Relaxshacks.com

Funky n' Free Forklift Pallet Wood Art Piece AND Shelf in One!

2013-05-19T05:51:00.002-07:00

"Like" us at our new Facebook Tiny House and Design Page www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

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Here's another something I came up with the other week. Thanks to Jim Shippey for helpin' with it too during a series of builds we were doing for a shoot- More, AND a video, to come..... It was part of a shed makeover we shot with Paul LaCivita, Dustin "Dr. Demoltion" Diedricksen, and Max MacLeod.

The paint, spray paint, is Rustoleum's 2X Coverage paint- a "sea foam" blue, or something to that effect (many have asked). Home Depot carries it. The stuff goes on like magic....covers darn well.

Meanwhile, I'll soon be in Nashville, TN to shoot the "ModfruGal Tree House"- I can't wait to check this place out. We also have an upcoming pallet deck video, with cameos from Steven Harrell from www.tinyhouselistings.com AND Kent Griswold from www.TinyHouseBlog.com

FREE Camp Kitchen Plans- Take your kitchen OUTSIDE of your tiny house

2013-05-15T17:58:00.001-07:00

Don't heat up your house in the summer, save space, and enjoy the outdoors! I've seen a few tiny houses with their bathrooms separated outdoors (like my own Vermont cabin), so why not an outdoor seasonal kitchen?

Here's a link for free plans (you have to sign up/enter your email) for a design from a former Eagle Scout for a scout patrol box- otherwise known as a camp kitchen box. Its portable, closes tight to keep animals out at night (well, not bear-sized ones), and could even be used for tailgating, an outdoor mini-workshop, and who knows what else.

FREE PLANS link- www.mycampkitchen.com/build-it

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

The Tiniest Of Houses from Tennessee Tiny Homes...a 60 square foot cabin on wheels!

2013-05-13T17:48:00.002-07:00

Most people say "Well, its not a house unless it has a toilet, shower, and a kitchen!"- well, Joe Everson, from Tennessee Tiny Homes managed to fit ALL of those in his latest tiny abode on wheels. If you haven't caught the video yet, which we filmed at the workshop I put together in Wilmington, NC, here's the grand tour! I'll post some interior shots I took of Joe's home soon too! Oh yeah, its for sale- $15,000. You can email Joe via his website, if interested....

For more on Joe's work, check out www.TennesseeTinyHomes.com

Speaking of Tennessee, I'm hosting the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company's Nashville workshop (and workshops in Boston, and Vancouver too), so if you're in the area, they're always fun! Be sure to check 'em out! Steven Harrell from www.tinyhouselistings.com will also be coming out to guest speak, as well as others!

ALSO, we have three or four tiny tour videos and/or how-to videos I want to release....we're looking for a backer or two to help us finish/afford these, so if anyone is interested (VERY reasonable) email me at kidcedar at gmail.com. Thanks.We'll place a thank you/ad/website mention at the VERY START of these episodes in trade.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Recycled/Homemade Screen Windows for your Cabin/Home- with STYLE!

2013-05-09T14:55:00.002-07:00

I just love this idea, and have seen it done a few times- it looks great, and works.... although your visibility would be reduced. All you do is affix recycled/old (or new, if you REALLY like the look) lace curtains to screen frames.....easy, and effective. More tips, naturally, are on the way....

From pinterest.com

For those still on the fence too. NEXT WEEKEND, I'm hosting the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company workshop in Nashville, TN. Its gonna be fun! I've also invited Steven Harrell of www.tinyhouselistings.com to guest speak, as well as Joe Everson from www.TennesseeTinyHomes.com

I'm working on another workshop of my own as well....stay tuned.....AND, we have MANY new videos on my youtube channel, on the way! www.youtube.com/relaxshacksDOTcom

JOIN/'like" our newer facebook page too... www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

From www.sparky-youngbloodstudios.blogspot.com

Deek's Crappy Shed becomes a MODERN ROCK-ROOM/Man Cave

2013-05-07T08:49:00.002-07:00

TINY HOUSE NEWS-WISE, before you read on...

