Construction Summary & Design Elements
Construction Summary: Base Structure Overview
Footprint: 7’ x 14’ or 98 square feet
Wall Height: 6’ with a 12/12 pitched roof that allows for a cathedral ceiling.
The base structure is build with a 2×4 stick construction using premium coated deck screws for fastening. The floor, walls, and ceiling are insulated with R13 or R-15 fiberglass insulation. A radiant foil barrier is put in in the floor and ceiling. A 4 mil vapor barrier is applied to the floor, walls, and ceiling before interior finish. Two 4”x4”x14’ beams are installed under the floor that run the length of the house. These beams are used to enhance the structure strength; a custom welded trailer frame is bolted to these beams. The trusses integrated cross members for lofts in the front and back of the home.
Exterior Materials:
The under carriage of the floor is primed then painted with an exterior grade paint or stain. The siding is ½’ MDO plywood for the bottom half off the walls. The top siding is 3/8” plywood sheathing covered with siding made from repurposed pallet boards. The pallet siding has a lap joints cut before installation. Trim is painted 1×4 painted pine or cedar. Windows and doors are usually donated or bought from Restore, the Habitat for Humanity store. The roof components comprise of 3/8” plywood sheathing, felt roofing paper, and a 26ga painted metal roof.
The trailer frame with a single axle is custom fabricated at the OM Build shop. The frame resembles a wishbone and is bolted to 4×4 beams on the bottom of the home.
Exterior colors are picked by the stewards.
Interior Design Elements & Appliances:
The walls and ceiling are typically finished with ¼” stained or painted plywood or paneling depending on donated resources. The color and trim work are at the discretion of the steward and depends on donated resources.
Click here to see a typical floor plan. Floor plans may change depending upon the occupants needs and personal preferences.
House #1 Interior: Basic Features
Keep up the great work!
Absolutely a brilliant idea!
Lets see in side of one
Photos on the “features” page under tiny houses.
I have a tiny house that I built myself. It is on a trailer and can be hauled around. It meets all the requirements for a tiny house. I would be willing to rent it out or sell it interested send me an email
Such a wonderful idea. I am so happy for the ones that get to move into a Tiny House!!
Are these insulated?
In Wisconsin?! Yes, of course! Lots of insulation!
I really love this ideal . I think this is wonderful what is happening ! I live in Minnesota and I personally think we need this . I can’t wait to see these Tiny Houses popping up nation wide !!! Good luck and God Bless !!!
My grandmother was mentally ill and homeless for a time when her sisters lost track of her. God bless you for the work you are doing here. Thank God you are doing it!!
I live here in Madison and would be so happy to donate items for the tiny homes. Can you use blankets, bedding, dishes, appliances, or things of this nature? Not sure what you do to help the individuals after their home is built and if you have or will have a place set up for items to be dropped off for future use. If so, or if I can help in any way, please let me know. Thank you and I am so grateful for what you do for the homeless in our area!
The Tiny Houses have limited space and the residents don’t have room for extra things. When we complete phase 2 (in 2015) there will be a shared area with facilities for cooking. The stewards of the 3 houses already accepted care packages, and they declined a second offer, saying it was better directed elsewhere.
This is adorable and really cool! You’re getting some serious re-housing envy from your friends in Oregon! 🙂
I love what you have and are doing for the homeless. I do have a question what do they keep refrigerated items in and where are the restrooms located? I so wish we had this in our community.
Jan in Lafayette Indiana
There is electricity, so they have a mini frige/ The first house ha a composting toilet, but there will be 4 restrooms and a kitchen in the building
This is awesome. A great idea for every community. What is the cost per unit?
Approvimately $4,000 – $5,000 depending upon what you put in there (type of heater, composting toilet, etc)
I love the idea – currently living in my small touring caravan, due to history of peripatetic work. One request, could you translate the measurements into metres please.
I think this is an great idea! I have a couple questions:
Who pays for the electricity, water and property taxes? Is this something that is maintainable in the future without future donations or will a small rent be taken from the residents to take care of that?
We are a nonprofit, so no property taxes. We pay for utilities by selling goods in our store and raising funds. We don’t charge the residents anything, but they have to participate in the cooperative
I’m curious how much they cost to build? including the trailer?
$4000 – 5000 depending upon what you put in them (type of heater, composting toilet, etc)
How big is the plot of land that the tiny house village is on?
1/3 of an acre hosts our workshop, gardens, retail store and 9 houses.
Thank you!
I’ve seen you post the cost of one tiny house, is that with a partnership through a retailer at any type of discounted price? Have you asked any of them to work with you for this project, or if they’d be willing to sell you materials at cost?
How much does these weigh? Thanks
A little less than 1,000 pounds.
Very exciting, a great accomplishment for your community. Who’s the architect/builder and orgs involved? How can I find out about who owns and maintains the tiny houses and the permit and construction process? Thanks!