Since the 1950s, housing in America has reflected the idea that bigger is better. The average home has grown from 1,600 square feet in the 1970s to more than 2,500 square feet today. Happiness hasn’t grown along with house size, however, and more Americans are looking to downsize, saving money on materials and energy.
Jay Shafer's Tumbleweed Tiny Houses are moving masterpieces. NH Archives.
Designers and builders are also responding to the new trend. According to American Institute of Architects (AIA) surveys of 500 residential architectural firms found that home sizes are declining.
Some designers are even basing companies on small homes. Jay Shafer’s Tumbleweed Tiny House Company builds houses (or lets you build them yourself) that range from 65 to 140 square feet. Brad Kittel’s Tiny Texas Houses builds 12 foot by 20 foot houses almost entirely out of salvaged materials.
Do you live in a small home? We hope you’ll share your story in the comment section.
by Robyn Griggs Lawrence, Editor-in-Chief
Natural Home magazine is the premier resource for sustainable home design and materials, earth-friendly décor and natural living.
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Jay G. says:
I want a house like that! Got inside photos?
Kirsten F. says:
Go to his web site, there are lots of photos, and a video tour of a tumbleweed cottage! Here is the you tube link to the tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbRvsWuWNUM&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etumbleweedhouses%2Ecom%2F&feature=player_embedded
Jay G. says:
Wow I love that video. Need one that fits kids however.
Kirsten F. says:
you might need to go up from 100 sf.
Shireen Q. says:
I just wrote a similar article, looking at the trend of small living
It got featured in Greenopia, Mother Nature Network, and Tiny House Blog...
I also posted it here:
http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/downsizing-your-home/A4HTV2DUHZKNIR1HHXVDSQN22C9O