Justin Magnuson invited me to check out their park model cabins and I thought you might enjoy them too.

As campground owners in Hayward Wi. we are always looking to bring in new campers to our resort. For 4 years we were strictly RV’s, 5th wheels and tent camping. After doing extensive research we decide to start up Namekagon Cabin’s.

More and more campgrounds and resorts are moving to park models for seasonal sites and rentals.

Namekagon Cabin’s are built to RPTIA standards and we are in the process of becoming a RPTIA Park Model manufacturer. We have built and sold 2 cabins with both being used as seasonal sites at Camp Namekagon. We have had great response on both cabins and have had many others interested in purchasing one of our cabins.

Namekagon Cabin’s are starting at the low cost of $32,000.00 and can be customized to each buyer’s wants and needs. The cabins are stick built construction. 4” walls, 8”floor (for added insulation) and engineered roof trusses. Exterior is 2×8 pine half log siding with a sikkens natural oak stain. Interior consists of ¾” pine car sidings and 5/8” drywall. This particular model is 384 sq. ft. that includes a wrap around deck. We are currently working on a few more designs. For more information please contact us at: campnamekagon@centurytel.net.

Scott Stewart has another park model he wants to share and offer a special price to Tiny House Blog viewers. I’ll turn it over to Scott to explain to you about this one. The pictures tell a lot too.

This unit, as nearly all the builds we do, was a custom build for a couple in the Springfield, MO area. It is a park model type of cabin built on a steel frame with axles and bumper pull hitch. It is 10′ wide and 28′ long and has a studio style layout.

It has a loft over the “bedroom” area that can be used for storage or added sleeping area if needed. The bathroom has a 36″ shower stall, full size toilet and 18″ sink/vanity. The kitchen as seen in the pictures is not complete as the buyers will install their own range, fridge and microwave, it has a double basin sink and added counter space with open area below for custom storage.

The cabin has a 220 heat/air combo unit, 19 gallon water heater, wired like a house with 12-2 w ground, plumbed with p.e.x and pvc as applicable, interior is 3/4″ pine tongue and groove beaded siding on walls and vaulted ceilings, hardwood laminate flooring, full 36″ entry door.

The cabin is constructed with 2×8 floor joist 16″ on center with steel hurricane ties, 3/4″ floor decking, full 2×4 framing 16″ on center, the entire cabin was covered with osb before the metal siding and roof were installed, the buyers wanted a maint. free exterior and decided upon light stone color sides and trim with ivy green roof.

This cabin was custom built to their specs but I am offering to duplicate this unit one time through Kent’s blog for $16,000, this would include a completed kitchen and the buyer can make some minor layout changes if needed and can also change exterior color as well as change exterior siding if needed.

I would be willing to sell this unit just dried in allowing the buyer to finish the interior, it can have either the metal sides as in the pics or rustic wood or painted siding, I would take $8500 for that version.

I will include delivery upto 300 miles from Mountain View, AR 72560 with additional delivery distance possible. For more info feel free to email or call Scott anytime, thanks. ozarksbest@yahoo.com  or 870-213-5310

Guest Post by Rich Daniels

I’ve always enjoyed figuring out ways to beat the system. Now I’m not complaining about how life has treated me over the years, but know in my heart there are other ways that might be better, more fitting to an individuals needs or desire when it comes to living space. A big house with lots of rooms might be cool for a while, but as we all know the rooms tend to fill up with stuff, as nature and houses both abhor a vacuum. So small is good right? Now, I admit this “8 wide stand up loft cabin” isn’t as small as many of you tiny housers go, but hey, I’ve got stuff too! The cabin is LARGE when concerning the rig that can pull it. Tipping the scales at 13,200 lb. it is on the verge of being too heavy to pull with a 3/4 ton truck, and though I have, a one ton would be better. I will say though it has exceptional balance and tongue weight, so if you go slow and there is only a light wind it can be moved safely. By the way I didn’t design it to be pulled any great distance, except occasionally and with a larger rig, and so the weight wasn’t going to be a issue as long as it didn’t become too heavy. Enough said about the weight! On to more important things like how is it built, and will I be warm in the winter, and how much is it?

Built as a show cabin and for the occasional trip down to the river for a weekend, the cabin sports a lot of great features and innovations. Let me walk you through it.

Built with conventional building materials, the cabin presents itself as the look that RPC- Rich’s Portable Cabins, has become know for. Combined with what I call the “underslung floor system”- my unique approach to solving the height issues encountered when building functional loft cabins- and the steepness of the roof, the cabin height is well under 14′ and will go most places without a problem. Be aware that the cabin is a low rider, a street rod of sorts, and may drag on the rare tall speed bump.

The under side is protected from the critters with heavy sheet metal adhered to some osb, and offers protection from the elements too. Insulation in the floor cavity is 10″ thick and has an R value of 38. I guarantee there is no cabin anywhere that has more insulation than that in the floor. R 13 in the walls and R30 or so in the vaulted ceiling. Loft has less because of the rafters, but still I don’t think it will be a problem to heat it when it is 10 below outside. The steel frame and axles contribute significant weight to the cabin and could have used smaller steel, but it’s what I had on hand at the time.