1. -DO CHECK out Steven Harrell's AWESOME NEW tiny house photo contest- LOTS OF PRIZES- at www.tinyhouselistings.com

2. AND....KENT GRISWOLD (more on this soon, has a NEW pdf version of his killer TINY HOUSE MAGAZINE out now!!! www.tinyhouseblog.com

3. -ALSO, DO join/"like" our new facebook tiny house/thrifty design page/group at www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

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AS FOR THE SHED MAKEOVER

Here's what the shed initially looked like- a MESS, post-many workshops and moves.....embarrassing, but my time has been VERY scarce lately with so many projects, travel for Tumbleweed Tiny House Workshops, and more (and the winter kept me from getting much done here in New England!)

Well, we had a film crew from NYC out this past weekend to shoot an episode on scrap/trash/recycled-material makeovers- this makeover being my own shed which I've been meaning to clean out, and I was allowed to pick my own team/crew....they were:

Dustin "Lurch" Diedricksen- my brother- a no brainer, as he works we me on a good chunk of the projects I undertake, and co-teaches at all my building workshops.

Jim Shippey- from the band Nullset, and old friend from the Boston rock scene- and a handy/comical guy

Max "Damage" Macleod - 6' 9" 350 lbs- in charge of general hauling and demolition. Max lived across the street from me where I grew up in Madison, CT.

Dave Fuller- Painter, Carpenter, all around hard workin' dude...

Well, in two days, and with countless cups of coffee, and buckets of paint, forklift pallets, and a good deal of scrap and salvage items from curbs, AND a few goods from TMC Scrap Metal/Salvage on the Avon/Brockton, MA line (what good guys! A shout to Ralph Greenberg!), we managed to "get 'er done"!

Anyway, you saw what the shed intially looked like above.....and afterwards....

THE BREAKDOWN.... total spent was around $400
-Orange Coffee Table- a formerly broken picnic table- FREE
-Drumset- a cocktail, space-saving stand up kit from Peace Drums- LOVE THAT THING! It sounds GREAT! I already owned it.
-$70 Ikea mini armchair
-$70 Rug
-Pallet wall hangings/shelving (more details to come in another post)- FREE (with some loose/scrounged nails that we used)
-4 Gallons of Behr Paint (yikes!)- $120 or so (LOVE this stuff though)
-Skylight- 4' by 4'- FREE- salvaged. It brings a TON of light into this space.
-Other pallets and wood trim- all salvaged and free
-Various cans of Rustoleum spray paint (the "2x coat" version- love it!)
-Other decorations- I already owned them- most were procured from yard sales- VERY INEXPENSIVELY.
-Plywood- already had it.
-Screws/Nails- $20
-Perfection heater (for decoration)- $20
-Hubcap- Pontiac- FREE from a scrap yard....

I might be building a tiny composting bathroom into it down the road too, for use in my building workshops. This room can serve as a break room for attendees as well. Insulation would be another phase down the road too.

WHERE DID ALL YOUR STUFF GO??? As for all the stuff that was in there!? I have a shed alcove to the side of this one, no walls, but roofed, which I'm working on reorganizing as well. This remodel also served as a good excuse for me to sort out LOTS of future yard sale and flea market stuff, so that I can downsize, and with other items of significant value- I can sell on craigslist.
Oh yeah, some of the stuff you saw in the first photo was USED in the remodel- the plywood, for instance....and some of the paints, wood, and so on.

Again, since people ALWAYS ask- the drum set- www.peace-drums.com (their "Manhattan Cocktail Kit")

Above: "The Voodoo Owl" making its cameo once again- its appeared (hidden in some cases) in MANY of my "Tiny Yellow House" youtube show episodes.....which you can check out at.....www.youtube.com/relaxshacksDOTcom

A Perfection Kerosene/Oil Heater from TMC Scrap- for $20!!!

MORE photos to come of the pallet wood projects you DON'T see in these photos......

Also, a BRAND NEW book is well in the works! More on that soon! And check out my "old" one....link is right here. Thanks so much!

Tiny House Building Workshop in Wilmington, NC- Photo recap...Part 1

2013-05-02T07:52:00.003-07:00

"Like"/Join our new tiny design/house facebook fan page/group over at www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

Sans trim (and more)- Making progress on "The Darrington" Tiny House/Cabin- a 96 square foot, panelized, design of mine (plans to come someday). The name is a combination of "Deek" and "Harrington" (Kevin Harrington of www.cozyhomeplans.com, who has helped/backed so many of my videos).

