Archive for October, 2008

Needs Based Tiny House

Posted on Oct 21, 2008 04:16:31 PM

What would be a good size for a tiny house, or micro house? How much space do you need?

What criteria can we use to come up with needs and wants?

Firstly, let’s consider the hierarchy of needs as depicted by Maslow. These consist of physiology, safety, love, esteem, and purpose. At the physical level let’s look at the first and second needs.

Since we no longer live in perfect climates, clothing and protection from inclement weather are mandatory. A crowded planet means we depend on specialization of production to trade food and services.

The fundamental need is a place to sleep protected from weather and from predators, both small critters and other humans. We also need access to the goods and services we can’t provide for ourselves. The latter factor influences the choice of location of our shelter.

A space big enough for just bedding and shelter is actually simple to supply. Think of how camping equipment can be all you need for night time rest.

But then consider how long could you keep camping in say a one or two person tent. Overnight sleep can work, and has been offered, in as little as a 2×1x1 meter capsule.

In this exercise let’s consider some other criteria that may be more appealing but still address the basic needs.

• Sleeping/relaxing
• Standing
• ‘Climate controlled’
• Securable
• Eating 
• Ablution/excretion

When considering what can satisfy these criteria consider what has been achieved in motorhomes, RV’s, campers, boats, and transfer that to a cabin-like tiny house.

Also keep in mind what external services are required and available in the location you might choose to spend time. A log cabin in the woods and a pied-a-terre in a modern city center will have completely different parameters.

Micro House

Posted on Oct 1, 2008 02:18:50 PM

A micro house can be considered a rational alternative to the obsolete suburban ranch house or patio home that has become mortgage bailout fodder.

As waistlines ballooned with western living, cars and houses became just as obese.

Considering what we really need in the way of shelter with comfort can lead to a enormous variety in habitat outcomes. Each house is as individual as the person who makes it their home.

But the typical house has not changed much in many decades besides getting bigger. Is that because it has been perfected or is it because mass production has dumbed it down to the lowest common denominator?

As the limits of space, energy, and economy are being reached now is a good time to reassess what housing could work for the not so average person.

A house on a diet gets healthier, fitter, stronger, and has more fun.

One possibility is to consider the micro house. In this field do not think that less is just less. By paring away excess and using spaces for multiple purposes, there are enormous benefits in cost, efficiency, and convenience.

The micro house is also the receptacle of micro technology. Here, less is much more. More function, more speed, and again more convenience.

What are the features of a modern home that you really need, want, and benefit from? What are the short-term requirements and what are the long-term rewards?

Look at the micro house as a new and not so new review of how do we want to live in the 21st century. Do you still need a buggy whip? Do you really need a 36″ wide oven?