My early introduction to the small house concept was via Jay Shafer and his Tumbleweed Tiny House Company in California. He's designed and lived in homes that are less than 100 square feet since 1997.
Living in a home this small isn't for everyone. It is an excellent example of how comfort is created within less space than you'd think possible.
Jay's decision to down-size was motivated by concerns about the environmental impact of a larger house. He also didn't want to maintain a lot of unused or unusable space (for example, lower heating costs, less space to vacuum and dust).
He's told his tale to Anderson Cooper of CNN and on the CBS Evening News, National Pubic Radio (NPR), and Home and Garden Television (HGTV). The list of articles featuring his designs and the small house movement fills an entire page on his web site.
The best way to understand Jay's concepts is to take the tour of his home via YouTube. While there, watch Dee Williams' "dream house" video where she talks about her experience with living simply.
Jay's designs vary from the Biensi, a 70-square-foot home for about $35,000, to the Enesti (770 square feet), a permanently affixed home. Construction estimates are from $100 to $200 per square foot.
Jay conducts workshops for people who want to build tiny homes. He is hosting a workshop weekend in Austin, TX on March 29 and 30. The Building Workshop attendance is free with purchase of a set of plans. Take a look at his 2008 workshop schedule here. Visit Jay's personal residence, the Epu home, in Sebastopol, CA during scheduled open houses.
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