(MANY MORE PHOTOS COMING SOON- AND TWO VIDEOS over on www.youtube.com/relaxshacksDOTcom)

Well, its only been a few days since the Relaxshacks.com Wilmington, NC Tiny House Building Workshop (sold out!) that Steven Harrell and I hosted (Steven from www.tinyhouselistings.com), and now having recovered a bit from all the hard work and lack of sleep that goes along with a three day build, I have to say, I had an absolute blast- as did others. THANK YOU, those who came out to be part of it, and to those who were our guest speakers! It was a large group (about 45 with the speakers), but we managed to pull it off! North Carolina was gorgeous too, and has such a funky, fun, free-thinking vibe about it- I'll be back!

What a crew! A few were missing too....

THANKS TO!
Kent Griswold from www.tinyhouseblog.com
Alex Pino from www.tinyhousetalk.com
Andrew Odom of www.tinyrevolution.us
Ryan Mitchell of www.thetinylife.com
Laura Lavoie and Matt from www.120squarefeet.com
Dustin Diedricksen- Environmental Engineer, and all-around building maniac
Mariah Coz and Matt from www.cometcamper.wordpress.com

AND Joe Everson (and Kristen) from www.TennesseeTinyHomes.com who DROVE SIXTEEN HOURS to bring us a tiny house that he built JUST FOR THIS WORKSHOP. This guy is about as hardworking as they come! His new tiny house "The Outhouse" was GREAT too! A mere SIXTY SQUARE feet, and I'll have a full video tour up VERY, VERY soon! Loved it!

Joe Everson from TennesseeTinyHomes.com giving an overview (before a tour/walk-through) of his tiny house on wheels, "The Outhouse"). We'll have a full post on this place soon, with a TON of photos I took!

Dustin "Dr. Demolition" Diedricksen- 6' 5" 260 lbs- shows the group that our canopy-door/wall header isn't going anywhere!

We also had Roy St. Clair from TUFTEX roofing and siding come out to give us a very cool demonstration (more on that soon) about their products- which we used in the build (and I've used 200 times before). Their ONDURA roofing is made from recycled products, lasts a LONG time, isn't as noisy as metal roofing, durable as heck, and MADE IN THE USA (which is getting rare these days!). I was so impressed that I'll have to do another separate post soon. Meanwhile, check out... http://www.tallantinc.com/tuftex/tuftex.asp

Roy talks about Tuftex and Ondura roofing (which can withstand wind loads of 200 mph!!!)

All in all, aside from the workshop/building, it was SO MUCH FUN to get to meet so many people, bloggers, builders, designers, and authors, that I had been talking to online for years, but never had met in person.

If I'm forgetting anyone, the coffee hasn't set in yet, and there will be PLENTY more posts!

Also, and I'll talk more about it soon, but it looks like I might have a Massachusetts TREE HOUSE and TINY HOUSE Building Workshop the weekend of July 27th! Speakers, Hands-On Building, Tours of my work and cabins (and others), and MORE!!!! With camping options (or staying in my cabins) perhaps!
Stay tuned!!!! kidcedar at gmail.com if you want to be reminded, or reserve a space....

PS- lots of news concerning some happening with many or our guest speakers too- from books being released, to future workshops of theirs! We'll talk about some of that soon!

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen (as always, a link to my book below, if interested/if you'd be so kind)....

A Hip-Hop, HOW-TO Tree House Music Video?? (Make Magazine)

2013-04-30T18:00:00.002-07:00

Yes, I decided to try it out, had a hell of a fun time writing and recording the tune, and grabbed Bill Bracken (from my band DEFDEALER) to drop in some great guitar work, for the world's first how-to video, based on a tree house/tree fort build, in hip-hop/rap format! 'Hope you get a kick out of it. This little clubhouse has since sold (to clear space for another upcoming build and video). Steven Sherrick did the camera work and editing

Many thanks to Joey Calabria of Acoustack Studios in Hull, MA, for recording this for us too. The man does great, and fast, work.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Tiny Budget Arm Chair, For A Tiny Budget Home ('Swanky" Pallet Chair)

2013-04-25T08:05:00.003-07:00

Has even the tiniest of houses killed your even tinier budget? Well check out this low/no-dough furnishing option! I'd even consider rigging a book bin/shelf beneath the seat too- might as well put that space to use!

