Yestermorrow Design/Build School

Semester in Sustainable Design/Build Tiny House Project

In Fall 2011, Yestermorrow Design/Build School’s Semester in Sustainable Design/Build designed and built an architecturally innovative tiny affordable house, built sustainably and designed to address the needs of the Vermont climate.

The program for the project included:

-First and foremost we will prioritize good design, based upon the best possible integration of functionality, beauty, ethics, and fiscal responsibility.

-In the selection of materials we will prioritize local sourcing, low embodied energy, reclaimed/recycled materials, low VOC and non-toxic surfaces and finishes.

-We will build the project on an 8’6” x 24’ trailer with white oak deck - - allowing it to be mobile and located on various sites without a permit. Interior square footage is estimated between 150-200 square feet.

-We expect the functional spaces of the tiny house to include living, sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom areas. There is also the expectation for the various spaces to include builtin storage and furniture.

-This project will be built for a Vermont climate (i.e. a four-season fully enclosed thermal envelope). The building will be well insulated and include an internal heat source. The building will be able to house at least 1 person year-round.

-We will also explore opportunities for self-sufficiency through renewable energy, passive solar, water catchment, the treatment of grey water, and the composting of other wastes.

Site requirements:
Solar access, level ground, accessible by truck and trailer. This structure will be designed to be portable and permanently affixed to a trailer base, however not designed for high mileage or high speed RV-type travel.

Budget:
Estimated at $40-50,000 all inclusive, depending on final design.

Timeline:
August 2011: Client selected, preliminary introduction of students to project and client
September 2011: Students work through group design process, final review 9/21
October 2011: Finalize construction documents, construction begins
December 2011: Project wraps up and tiny home is delivered to site

For more information, please contact Semester Program Director José Galarza:
jose(at)yestermorrow.org or by phone at 802-498-8219.