The framing is always fun and relatively easy, but one needs to pay attention to framing and design details so everything fits, and we all know there is hardly nothing worse that going backwards! One thing to remember when building larger cabins is that steel bends, so be sure to consider how the steel beams will react to weight. Sorry, the only way to know how much camber and where to put it in the frame is by experience only. Camber is applied by using a large stick welder at about 300 amps.

Next is bracing and sub skin. To keep the cabin walls straight requires straps, sheathing or a combination of both. If there is one thing I’ve taught my crew its this: Stand back and look at what you’re doing on occasion, line up the lines and develop a good eye for verification that all is well. It’s easy to nail a stud on the wrong side of the layout line, and if a fellow can catch it right away, it’s so much easier rather that having the boss catch it!

Pine interior is a pleasure to work with, but pay attention to loose knots and bad color. We always put two coats of water based lacquer on the interior to give it added protection and shine. It will make the walls easier to clean and won’t hold the dust as readily. The wood is 3/4″ thick and though heavier than 1/4″ paneling, it is far superior. Put a nail anywhere to hang your pictures. A word of caution: don’t drive the nail more than an inch deep, because you never can tell where a wire might be, and a nail could short out the wires.

Speaking of wires, this cabin is fully wired to NEC and has numerous outlets. Plenty for all the electronics and other stuff. It also has an inverter and batteries for when you need to be off grid, and even has a solar panel on the roof for gentle charging of the batteries. If you need to run a generator to power the cabin its easy to plug it in, and with the built in charger on the inverter, the batteries will be charged at the same time.

The bathroom is large due to the design, but firmly believe there is nothing wrong with a bathroom big enough to dry yourself off in without hitting your knuckles on the wall. The shower is huge at 36″, and has a glass shower door. The toilet is a low flush RV type toilet, and dumps into a 32 gallon black water holding tank. The shower, washer/dryer and the kitchen sink drain into a gray water holding tank, also 30+ gallons in size. The cabin has 40 gallon fresh water tank and a 12 volt pump system for when you’re off grid. The hot water is provided with a on demand water heater so you never run out of hot water.

The stand up loft feature is an element I’m very proud of. I developed the concept and lead the industry with this feature and because of the design, can accommodate a person who is well over 6′ in the loft trough. There is lots of storage beneath the trough floor, and even has a stand up utility room beneath the stairs for the systems.

Appliances are: medium sized propane fridge with freezer, 40,000 Btu propane forced air furnace, propane range, microhood, Eurotech washer/dryer, Rinnai tankless water heater, small ac in the loft. Has custom lighting as well plus a ceiling fan.

The exterior siding is tongue and groove cedar with two coats of oil based stain, and since the cabin is house wrapped, there should be no issues with moisture or water damage to the structure. The roof is metal and is screwed into Doug fir 1×4. The fir wood really holds the screws well, and won’t back out after a few years in the sun and winters. Windows are of the typical vinyl variety, but have low E for extra insulation value.

The cabinets are assembled and installed, interior walls installed, flooring goes in and finally on to the trim. And if you are like all the rest of us, by the time you get to the finishing touches, you’re ready for this grand adventure to be done. Let’s get on with the next cabin shall we?

There are a lot of steps in between that I didn’t mention, and if you decide to give cabin building a try, be prepared to spend hundreds of hours for a cabin of this nature. Or have me build it for you. The price on this cabin is $42,000 www.richsportablecabins.com

Update*** measurements

Back in January of 2009 I covered Gratitude Millworks and builder Kent McCaffrey and his quality Park Model Style home. Kent contacted me recently to share his latest project called the Holly Pond Cottage. Following is his description of this neat little building. You can also learn more by visiting the Gratitude Millworks, LLC website.

The Holly Pond Cottage is really beautiful inside and out with lots of light and yet a real cozy secure feeling inside. Notice the pressure treated timbers used for the foundation frame. 2X6 exterior stud walls. R19 plus (with extra pocket airspace) in floor, walls, and ceiling.

Full bath with shower and on demand continuous hot water heater. Closet with washer/dryer hookup. Kitchenette with two burner cooktop, sink, under counter refrigerator space, custom cabinets and custom corian type counter. Digitally controlled heat and air conditioning. Built in bookshelf that doubles as a ladder to loft. Loft has a triple window that looks down on the timbered porch.

*** The measurements of the cottage are:
Outside size – 12×24
Porch – 4×8
Great Room – 10×16
Bathroom – 6×6
Loft – Fits a twin mattress
Wall height – 7 ft. 3 inches
Electric hookup – 200 amp

$24,000 plus delivery charge based on mileage. Call 256-339-1478 and mention you heard about it on the Tiny House Blog.

The great room has hand planed heart pine flooring with chair rail and wide base trim throughout and beaded board wood walls and ceiling. The french doors open to the back waiting for a mountain or lake scene to look out upon. The front porch is protected and substantial.