Chair designed by Pierre Vedel of JustyChair.com

As we might be attempting to build a forklift pallet/recycled wood deck at the North Carolina Tiny House Building Workshop I'm hosting (aside from an actual tiny house we'll all be working on!), I figured a posting on this clever and creative pallet chair project would be appropriate.
If we get to this aforementioned deck, you can bet we'll take photos, and perhaps even shoot a video.

Meanwhile, again, thanks to those who have supported me and checked out my "Humble Homes, Simple Shacks" book again- yesterday it made it to "#1 ranked" for "Carpentry" books on ALL for amazon.com worldwide. I'm also working on yet another, much larger book, as we speak....er.....as I type.

The red/blood orange cushion really MAKES this one. The shelving unit is about as simple as it gets too!

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

A 100 Square Foot Backyard Cabin Retreat/Entertainment Center

2013-04-24T19:12:00.001-07:00

Below is a link where you can find plans for this cabin for FREE too....no, there's no bathroom, but I always felt you could add on a little bump out off the back and take care of that very easily and affordably- either way, its a cool little backyard guest house, office, or art space.

Not a full-out house, or lived in permanently, but it has that potential....

Here's a great looking spin on the "MD100 Cabin" (Modular Dwelling- 100 Square Feet)- an Edgar Blazona design. I can't recall where I found this one months ago, but I'll keep digging.....its 10' by 10' though, and decked out more than with any other "MD100" I've seen.

Readymade Magazine (R.I.P.) debuted this plan set years ago, and its now open source/free. At the time, it was $1500 to build.

Free Plans Link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/14755925/Edgar-Blazona-MD100-Plans-11x17

Again, when I find out who built it, and their blog link, I'll be sure to post it- meanwhile, if you know, toss it in the comments section below....Thanks!
-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Messin' with an A-frame "model" (Tiny A Frame Plans In The Works)

2013-04-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Temporarily tacked together just to see..... headroom under the collar tie is about 6' 6"

So, as I've mentioned before, I'm teaming up with David Stiles (of David and Jeanie Stiles fame- author/architect duo who have written MANY tiny house, cabin, and fort books) to release a full set of A-frame vacation cabin plans- but an A-frame with a twist or two. I designed the cabin, and will build a prototype that MIGHT go on display at a public venue for a few months, and David is taking care of the art and layout (his sketches are pretty amazing! I can't wait to share with you).

Anyway, while I've been planning as to how big to make this vacation camp/cabin, I decided to actually take a few 2by6's and nail out one rough end of what the "A" would actually look like. Now that I've seen it in the flesh, I'm contemplating going taller/larger, but we'll see....

This one has a 10' wide base, and 12' sides. 16' sides might give it enough room for a tiny sleep loft, but then would require it be set in concrete into the ground, so as not to blow over in wind storms. 16' might look too tall and "dart-like" too- then again, that might be pretty cool/modern/funky. We'll see....

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Cave Man Coffee Table (DIY- Recycled Material- Less than $1.00 to make!)

2013-04-23T10:26:00.001-07:00

This is about as "un-fancy" as it gets, but heck, it works, and cost me less than $1.00, and barely any time at all!
Some neighbors of mine had A LOT of arbor work done, and were generous enough to let me have all the logs (which heated my home for a winter and a half), and while sorting through the pile, I came across this stump piece, which had a very broad base.

So....
-I flipped it over
-Painted it with a tiny bit of some mistake paint I bought for almost nothing at Home Depot (exterior paint)
-Was finished.

Cave Man Table....me like!

If I wanted to make it taller/higher, I could EASILY add some scrap-block legs. You can sand it down for a nicer/smoother finish too, and coat it in polyurethane as well, if you wanted to use if for an indoor table.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

EIGHT Simple Space Saving Approaches from Deek's Rustic VT Cabin

2013-04-19T18:15:00.004-07:00

EIGHT simple space saving approaches, in one photo....

This is a cabin I started building at the age of 21 (with my brother Dustin, when he was 18) deep in the woods of Vermont. Its off-grid, and was almost built entirely without power tools. You can't drive up to this cabin- you have to walk down a trail to get to it, thereby keeping it out of sight, and making its whereabouts less known (less prone to vandalism).

