My top 5 favorite Tumbleweed Tiny House designs

Many thanks to Jay and Steve at Tumbleweed for sending me a complimentary copy of their latest book, the Small House Book ($36.95). Wow, what an upgrade from the pamphlets! Both Michael and I have spent many hours with this book, and after spending some time deliberating, I have finally come up with my favorite Tumbleweed Tiny House Designs:

1. The Epu. 89 SF + sleeping loft. This is the house that graces the cover of the Small House Book, and the house that Jay (the designer) lives in. I’ve spent some time inside of Jay’s house-on-wheels and I think it is a great space for one person. The optional gothic window really completes the design and increases curb appeal. I might opt for a built-in bench (like the XS-House) instead of the small armchairs. For our situation it would probably make sense to have 2 Epus (his and hers) plus a separate workspace/meeting space/guest house. (Plans $995).

2. The Bodega. 345 SF + 172 sleeping loft. Bet you didn’t expect that, right? While I love the teeny tiny houses, they don’t seem like a good solution for a stationery 2-person household. The Bodega seems “just right” in size for us. In adding the optional attached room on the lower level, this floorplan could even include home office or a spare room for the occasional long-term guest, especially someone who can’t manage a step ladder. I would love to be able to build a straw bale, off-grid version of this design. (Plans $695)
Plans on sale for $199 until March 31, 2010.

3. The Z-Glass. 390 SF. I can’t resist this modern look, and the central living area looks so fun and open (great for window lovers). I can imagine a modified design using 2 or 3 shipping containers (portable, even!). However, for long term 2-person use, I would want to have a separate storage shed/workspace/guest room… perhaps on wheels? (Plans $695)

4. The Whidbey. 444 SF + 250 loft. This stationary design has such a homey feel and I love all of Jay’s designs that include a dining nook. So many windows are definitely a plus. The upstairs loft has an open floorplan and so much potential, especially for an expanding family. (This design is not available on the website, only in the book.)

5. The Enesti. 681 SF. If I were the type of person to plan a family, this would be my choice. This is very similar to the house Michael and I live in right now, and we both feel it is too much space for just the 2 of us. Ben and Sarina Speed built a modified Enesti in Maine where they live with their young son. They use wood heating and have a very cheap electric bill. (more pics here and here – Plans $695)

Making it Happen
If you want to learn how to build one, don’t forget about the Tumbleweed Tiny House workshops where you get one-on-one time with the designer/builder/author himself.