Tiny homes are a big trend, as Micro Week shows. They are an idea that is more popular with minimalists than with neighborhood associations and zoning boards. Many people are building their own; but, some astute companies are stepping in and building them for people who don't have the time or desire to pull together the tools, materials, and work space.
A house is a shelter. So, a house that can survive battering seas from the tropics to the arctic has a lot going for it. Throw in the fact that it can travel anywhere a trailer truck can go, and you have a home that is truly mobile. Play with the idea that it can be stacked like Legos and architecture takes off in a different direction. Kai Schwarz and Anne Corning via ShelterKraft Werks (which we've written about before) take containers, clean them up, and turn them into cabins, studios, offices, guest rooms, or ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) - which they call CargoCottages and CargoHauses. Welcome to shelters that are built to rust on purpose. Check to see what modifications are required to get a cell phone or wi-fi signal through a steel wall. They have a display model for sale at $23,950 on Craigslist.
· ShelterKraft Werks [SKW]
· ShelterKraft Werks Display Model [craigslist]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath (whose house is an enormous 864 sq ft)