Its also the main cabin for my "Tiny House Summer Camp" workshops- and I just may have another one down the road. Possibly a tiny house-slash-tree house building workshop- with camping, tiny house touring, and more. We did our first one last year and it sold out, with attendees coming from as far away as San Diego, Kansas, The Carolinas, Texas, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Anyway, I use this Bruce Bettis photo in a slide show I do for both my workshops and the ones I do for the Tumbleweed Tiny House Workshop, and while showing it recently (Austin, TX) a few questions came up on the "built-ins" I had designed into it- things that I've taken for granted, and almost forgotten about over the years.....

So, as I look at the photo a little more myself now, here's what's going on....

1. The Table (Ikea- $20 at the time, a little more now) folds down against the wall when not in use, thereby freeing up the main room of this cabin (only 10' by 10') when its not in "dining room" mode. I use it as a mini work table at times too.

2. The last step of my home built stairway/ladder, if you'll notice, is built out more than the others, and doubles as a seat, when the Ikea table is set up. It has worked really well in this dual capacity.

3. The coffee table, made entirely from FREE cedar from a local mill (their kindling scraps), is hollow (not rocket science), and stores/hides many things within. Putting it on lockable wheels is something I've always wanted to do, in case I want it for use in another part of the room, but I just haven't gotten to it.

4. The framing pockets over the windows (free from a dumpster) were built in a boxed-out fashion (almost like flower boxes) to additionally hold and store small items.

5. The back wall is a self-built murphy bed, made entirely from junk/scrap wood. I rarely use it, as I prefer to sleep on the floor in the loft "room" above, but its there, and so hidden, I forget its even there. It drops down from the wall, and harbors a thick foam pad as a mattress, and the dart board on the front, takes the ride downward as well, and ends up on the underside of the bed.

6. The ladder/staircase, or "galley-style stairway" as I call it, is angled enough to make climbing up into the loft easy, but steep and narrow enough so as to not waste space. It was self built from local lumber.

7. Behind the stairway, in space that might otherwise be wasted, or neglected, lies a built-in bookcase. This shelving unit is where I harbor not only my books, but my lanterns, candles, and other camping supplies.

8. The entry hole to the loft itself was intentionally kept small. Up above (See the video) its not a standing room area, and its only used for sleeping, so I felt that a restricted size opening wouldn't be so problematic, as weighed against my not having to sacrifice more floor, and sleep, space up above.

The chairs, if I wasn't so attached to them (they were the chairs my brother and I grew up with, and ate cereal on, watched cartoons from, etc. at my grandparents cottage) could also be homemade instead, with boxed bases for storage. Just another means of hiding your stuff.

HERE's a video we shot a few years back, giving you the general tour of the place, and camp.....This cabin has since been added onto. Its a grand total of about 300 square feet, and used for group camp-outs, my workshops (especially in inclement weather), and family excursions.

As the taxes keep going up on the place, I am considering renting it out for one single week each year to help me cover that. If interested, let me know- its bare bones, off grid, and way out there, but a gorgeous area of the country, with lots to see and do. kidcedar at gmail dot com.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

This cabin is shown, and talked about a bit in my book as well- especially my dealings with porcupine out there, which have been SO damaging and problematic to my lumber supplies.

Awesome Homemade Murphy Bed (at Blue Moon Rising in Maryland)

2013-04-14T09:35:00.001-07:00

I thought you'd love this one, and it was sent by Brian Oxford, who works at a newly developed center/camp/compound in sustainability and education in McHenry, Maryland, called "Blue Moon Rising". This place looks GREAT and I'm eager to see what they have in store down the road. They have their initial open house THIS SUMMER- and you can find out more about it, and them at....

www.bluemoonrising.org

This place is the dream/brainchild of Lisa M. Jan- who comes across as instantly likeable in the video link below.....

Their first cabin/tiny house (they're dubbing their cabins "Waldens") has already been set in place, and more are in the works. All in all, there will be fourteen tiny houses on the property. The one housing this unique murphy bed is also shown below....I love how the housing/space for the stored murphy bed is "bumped out" to the exterior of the structure.

I might be working with them on a collaboration project down the road as well, and heck, might eventually want to teach a workshop down there- who knows.....

More photos below, and check out their great video too on their rental cabins.... VIDEO HERE

THESE CABINS WERE BUILT AND DESIGNED BY BILL THOMAS of

HOBBITATSPACES.com

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

An (Abandoned Cabin/House) Picture is Worth A Thousand Words...

