TIMBER&TEAL – TINY HOUSE ON WHEELS
OVERVIEW Our story – what makes us happy Our house “wish - list” The building process FAQ’s
WHAT MAKES US HAPPY? Being outdoors Learning new skills Volunteering Quality time with friends
OUR HISTORY OF ‘LIVING TINY’
WE WANT A HOUSE WITH: Low overhead costs No mortgage Comfortable indoor climate Sustainable materials Low environmental footprint (heating, cooling, waste, … ) Easy maintenance A challenge teaching us new skills Flexibility where we live -------------------------------------------------------------------- = NOT AVAILABLE -> NEED TO DIY!
Timber & Teal – Tiny House on Wheels Design Dream & vision Planning (BCA, Dept. of Main Roads, weight (!), sustainable materials) Logistics Trailer (base of house) Timber frame and ply Roof and windows Insulation, plumbing, electricity Cladding Interior fitout
- Design
- Planning & Logistics
- Foundation / Trailer
- Timber frame
- Ceiling & Roof
- Ceiling & Roof
- The walls
- Cladding
- The floor Use ‘leftovers’ from other people’s jobs These might otherwise get thrown out!
FAQ – What about toilets? Use the one in the main house Incinerating toilet (e.g. “ Incinotoilet ” approved in WA) Composting toilet (e.g. “Nature Loo” – two models approved in WA) Vacuum pumps can be used to connect to existing sewerage
FAQ – How much construction waste? TIMBER METAl LANDFILL PLASTICS CARD- BOAR D
FAQ – What about electricity? Many tiny housers go off-grid We had a 15amp outlet put in which includes our own meter, so we can keep track of usage Mobile homes need to be wired up “double pole” as a safety measure Average household use in WA is 14.1 units (kWh) per day, ours is 1.5 units per day – almost 1/10 th !
FAQ – How do you entertain & have guests? We built the house for us, not for guests Make use of outdoor space in temperate climates Take the party elsewhere (birthday party @ the beach) Ask friends to bring their own dishes or an extra chair Use Air BnB for visitors
How much did it cost? We spent just over $40,000. - trailer $11,000 - double-glazed, low-e windows $6,000 - cladding $2,500 - electrician $2,500 Local, sustainably sourced materials were often not the cheapest option Friends of ours built theirs for $15,000 using mostly salvaged materials! If you have time and space to collect materials you can save A LOT .
FAQ – Codes and Regulations? Building Code Australia (over-engineer because of extra stresses during move) Timber framing code, span-tables, contact a structural engineer Department of Main Roads – look into sizes if on wheels (2.5m wide, 4.3m high)
FAQ – How do you move it? We used a towing company, as we have a tiny car! Day permit or register it (VIN Number!)
FAQ - What do your neighbours think? People stop, look & chat We already know more people in the street than in any previous neighborhoods -> Enhances the streetscape
To tie things up … Tiny houses with less than 20sqm might not be for everyone. BUT Do we really need 150sqm 4x2’s that lock us into mortgages for decades? How much space do we REALLY need in our home? We need more diverse, affordable, sustainable small housing options. Now.
Recommend
More recommend
