Many people from all walks of life are being attracted by the pleasure of simple living. Today, there’s a wide variety of tiny home possibilities that can accommodate them. There has been an architectural and social movement that advocates living simply in small homes, which is called the tiny-house movement or the small-house movement. If you want to live in a tiny home, there is no specific rule. It just has the underlying concept of simplicity and environmental responsibility.
Living in tiny homes is also very popular with the preppers, survivalists, and homesteaders. Some people also find enjoyment in living in tiny homes because they can focus on only the things that truly matter. If you are looking into living in a tiny home, there are lots of choices out there for you. If you are interested, here are the different types of tiny homes you can consider.
Tiny Homes on Concrete Foundations
Most people would often think of a house built on a trailer when they try to picture a tiny home. But you can also build a tiny home on a piece of land. It is just like a typical house that you build on a concrete foundation. And unlike a trailer, tiny homes on foundations will give you quite a bit of freedom when it comes to the design of the house.
If you do not own a piece of land where you can build your tiny home, then you can instead build a semi-permanent foundation. This is a great choice if you are planning to move your tiny home at some point.
Bus Conversions
There are also some people who purchase buses and convert them into tiny homes. Well, if you think of it, living on a bus may sound like a crazy idea. But this has become a popular DIY tiny home project over the years. If you choose this option, then there are a few different sizes of buses you can select from. Therefore, you need to decide first what you want to include in your tiny home before buying a bus.
Some might think that a bus is not spacious enough to work as a home. But when you take off all the seats on a bus, you will see how much room it can offer you. What’s great about converting a bus into a tiny home is that it can let plenty of natural light into your space. If you are thinking about privacy, you can just simply install some curtains. Another option is to cover the windows to add insulation, as well.
Trailer Homes
Trailer homesare one of the most popular types of tiny homes. They are full tiny houses that are built on a trailer and hitched to a truck. Most trailer homes have frames that are built out of timber, making it cost-effective and easy to transport. Trailer homes also do not sacrifice the traditional home comfortability. It can be small, but it is a comfortable way to live.
You can either DIY a trailer home or hire someone to build one for you. But before you start making one, there are things you need to consider, such as the different laws on living in a trailer home, and as well as where you can legally park it. When you figure these things out, then you can start on creating your very own trailer home.
Cob Houses
Cob houses are tiny homes that are built by using clay, sand, and straw. You might think that it is not a very strong or durable home, but it actually is. Most cob houses can stand for a long period as long as it’s taken care of. In fact, some cob houses have been around for 500 years, and they are still standing. The secret is in having the right roofing to prevent too much moisture from getting into the house.
A cob house is perfect if you are looking for a tiny home that is cheap but durable. Another thing that can help it last long is a strong stone foundation. Most cob houses are built in stacks of stones to elevate the tiny home above ground level. This will keep the bottom of the house dry, and its walls won’t absorb moisture in the ground.
Vardo Tiny Homes
Vardo tiny homes look like the classic British Romani wagons, which were traditionally horse-drawn and ornate in design. These vardos had intricate carvings and rich color schemes on the interior. They also showcased the work of woodcrafters. But in the present time, vardos are tiny homes that are commonly towed behind vehicles. They still have the iconic design, featuring a bow top and large wheels outside of the frame.
Vardo tiny homes usually have a rounded top, which maximizes the space by keeping the widest part of the wagon. This part usually contains the bed. Aside from the gorgeous look, this design also helps in minimizing the effects of strong winds.
Tiny Cabins
Cabins are usually made of wooden materials, and they traditionally have gorgeous fireplaces. But today, cabins have a more rustic and modern style. In fact, instead of building one from scratch, you can purchase pre-fabricated cabins, and some of them are on wheels if you want to have a quick getaway without living your home.
Shipping Containers
Shipping containers turned into tiny homes are also very popular. Since they are large structures, they are easier to turn into residential construction. Large steel boxes are the most mainstream shipping containers used in making tiny homes. But aside from that, there is a wide variety of materials you can choose from, like a large wood shipping container. Shipping containers are usually used commercially, which makes them fireproof and hurricane-proof. It means that they are durable options for tiny homes.
RVs
RVs are probably the most popular type of tiny homes. It’s because long before the tiny-house movement came to the surface, RVs have been used as campers and low budget housing. Therefore, if you are looking into living a simple life, living in an RV is a standard option. It will offer you the benefits of mobility and as well as no construction. It can also be a good way to try and see if you can commit to tiny home living.
Houseboats
Houseboats are just like RVs, but they are in the water. They are tiny homes that will allow you to live on the water. Though they are not movable on land, it will enable you to move through a body of water if you want to go to another place. It offers a small space that is great if you are looking for a simple lifestyle in an unusual setting. Living in a houseboat will certainly give you a unique lifestyle.
Yurts
Yurts are the perfect tiny homes for people who really want to be connected to the surroundings. They are traditional round tents, just like where Mongolian nomads lived. They are portable tiny homes with a basic wooden frame and felt covering. The walls of yurts are usually made from wood or bamboo latticework for a stable frame, and modern yurts today are made to be semi-permanent tiny homes.
A lot of yurt builders use traditional latticework for the walls, but they are then strengthened to make sure that the tiny home is structurally sound. The traditional round shape of the yurt is still kept, making it perfect for those who are looking for a minimalist lifestyle.
These are the different types of tiny homes that you can choose from if you want to live a simple life in small houses. They can be small in space, but they are all comfortable and affordable to live in. Tiny homes can surely capture a lot of people’s hearts, inviting them to live simply and big at the same time.