Guest Post by Amber Rouleau

Log Cabins 2 Go by Gastineau Log Homes is a new concept using full log wall construction in a park model housing unit. The Log Cabins 2 Go are manufactured in a controlled environment and they are completely finished and ready to enjoy upon arrival at your site. The log construction includes dovetailed corners, are sealed on the exterior, varnished on the interior, and they don’t exceed 410 square feet. This is the only full oak log park model available in the world! (Don’t confuse this with a park model with log siding on the exterior. The Log Cabin 2 Go has full log exterior walls and is built like a real log cabin!)

Here is a picturesque 400 square foot Log Cabin 2 Go that offers its owners a rustic retreat in the heart of Missouri. The couple has roughly 10 acres with a little pond where they can fish and enjoy the outdoors. The owners are retired and their children and grandchildren live in the St. Louis area and visit often to get away from the hustle and bustle. “This getaway home was planned so that it was close enough where the owners could drive to easily, but still is out in the country,” says Lynn Gastineau, of Gastineau Log Homes.

Log Cabins 2 Go was the brain child of Lynn Gastineau and these units offered the perfect weekend cabin, especially in locations where it is difficult to site build or there are property restrictions. Hunting cabins, art studios, and guest cabins have been popular for consumers and camps are using them as rental units for lakes and other recreational areas. Each Log Cabin 2 Go unit has cathedral beamed tongue and groove ceilings. All of the floors are finished with 3/4″ solid oak flooring. Each cabin has a green metal roof and is complete with a 100 amp electrical box and a 20-gallon electric water heater. The kitchen and bath are fully functional and include custom wood cabinets. Although titled as a recreational vehicle, a Log Cabin 2 Go feels like and is built like a true log cabin. It makes it the perfect cabin to go to, anytime, anywhere.

For more information, visit: http://www.oakloghome.com/LogHomePlans/LogCabins2Go.aspx

Note from editor: Base price $39,300 with a lot of optional extras that you can add on: http://logcabins2go.com/specifications.htm

By Raymond John Anibas

’56 Spartan Executive Mansion

Trailer houses have made sense to me ever since living with my parents and two of my sisters in a ten-wide on Kodiak, in late ’64. Being the only boy, I had a 7′x5′ “room of my own” so the lack of privacy didn’t ruin the adventure…it was just “cosy” living.

Spartans had a special appeal, since I saw my first one in ’62 ( I salvaged that same trailer in ’98 when the owners of the tiny water front site decided they needed a bigger mobil, making it my first Spartan). I loved the Aircraft look and clean lines; the all aluminum structure and serious steel chassis made these houses very rehabitable.(don’t worry about the spelling, that’s a new word)

This is the view aft from the mates repose, like all tiny houses it’s filled to the brim with living. Since my Colleen and I are life long collectors it’s also covered, as every surface was considered for potential as display for the many pieces of art we love to look at.

This view of the kitchen shows the meat of the remodel (aside from removing all of the bulkheads forwards); laminate floor from the bathroom door forward, tile aft, with electric heat under kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The original 24″ stove top and it’s associated cabinets were removed and a modern 30″range placed and I built a “side-board” that encloses our garbage/recycle with a narrow cabinet with drawers for utensils and the blender and other kitchen “stuff” that we don’t want cluttering up the kitchen counter. The wall oven is slated to go so that we can have a high-efficiency dishwasher in that location. The counter-tops are Granite and I managed to get the formica up in one piece, eliminating most of the metal strips that usually support these panels.

We started out with his and hers recliners, but have since put in a couch so that we can sit together. We also changed the curtains as the blue was too “busy” (we went with a “dusty rose” solid). I installed the 3 door glass fronted cabinet (just visible, upper left) and put lights in it, to display our sculptural pieces and dolls.

Here is a detail of the bedroom, the wall mounted head-board will get more shelves, nearly to the floor, on either side of the bed; the original window trim was stained and rotten, so the yellow-cedar wood work was a must. The beautiful silk quilt was what my Colleen made for me while she waited for her new house (the work was done in the ’51 Royal Mansion she uses as a sewing studio) along with curtains and rugs.

This close-up is to show-off the gorgeous finish of the black-granite vanity in the bath room, the barely visible curve on the left was so we could get a couple of inches extra mass, without a sharp corner in the door-way. In all, we installed 5 pieces of granite, gifts from Colleen’s oldest son, Arron, a skilled professional stone cutter.

Thank you Raymond for sharing your home with us. If you have a tiny or small home that you would like to share with the readers of the Tiny House Blog, please send photos and a story to tinyhouseblog(at)gmail.com.

I featured the WheelHaus cabins in a previous post and the company is coming up with some great new designs. I thought you would enjoy their latest park model cabin called the Wedge. This is a manufactured park model home built in Wyoming and an alternative for tiny house living.

