Monthly Archives: October 2009

Shed Building Step by Step

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Michael Janzen

A while back one of my readers, David, sent me a link to Sean Sexton’s website that contains a complete set of step-by-step photos that document the construction process of this simple shed. The design looks perfect for adapting into … Continue reading →

Posted in How To | Tagged cad, house plans, Plans, sean, sean sexton, shed, solar | 10 Comments

Urban Rancher Update

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Michael Janzen

There is an incredibly captivating story unfolding in the mountains above Los Angeles of a man building a future of freedom through simplifying his life. Although as you’ll see when you read his latest tale of finding a way to … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects | Tagged cabin, california, construction, los angeles, off-grid, remote, urban rancher | 2 Comments

Greg Johnson in Natural Home Magazine

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Michael Janzen

Greg Johnson, the author of Put Your Life On a Diet and co-founder of the Small House Society is featured in the November/December issue of Natural Home Magazine. Greg’s story is one of extreme downsizing, self-empowerment, and a great example … Continue reading →

Posted in Announcement | Tagged greg johnson, Lifestyle, Natural Home Magazine, Put Your Life On a Diet, simple living, small house society | Leave a comment

Dignity Village – A Success Story

Posted on October 10, 2009 by Michael Janzen

One of my regular readers, Malcolm, reminded me tonight about a tiny house village in Oregon that was established by a group of homeless folks through successful acts of civil disobedience. The city of Portland now accepts the existence of … Continue reading →

Posted in Humanitarian | Tagged community, Dignity Village, eco-village, ecovillage, homeless, village | 7 Comments

Yes Wee Cabins by Tim Guiles

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Michael Janzen

This is Tim Guiles, a tiny house builder up in Vermont. His tiny house company is called Yes Wee Cabins. Tim has been living in tiny spaces since 1988 when he bought a sailboat that he lived aboard full-time for … Continue reading →

Posted in Builders | Tagged builder, solar, Tim Guiles, tiny house, tiny house builder, vermont, Yes We Cabins, yeswecabins | 1 Comment

Tiny House Eden

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Michael Janzen

It looks like a tiny house village for the homeless isn’t such a crazy idea. Here in Sacramento a collaboration between several homeless advocacy groups had come together to make it happen. The group includes Loaves & Fishes, Safe Ground Sacramento, Francis House, Sacramento … Continue reading →

Posted in Humanitarian | Tagged california, community, eden, Francis House, homeless, loaves & fishes, sacramento, Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee, Safe Ground Sacramento, shed, shelter, tuff shed, Volunteers of America | 4 Comments

Williams Cabin by Stephen Atkinson

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Michael Janzen

It’s exciting to find professional architects that appreciate and design small houses. I’ve really enjoyed exploring Stephen Atkinson’s website and found another nice example of a small home, this time a minimalist cabin in Durango, Colorado. While it’s always surprising … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects | Tagged cabin, colorado, Durango, minimalist, modern, Stephen Atkinson, Williams Cabin | 8 Comments

Tiny House Kit by Zamore Homes

Posted on October 8, 2009 by Michael Janzen

This is a small 400 square foot kit house that comes ready to assemble and is built by Zamore Homes in Houston, Texas. It’s made from standard off-the-shelf parts and through clever design can be flat packed and delivered to … Continue reading →

Posted in Kits / Prefab | Tagged flat pack, Houston, kit, Shot Trot, texas, Zamore Homes | 5 Comments

Zachary House by Stephen Atkinson

Posted on October 7, 2009 by Michael Janzen

This is an excellent example of a simple dogtrot house which is essentially a small home split into to halves that are separated by a breezeway. It’s an ideal design for hot and humid climates because the cooling effect of … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects | Tagged architect, dogtrot, Louisiana, Stephen Atkinson, Zachary House | 4 Comments

Derek Diedricksen’s Vermont Cabin

Posted on October 6, 2009 by Michael Janzen

I was recently contacted by a fellow named Derek Alexander Diedricksen who is in the process of writing a book called, “Humble Homes, Simple Shacks, Cozy Cottages, Ramshackle Retreats, Funky Forts, and Anything Else We Could Squeeze in Here.” It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Projects | Tagged cabin, Derek Diedricksen, salvaged, scrap, vermont | 7 Comments