2013-04-14T05:48:00.001-07:00

I just found myself fascinated by this photo- its intriguing in its bleakness, and abandoned state.....its welcoming, yet haunting. Maybe its just getting late as I stumbled across this one, or its just that the caffeine is wearing off, but I found myself staring at this photo for awhile, wondering who built it? Why? What was the reason for it being neglected so? The self made stories in my head can freely deviate a hundred ways, and that's the fun of it! Again, maybe its just that the coffee is wearing off....

Yup, its today's tiny house "eye candy" photo....

I just got back from a day trip to Provincetown, MA too....and will share some tiny house photos from that jaunt too...

-Deek

"Good A" Mate.....An A-frame Tiny Cabin Gallery #2

2013-04-12T19:30:00.001-07:00

Just a few A-Frame Exteriors and Interiors that I particularly liked- and that allowed me to daydream on a dreary New England day....nothing more....take what you may, idea-wise, from these.....from hokey, the high-end....

Photo (www.frommoontomoon.blogspot.com )

A vibrantly colored A-frame cabin from Chili....I really dig the deck with its perpendicular array of boards! Very Tiny....

Jordana Brewster's Loft Bedroom (annesage.com photo)


Photo from Readymade Magazine

Talk about "head room"....

So outdated in look and 1970s style, that I can't help but dig this one....

In a swamp in Newton, MA lies FOUR of these camping-type A-frames, designed by Keith Moskow.

Photo from homesteadingtoday.com

Photo- www.panoramio.com

My tiny space/shelter/house design book also has two concepts for a half A-Frame and an Inverted A-frame...

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

FREE Pallet wood- to use, or not to use? How to know if they're SAFE.....

2013-04-11T18:01:00.001-07:00

There's a lot of thrift building through recycling, salvaging, and securing free building materials in the tiny house, and diy scene, so while this isn't a wildly entertaining, funny, or mind-blowing read, you may find it helpful, and more so "healthful".

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I've seen many decent posts and blogs dedicated to re-purposing free forklift pallet wood, and even a few half-decent posts dedicated to instructing you on what pallets to use, and which to avoid (the one's sprayed with fungicides). I've also noticed that every one of these articles I've come across has neglected to include any visual aids as to what, branding-wise, you should look for.

So here it is, plain and simple....

A PALLET LIKE THIS IS OK TO USE....granted, if its been left outside for sometime and is developing mildew and mold from its exposure to moisture, you'd still want to pass on it, but "HT" is a good thing.

A stamped "HT" means that the pallet has been "Heat Treated" and not sprayed with, well, poison

One stamped "MT" signifies that the pallet has been sprayed with Methyl Bromide.....and lets just say you don't want to lick those type pallets or build a crib for infants from them....or make garden bins for your edibles out of them either (something I see ALL the time, and out of pressure-treated wood too- a no, no).

As you can see, the stamping differs on many pallets you'll find, but the "HT" or "MT" will be there most of the time....

Also keep in mind that as pallets weather or age, their branding fades. In those cases, if you're worried, or hesitant, its better to play it safe and pass them up (esp. if the destined project is an INDOOR piece of furniture) .

Above: A nice clean pallet, in good shape, and marked "MT", that is ready to be re-purposed.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

A tiny, tiny, tiny house on wheels- Built at Deek's MA Workshop

2013-04-10T09:00:00.003-07:00

Thanks to all who have "liked" our new Facebook Tiny House, Cabin, and DIY group/page! We're just around the 3000 mark already! www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

Its not finished, but I'm getting there...

Here's a little update on what we built at my Relaxshacks.com Tiny House Building Workshop last November in Massachusetts....a tiny, tiny cabin/house on a trailer/wheels. The interior isn't done, but I'll post more photos as things progress....and yes, we'll probably have another backyard/campout weekend- tba.
Spring is finally in full effect here in New England and I've really been getting a lot done, by way of carpentry, outdoors again (Lovin' it!)- singlehandedly moving this trailer house up a slight incline, and without a vehicle was one of those tasks. I only moved it about 25 feet or so, but it took a bit of time and patience- all with a simple $30 "come-along" (winch) from Harbor Freight. It worked well.

Ever wonder how someone backs the hitch end of a trailer/travel trailer against a wall, or into a tight spot where a vehicle would otherwise end up stuck? Well, that's one of the ways.....

Today, I'm putting the ridge cap on, among other things....