The “Wedge” design features an angled roof, which starts low above the bedroom and builds to 17 feet in the living room. Trapezoidal windows grow similarly from back to front, offering natural light while maintaining privacy. The front of the cabin is almost entirely glass. A large sliding glass door opens to a private deck.

Each cabin has one bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen/living room and a private deck. The ceilings and exterior are covered with reclaimed Wyoming snow fencing.

The bedrooms are sized to fit a king size bed with two side tables and linen sconces. A set of four drawers and an under-counter hanging closet support a butcher-block counter top, which also serves as a desk. A 42-inch Internet accessible HD flat screen television is mounted above the desk. Track lighting is available for properly lighting art work.

The kitchen/living room was designed to offer both comfort and functionality. The mini-kitchen features a two-burner cook top, an under counter refrigerator, a microwave, a dishwasher, a sink, concrete countertops and modern rustic cabinetry. A large bomber leather sofa, two cowhide ottomans, two barn wood side tables, custom made wrought iron lamps and railroad cart coffee tables make up living room furnishings. A mini-high efficiency gas burning fireplace warms the room. Above the fireplace is another 42 inch HD flat-screen television.

The bathrooms are small, but functional. Heavy duty glass showers, Kohler toilets and custom vanities with concrete countertops/sinks and quartzite floors combine to produce very well appointed facilities.

So if you are looking for a modern, ready made small home, this may be one to add to your list. Learn more by visiting the WheelHaus website http://www.wheelhaus.com/. Jamie just gave me the pricing for the Wedge, it is $75,000.

Moving the Wedge

by Justin Magnuson

Namekagon Cabins is a manufacturer of Park Model and Sleeping Cabins located in Northern Wisconsin. The main focus of our company is to bring you quality custom cabins. We specialize in “Northwood’s living” and take pride in our quality craftsmanship and truly making every cabin feel like home. All cabins come with basic standard features and as a smaller park model manufacturer we can give your cabin the attention that other manufacturers can’t. We build our cabins one at a time, with the same crew working on it from start to finish. We will work directly with the new owner in all details from room sizes, countertops, to even paint. If you want to up grade fixtures or appliances that’s no problem, after all it’s your cabin not ours.

The Park Models start out at $34,000.00 and are generally used as a part time seasonal home. They are built with standard construction methods, 2 x 4 walls, 2 x 8 floor joists and engineered roof trusses. Interior consists of pine car siding and dry wall. They also come with functional kitchens and 3/4 baths. Sleeps 4 comfortably.

interior cabin

Sleeping Cabins start out at $12,000.00. They make for great guest houses, hunting shacks or rentals units for resorts. The sleeping cabins are built using the same techniques as the Park Model cabins. Most sleeping cabins only have electric with no running water within the cabin. They sleep 4 – 6 comfortably usually with a queen bed, bunk bed and a futon. Sleeping cabins can either be built on a trailer or on skids.

I provide free estimates on all cabins. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Justin at: NamekagonCabins@gmail.com

Guest Post by Rebecca Knabe

March 2010 was a bad month for me. My husband was unemployed. It had been exactly 20 years since my beloved mother’s death. My house had been broken into. They stole my money and my car. And to top it all off, my husband and I abruptly and unexpectedly separated. I was physically, emotionally, and economically spent. Yes, that month was a stinker!

I was working full time, but still could not afford to stay where I was living. I have a big dog, Cassi, and the thought of moving into an apartment with her made me want to stick my head in the sand. What was I going to do?

My good friends, James and Tanille had recently downsized into a small trailer that they had beautifully renovated from the ground up. Tanille’s parents had done the same thing a year or two before them. I loved both their homes, and knew that this was my answer.

The timing was perfect – a 1958 pink (yes, pink!) single-wide trailer was for sale in their little trailer park for $5,000. It was hideous! Dark brown paneling, stained and ripped flooring, chipped tub and sinks, cracked countertops, disastrous lighting…. It was perfect!

I had two weeks to make this 450 square foot aluminum tube livable. My wonderful friends helped me around the clock – sorting, organizing and selling my things, painting every interior surface of the trailer, replacing all the flooring, and moving me in.

For a while Cassi and I lived in denial. She howled all day while I was at work, and I avoided giving anyone my address. When asked where I live, I would say, “Reno.” Prompted further, I would say, “Downtownish.”

For the next several months Cassi and I, and the pink trailer began to heal. I hung new lighting and installed new fixtures. I grieved and mourned my old life. Countertops and sinks were replaced. I remembered that I liked to live with just my pup and if we wanted to lie around and eat popsicles all day, no one cared. I organized and decorated and added finishing touches.

Cassi and I took up running, and ran till our feet hurt. I learned to live simply, and embrace a small space. I mended my heart through the therapy of friendship. I built a fence and planted some flowers. I made the decision to look to the future with hope and joy.

