Rina Swentzell’s Adobe House

Rina Swentzell’s adobe house
Rina Swentzell’s adobe house

Yesterday’s blog post showed an adobe home photographed by Bill Steen, one of the prominent straw bale building pioneers (co-author of The Straw Bale House). I thought readers might enjoy learning more about this beautiful home in New Mexico. Kent Griswold’s Tiny House Blog does a good job of covering the story.

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A Tiny House Photo Tour

Here’s what you see when you open the tiny front door- most of the house. “Having spaces flow into each other and adding natural light from plenty of windows makes the house feel bigger.
Here’s what you see when you open the tiny front door- most of the house. “Having spaces flow into each other and adding natural light from plenty of windows makes the house feel bigger.

“This week I’d like to take you on a photo tour of Brittany Yunker’s 165 s.f. tiny house in Olympia, Washington. If you enjoyed the video I did of the interior, this post should give you a better idea of what it’s like to move around the space. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your impression. Remember too, that you don’t have to build a house this tiny to learn from the wisdom of this design. You could use these space-saving tricks on any house.

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Tiny House Tour that Houses Family of Four

“A tour of our tiny house. Built on Tumbleweed principles, we bought this 272sq ft house already built, then hauled it across the state and parked it in a garden. We bought it fully functional but very bare bones. We did major remodels to suit our personalities and needs. We have enjoyed living in our home for the last year and a half but the recent fourth edition to our family is making it feel more cramped. We will be moving soon. Hope you enjoy!”

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Tiny House Ecovillage in a Fruit Orchard

Imagine being part of an ecovillage, living in a tiny house next to an orchard.
Imagine being part of an ecovillage, living in a tiny house next to an orchard.

Close yours eyes and imagine a dream ecovillage near the base of the mountains where the weather is not too harsh. The sheltered climate and flat river bottom land is ideal for orchards and gardening. A small group of ecology-minded natural builders has cooperatively bought an old family farm with a good sized fruit orchard.

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The Tiny Life Blog

“Over four years ago I discovered Tiny Houses and fell in love with them. I have always been fascinated with alternative housing, from the time I was a boy I built countless forts in the woods. So we have arrived, I will be building my Tiny House starting in just a few short weeks!

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Not So Big House

The Not So Big House
The Not So Big House

The Not So Big House book description:
“Sarah Susanka contends that people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don’t work. In The Not So Big House, she proposes clear guidelines for creating homes that serve spiritual needs as well as material requirements. Topics covered include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs as well as floor plans, the book is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. “Susanka says to evaluate what makes you feel at home and let your activities define your rooms.” — San Francisco Chronicle

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