn the house so it is facing north ( and the solar electric panels will be facing south).
If you finish this houses' interior walls with gypsum board it would make a great heat sink for winter and would help cool the house in summer.
What the “green” housing movement needs is the architectural equivalent to the V.W. Bug – funky and affordable – if more people are living in designs like this the less resources will be thrown away in ill-designed McMansions.
I would move the toilet to the other end for max distance to kitchen, put a small closet/cupboard at door for coats & cleaning supplies.
Great visualization.
[...] http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/2009/07/26/8×20-solar-tiny-house-plans-version-1-0/ [...]
Can you give me more specs on how the wall bed is built and maybe what it looks like?
Yes. I’m working on a revision right now that will include more detail on the wall bed.
Thanks for sharing Andy. Looks good.
I've been working on a more detailed drawing of the bed. I like your idea of a bunk bed with a desk below too. I should have the new drawing up Friday.
I love dormers too and while they add a lot more complexity they also look and function great. I'll keep that in mind for a future design.
Very cool Mark… I didn't know this was happening. I have been busy the last few nights working on my Reburbia entry… but will definitely look into this Guggenheim competition too. Thanks!
Thanks Craig for point these details out. I wanted to elaborate on some of the details but the night I posted this I was beat and skipped writing it all up.
You've read between the lines and have seen some of the method to the apparent madness of the solar house with gables. I do have a few details left that need fixing like louvers, eaves, or shutters, and as you pointed out… some kind of thermal mass.
Thanks!
Good thinking. Actually if the toilet were a composting toilet (no need for water) the shower would make sense closer to the sink anyway for simplified plumbing. Thanks EJ.
Yes… in the works. I should have that posted Friday morning plus a few more refinements and explanations. Thanks!
Very good design. I like it.
Thank you very much. Am looking forward to it.
[...] First, Michael just put the finishing touches on the 8×20 solar house and uploaded the plans. Michael has posted the first version of the plans for the 8×20 online for your review. He would like your input on his plans so go here to check it out. [...]
Michael,
I own an 8′ x 20′ shipping container cabin, which is complete on the inside, but which needs a roof. I was looking for a design that would shed snow and allow me to install solar and my water tank between the rafters. Your roofing design is what I have in mind. Great job!
Mike
[...] Michael Janzen, my friend and fellow tiny house blogger has been real busy lately and I wanted to update you on a couple of his projects. First, Michael just put the finishing touches on the 8×20 solar house and uploaded the plans. Michael has posted the first version of the plans for the 8×20 online for your review. He would like your input on his plans so go here to check it out. [...]
A question about portability. I really like your design, but I’m wondering, for people who are building somewhere other than where the house will end up, can a house this tall be transported?
Here in Florida, the shed people have to keep their roofs heights low, because the law limits to overall transport height on the road.
An interesting modification would be a collapsible peak, that could be folded for moving, and popped up on site. Thinking…thinking…
In many US States 13.5′ is the limit for transporting a trailer/vehicle without a permit. This design is lower than 13.5 feet.
I think a flexible/transformable roof is a great idea but I would personally avoid it due to the complex engineering needed… especially for a roof. But I can see that with some effort and hydraulics it could be done.
very sweet work. i have a little solar experience. would love to see where you’ve evolved this design. is there a version 2 yet? may be able to offer some assistance.
Hi Mark… No I’ve not updated the plans. Sorry.