It’s not always easy living in a trailer, and in a trailer park. There is a stigma attached that only a certain type of person ends up there. And I have neighbors to prove that is true. But I also have neighbors who really care about their home, and make it beautiful. And a sense of humor helps. Now, when asked where I live, I say, “A pink trailer in the ghetto.” People awkwardly chuckle in response, but the moment I bring them inside my home it’s always the same reaction – “Wow! I can’t believe this is a trailer!” I love my trailer. It’s exactly how I envisioned it. I would not have been able to afford the changes I have made if it was a larger space. The size of my home forces me to live a simple life, unencumbered by too many unnecessary things. My life isn’t perfect. The pink trailer and I are still on the mend, but Cassi and I are very happy.

Rebecca Knabe
www.trailerchicgirls.com

A few years ago, Kent covered the Pod, an innovative and mobile tiny house designed primarily for camping. Another company in the United Kingdom has upped the ante on this type of building with the Log Pod, a portable wooden structure that comes in two beautiful designs. The Log Pod can be used as an office, mediation or retreat space, in a campsite or as a tiny house.

The company designs and sells two different designs: the Log Pod and the Gothic Pod. The Log Pod has an angular roof and is 11 feet by 7.6 feet, and because of its raised foundation can be placed on slopes, uneven ground or even in flood prone areas. It has a 4 foot deep covered porch with a glass door in the front and a rear fire escape rear window. Lights and electricity come standard. The Gothic Pod has an arched roof and curved interior lines. It’s the same size and has the same amenities as the Log Pod, and it is wheelchair accessible.

Both buildings are built for year round living and each have a lifespan of at least 25 years. Nearly every part of a Log Pod is biodegradable or recyclable and all the timber elements are manufactured from sustainable sources. The wall and floor insulation is Rockwool which is made from rocks that have been super heated and spun like cotton candy. Options include a solar panel pack and various roofing options including overlapping and interlocking 6″ Featheredge boards.

A standard Log Pod costs about £5,250 or about $8,200 and a standard Gothic Pod costs about £5,750 or $9,000. Delivery is only within the UK, but a Log Pod can be collected from the factory at no charge.

Photos courtesy of Log Pod

I have covered the Wheelhaus a couple times over the years. They have been busy designing new plans for new models that are coming out now and in the near future. These are Park Model size homes for the most part and at least 400 square feet in size. They have some very interesting designs and I wanted to share them with you. To learn more about them visit the WheelHaus.com website.

THE WEDGE
The original Wheelhaus, the Wedge, is the base model for our rolling cabins, all of which are designed to offer a combination of a rustic and modern aesthetic. The Wedge features an angled roof, which starts low above the bedroom and builds to 17 feet in the living room. Trapezoidal windows grow similarly from back to front, offering natural light while maintaining privacy. The front of the cabin is almost entirely glass. A large sliding glass door opens to a private deck.

THE CABOOSE
The Caboose has a complex roofline that enables a loft. The loft is five feet tall and can accommodate two twin-sized beds or a king. Some buyers have chosen to make the loft their bedroom and convert the downstairs bedroom into an office, dining space or spare room. The front of the cabin is almost entirely glass. A large sliding glass door opens to a private deck.

THE LIGHTHOUSE
The design of the Lighthouse is long and lean to enable more expansive windows. This is a great option for anyone with an incredible view. The front of the Lighthouse has windows across the entire 40 feet, as well as much of the sides. This enables massive light and outlooks. When privacy isn’t a concern, the Lighthouse is the right model. Since this cabin is wide instead of long, after purchase, many customers choose to add on a 10×12 foot deck across the front, creating 120 square feet of additional outdoor living space.

THE RAIL CAR
The Railcar has the addition of a rear door and back deck, giving the cabin two entrances. The extra outdoor space is perfect for a BBQ or hot tub. The roof continues over the back deck at an opposing angle. This simple addition has a large impact on the striking, modern appeal of the Wheelhaus structure.

THE SILO
The Silo was designed to move. Measuring 41 feet in length and 8 feet 6 inches in width, it is surprisingly lightweight, very easy to transport and affordable to ship. Retro meets modern on the Silo’s exterior, which features aluminum with rounded corners complemented by circular windows.

HITCH-HAUS
For those looking for a larger, more complex home while maintaining the ease and convenience of a Wheelhaus Rolling Cabin there is the option of a Hitch-Haus. It is possible to connect any number of the Rolling Cabin models to create the specific size and design of your ideal home. The different models that you choose are constructed together at the Wheelhuas facility and then easily transported in separate units to your building site. Only three days are added to the setup process by creating a Hitch-Haus.

by Jim Russell

Hope all is good with you! Seems the last time we talked we were talking about the “AKTIV” house…. a simple cottage that kind of took on a life of its own. The waters have calmed since then, which is nice. The AKTIV is a great house, in fact there is one on a vineyard near here. We’ve mostly been doing houses that range from 500 square feet up to 1200 square feet, but continue to have a lot of interest in smaller spaces.

I don’t know if you remember, but we also introduced “minibox” with you guys in 2012…. It garnered a lot of interesting comments. Many were interested in something more than drawings and concepts. Since that time we’ve built several small houses for clients, but those are private so we thought it would be fun to build something we could show people.

We introduced a slightly larger (360 square feet) minibox at the recent 2014 Portland Home & Garden Show. Fully landscaped outside, fully furnished inside, the small modern cottage enjoyed a terrific response from the thousands who toured the house. The show house was furnished by La-Z-Boy, who is about to introduce a new line of small scale furniture. IKEA was used in the kitchen and bath. Exteriors are board & batten with corrugated metal siding. Exteriors were designed by Schultz & Long of Portland.

The real emphasis of the little modern cottage was livability and maximizing the flexibility of spaces. We’re really interested in contributory spaces, eliminating hallways, and instead of rooms we divided spaces by a pair of barn doors. In this way each area borrows from the other. Further we used a transom above the barn doors allowing the fir ceiling to float above and truly utilize the benefits of ductless heat pump heating and cooling. By turning the shed roof to follow the length rather than the width of the building the ceiling is aways moving up. True to all ideabox houses, the tall volumes allows small spaces to feel big.

ideabox is building to all codes – from RV & RV/Park Models to IRC modulars – so that even our tiny house (200 square feet) minibox is inspected during construction. And the Portland event was a further demonstration on the popularity of smaller living.

I hope you and your readers liked seeing a real minibox! The show cottage is here in Salem for any who would like to see it!

ideabox LLC
www.ideabox.us
ideaboxprefab.blogspot.com

This weeks Tiny House in a Landscape is of a Park Model Home located at Windmill Cove in Central California. A park model seems to be ideal as a tiny living space for two people. My wife and I are in the process of downsizing and looking for a new place to live and I wonder if this could be an option.

I love the idea of a park model around 400 square feet with a full size bedroom, a small kitchen and living area. Really all a person needs to live comfortably. Unfortunately as far as I have been able to learn park models are restricted to resorts with full hookups and can’t be put on your own land and lived in full time. So to enjoy one you must purchase or rent one in a resort and pay monthly rent for the land. If you know differently please let me know. Popular park model builders are Cavco, Athens, ideabox, and Wheelhaus.

POMONA, Calif. — Students at California State PolyTechnique University in Pomona have developed a new cabin design that has gotten the attention of California State Parks officials as well as Cavco Industries, one of the nation’s top producers of campground cabins.

In fact, the new cabin concept, called The Wedge, is so unique that Cavco agreed to build a prototype unit using the students’ designs and to transport it to Sacramento, where it will be featured at the California State Fair in Sacramento on July 11 to 27.

“We think The Wedge has a very innovative design that will capture people’s attention and stimulate their interest in cabins and in cabin camping,” said Tim Gage, Cavco’s national vice president of park models, cabins and specialty products for Cavco, which designs and builds fully furnished cabins for campgrounds across the country.

“California State Parks officials are very interested in The Wedge,” Gage said.

Unlike traditional cabins, The Wedge has a unique roof that sits at an almost perfect 90-degree angle. That’s not all that is different about The Wedge compared to a traditional cabin. It also incorporates various materials, including Western red cedar vertical siding, a composite porch deck and an ACX plywood interior for a more modern look. The small footprint cabin has a spacious porch as well as an inside area with a built in full size bed and twin bunk beds as well as custom made seating.

CalPoly students hope State Parks will embrace The Wedge and market it as a unique rental accommodation.

“Our students have come up with a design that could stimulate increase in cabin camping in public parks,” said Juintow Lin, an associate professor of architecture at CalPoly Pomona.

The students, she added, have been working with independent Parks Forward Commission, which has been tasked with creating proposals to address financial, operational and cultural issues facing the Department of Parks and Recreation. Commission co-chairman Lance Conn particularly wanted the panel to look at recreating the traditional cabin as a way to attract minorities and non-traditional campers to State Parks.

CalPoly College of Environmental Design Dean Michael Woo also serves on the Parks Forward Commission, and was asked to have CalPoly’s architecture students take the lead in designing the cabin in an effort to jumpstart interest among groups that are not typical campers.

“Our students frequently get to use their imaginations to solve design problems,” Woo says. “With this project, our students are not only using their imaginations, but also are making something which will change the way Californians perceive and use the great outdoors.”

Lin said her students designed more than 10 distinctively different cabins that had to meet certain conditions such as size, portability and a tight budget. The model called The Wedge was ultimately presented to Cavco for construction.

At least one model that the students worked on is expected to be placed in a state park, but CalPoly students and Parks Forward Commission officials hope is that it will prove so popular it will become the new standard for what camping looks like in California.

“These are designed with the intention of being very real structures eventually,” student Kevin Easterling said. “It’s on its way.”

This opportunity was provided to the architecture students in the fallout from the 2011 state budget crisis that included a threat of 70 parks being shuttered. The parks survived but it was learned later that the possibility of the closures was partly the result of senior officials in the state Department of Parks and Recreation hiding $54 million in two special funds. Park attendance has also dropped in recent years.

The independent Parks Forward Commission was tasked to create proposals to address financial, operational and cultural issues facing the Department of Parks and Recreation.

For more information, visit www.cavco.com and www.parkmodels.com.

SOURCE: Cavco press release

The interior of the “Wedge” prototype cabin created by Cal Poly Pomona architecture graduate students.

No, a Loch Ness Armadilla is not a friend of the mythical Nessie, but a tiny house, shaped to look like the armored animal. Now, while keeping an eye out for the underwater creature allegedly captured on film, you can relax in style in these rental cabins located at the Loch Ness Glamping resort in Drumnadrochit, Scotland.

The four Armadilla pods have been built exclusively for the resort and are surrounded by nature, activities and a pet-friendly atmosphere. The eco camping pods are shingled in larch wood and blend in with the landscape. They each sleep two people and contain a wet bath with shower and sink, underfloor heating and hot water, a stove, kettle, toaster, fridge and a private barbecue and fire pit. Free wi-fi, kitchen supplies and a TV/DVD are also supplied. Each Armadilla pod also has a front porch, a glass front door and a round glass window to take in the view.

The cost for the pods per night are £50 ($62) for one person and £58 ($78) for two people. The village of Drumnadrochit is a short bicycle ride away, where visitors can enjoy the local Loch Ness Monster exhibitions, cruises on Loch Ness or a visit to Urquhart Castle. Inverness, the capital city of the Highlands, is a short drive away.

Photos by Loch Ness Glamping

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

For anyone who can’t decide on a park model home or a shipping container home, Kottage RV of Canada has combined the two into one compact hybrid made of solid steel—with all the comforts of a park model. Kottage RV offers these fully customizable units for several functions including remote living and working, temporary offices, clinical and institutional uses and as workshops and recreational buildings.

The individual units range from 160 square feet to 538 square feet and include slideouts like a traditional RV or park model home. They also include solid steel walls and exterior and 2 inch spray foam (R14) in the walls, roof and floor. The doors are solid metal and the windows are argon filled vinyl frame. Exterior features include a Corten steel roof and various color choices, interior features include an 8’6″ ceiling, custom cabinetry, vinyl flooring, electric fridge, gas stove and microwave and a standard size tub and shower as well as a toilet. Each model is built with recycled materials and green building procedures and can be off-grid if necessary.

Kottage RV offers a 15-year warranty and a 5-year “no leak” warranty, and the homes are rated for four seasons and are fully winterized with all plumbing lines located inside the unit. They can also be renovated when necessary. The one-bedroom model costs around $60,000 and a three bedroom unit is closer to $90,000, but each unit is built to order and delivered to your property.

Photos by Kottage RV

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

For people who love park model homes, but want a little more space and amenities, the ESCAPE Park Model & Modular Homes have been making waves with articles in the Wall Street Journal and favorable comments from HGTV, the Huffington Post and Bob Vila. A small size, beautiful wood details and mobile abilities are included in these tidy, little packages.

Each ESCAPE is built on a wheeled chassis in the USA, and comes in various sizes and configurations including the Tiny Home, the King, Classic, Family and Studio. The basic ESCAPE Tiny Home is 288 square feet and features a tiny bedroom, a living and kitchen area and a full bath. This model starts at $57,400. There is also a two-bedroom version in 396 square feet. Amenities include bevel cedar siding, 30 year composite shingles, pine walls, ceilings and trim, 30 gallon water heaters, Energy Star appliances, vaulted ceilings and the ability to be off-grid. Each of the Escape models are on wheels, but can be placed on various foundations including gravel, concrete pads and concrete blocks.

All the ESCAPE versions include built-in storage, options for fireplaces and washers and dryers and the larger Tiny Home Deluxe, King, Classic, Family Standard, Family King and Studio all have versatile screened and roofed porches that can also be used for sleeping, dining or a greenhouse. The Studio can be adapted to be ADA accessible and the ESCAPE company even offers furniture, appliance and financing packages.

Two unique options that separate the ESCAPE from other park models are the panoramic windows that can be integrated into the rooms—making them seem larger than they are. Smaller, privacy windows are also available for use in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Photos shown are the ESCAPE Classic “Limited” model and are courtesy of ESCAPE Park Models

By Christina Nellemann for the [Tiny House Blog]

More photos and information on the Light Haus http://wheelhaus.com/the-lighthouse/

by Steve Snyders

Fireside Resort offering Tiny House ‘Try It Before You Buy It’ Promotion

Jackson Hole, Wyo. – Want to test the waters before diving into the ‘tiny house’ movement? Fireside Resort Jackson Hole has teamed up with Wheelhaus cabins to offer guests the opportunity to ‘try it before you buy it’. From October 1, 2014 – April 15, 2015 guest who book a stay at Fireside Resort can use promo code TBYB to receive 20% off and then if the guest decides to buy a Wheelhaus rolling cabin, Wheelhaus will reimburse the cost of the stay. It’s rare to get to test drive a house, but this is that opportunity and in prime ski season in Jackson Hole. Go to http://wheelhaus.com/try-buy/ to learn more or call 307-733-7700.

Fireside Resort in Jackson Hole offers 23 cabins for rent minutes from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. These cabins offer 400 square feet of rustic/modern charm with progressive space management, innovative design, and top of the line building materials. Nightly rates range from $225 – $375.

See more pictures and information on the Caboose http://wheelhaus.com/caboose/

The cabins on wheels by Wheelhaus sleep four with one bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen/living room and a private deck. The bedroom is sized to accommodate a king-size bed and includes a set of four drawers and an under-counter hanging closet that supports a counter-top which also serves as a desk.

The kitchen includes a two-burner cooktop, under-counter refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, sink, granite counter tops, and high-grade cabinetry with soft close doors. The bathroom maximizes space and function offering top-of-the-line glass showers and Kohler fixtures.

Other details include hardwood floors, wiring for cable and internet, and optional fireplace or air conditioner.

Fireside Resort is less than 10 minutes from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole ski area and 40 minutes from Grand Targhee ski area.

More photos and information on the Railcar http://wheelhaus.com/the-rail-car/

About Wheelhaus:

Wheelhaus designs and builds Park Model Homes with the highest standards of sustainable building and innovative design. Wheelhaus cabins are a blend of rustic and modern; combining the durability and quality craftsmanship of a log cabin with a modern focus on energy efficiency, innovative design, progressive space management, and top of the line building materials. Wheelhaus cabins exceed the requirements for the Gold standard with the U.S. Green Building Council. Wheelhaus offers several different designs with visually descriptive names like Wedge, Railcar, Caboose and ModHaus at base prices from $82,000 to $96,500 with delivery available from coast-to-coast. See all of the designs and floorplans at www.wheelhaus.com.

See more pictures and information on the Wedge http://wheelhaus.com/the-wedge/

Recently at several RV and sportsman shows throughout Florida Chariot Eagle RV Park Models of Ocala, Florida had a park model/tiny house hybrid on display. Needless to say it was drawing quite a bit of attention. It seems a proper fit since Chariot Eagle is one of the top producers of holiday and vacation park homes in the USA and in North America.

Chariot Eagle is an independent and privately owned builder of the very finest and most luxurious park models available in the industry.

Back in 1989 and 1990 the company was recognized by Inc Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. It has enjoyed a top 3 position in private company Park Model sales in the USA for over 20 consecutive years. Their new tiny house model comes with a lot of industry research and understanding.

Upon first entry the tiny house looked like a traditional (for whatever that means) layout. At just 157 sq.ft. it featured a living area, a bathroom (with hard plumbed commode and shower stall), an ‘L-shaped’ kitchen arrangement (with a 2-burner range), and a modest sleeping loft. Access to the loft was by a steel framed ladder. After speaking with the representative I found out the house sits on a stell frame made of 8″ I beams and cross-members, outriggers 4′ OC, a rust-proof coating of high-heat, black paint, and even features a detachable hitch for theft prevention!  The flooring “sandwich” is made of 2″x4″ floor joists with R-11 insulation, a rodent-proof underbelly, and a 3/4″ T&G plywood floor deck. So far, so good!

Other documented building specs are as follows:

• 2″x3″ exterior walls 16″ on center
• R-11 fiberglass insulation
• Thermoply wrap w/vapor barrier
• D 4.5 exterior siding
• Vinyl covered gypsum Roof System
• 2″x6″ #2 spruce rafters 16″ on center
• Each rafter strapped to wall studs
• Ice-guard protection on roof perimeter
• 30-year architectural shingles
• 7/16″ OSB roof deck
• R-19 insulation

Unfortunately I saw this unit with over 6 years of experience in the modern tiny house movement and have seen the beauty and ingenuity that can be incorporated into a tiny house build. While the obvious convenience of this house is that it is RVIA certified and is ready for either personal use (although I wouldn’t tote it down the road on a regular basis) or for parking in a mobile home or RV park right away, I was left feeling like it was a rather cheap, mid-1980s camper. The walls seemed to be vinyl covered utility plywood. The ceiling was mobile unit style with batten strips covering the seams and a sort of texture reminiscent of apartment rentals from the ’90s. However, after finding out that the model ECM-3 Loft (the one I saw) was right at $31,500 from a local dealer (not including standard freight, fuel surcharge, and the decorator kit as seen) I rethought my initial skepticism.

Dimensions of the unit are 7’10” wide by 20′ long. The unit includes 5 downstairs windows, 3 loft windows, and an AC unit cutout in the loft. Three other models are available though. They are the ECM-2 Loft (162 sq.ft.), the ECM-3 Loft (223 sq.ft.), and the ECM-4 Loft (223 sq.ft.). The ECM-3 as best I can tell actually includes a downstairs bedroom, a straight kitchen countertop work space (allowing for more walking room), a bathroom, a generous living area, and a small porch constructed of composite decking. (ECM-1 Loft blueprint shown below)

For more information or to visit this model if you are in the south Florida area contact Bob Holliday by email, by calling (352) 629-7007, or online.

By Andrew M. Odom for the [Tiny House Blog]