The house in the background is built into a hill, and not as huge as it looks- its around 1000 square feet for a family or four. What you see is the downhill side of part of the basement.

This little house, for those who haven't yet seen the video (also below) is a mere 5.5' wide, 8' long, and a little over 11' tall. While its on a trailer, it really isn't intended for road travel, but was built on wheels to utilize a building code loophole- "its a moveable, non-permanent structure". When finished, it will have a tiny loft, and perhaps even a tiny little bathroom- a little fold down table area and shelves for food cooking and prep as well.

RECYCLED MATERIAL: The door was bought second-hand- very inexpensively, and ALL the windows were FREE- found on the side of the road. The trailer was bought used as well- $300. The metal roofing- leftovers I purchased from a woman on craigslist- a HUGE load for $200 (probably sixteen 9-10' heavy gauge, galvanized sheets)- I have used these for other projects, and still have some left over. Total cost on this project is probably somewhere in the ballpark of $2000.00

Oh yeah, the entire deck was not only FREE, but I made money on it in a way.....my old boss hired me to take his deck down and apart for $200- and let me keep EVERYTHING. The deck was only 10 years old. I've used this wood for many projects as well. The deck also serves as a nice work surface, and level building platform during our workshops.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

My Book- on Tiny Shelter Designs/DIY/Recycled material building...

A Gorgeous Rustic Micro Cabin/Tiny House in Northern Ontario....

2013-04-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

Workin' on a new book still...slowly but surely. It'll be one ENTIRELY different from my other tiny/micro-structures book "Humble Homes, Simple Shacks", but same subject matter- with a few surprises though! Here's on cabin I came across that I hope to include somewhere.....

I just love the rustic, clean, simple, and relaxing look of this place. From the photos I've been able to locate, it doesn't appear to have an interior bathroom, but like many other seasonal camps, I'd assume it has a nearby outbuilding/outhouse for such purposes- which would be no problem by me (well, in the SUMMER in Ontario). Anyway, its a great little place, AND the flooring is made from free and recycled (and sanded down) forklift pallet wood! (A post on how to identify safe-to-use pallets is coming up soon!)

Photos from thecoopercabin.blogspot.com

-Derek "Deek"Diedricksen

Recycled Junk Project: A Forklift Pallet SUPER-FORT!

2013-04-06T17:37:00.002-07:00

Here's a few shots of an "Almost finished" playhouse/fort/clubhouse that I built our of SCRAPS and CRAP wood (lots of cast off pieces from a mill and FREE pallet wood) for my kids. The swing set/playground itself was FREE as well. I drove to a woman's house, after seeing her craigslist ad, and took the entire set apart and loaded it into my 4' by 8' trailer- a savings of over $1500.00. Later, after bringing it home, I re-set it up in about three hours, then stained it with a new coat of "cedar red".

To anyone considering getting a small utility trailer, DO IT- it'll pay for itself ten times over in the first year or two alone!

And yes, back on the cabin/fort/playhouse my neighbors are very supportive/tolerant of my endeavors- in fact, they often donate many supplies and items they've found, or are getting rid of, towards my builds. One neighbor always makes it a point to help and attend all the backyard workshops I hold as well, and even lets attendees camp in his lot- I'm lucky to share lot lines with such good, and laid back, people....

As simple as this is, building it was somewhat of a challenge, as I had to deal with limited lengths of wood, and wood that was, well, trash by most "normal standards"- pallet wood (heat treated- its safe), and mill extras (pseudo log siding) composed most of the materials. The strapping/trim (a cheap alternative even if bought brand new) was all from a pile of project leftovers I had saved too.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Tons of Recycled Material Building Ideas are in my book "Humble Homes, Simple Shacks"- and I also recommend these other books too- esp. if you have young kids and want to get some project ideas.

Barn Board and Fence Lumber Rustic Ceilings/Siding for your tiny house/cabin?

2013-04-05T08:05:00.001-07:00

While out in Austin, TX to teach a two day tiny house building workshop for the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, I had a chance to stay in a vintage airstream trailer, AND this cool little backyard guest house- one that will eventually be listed on airbnb.com. This little backyard cottage was built and decorated by Stjepan and Robin Boban. Stjepan is a carpenter by trade and used a wealth of discarded cedar fence boards and barn wood to not only clad the outside of his little cabin, but the INSIDE ceiling as well, which lends it a lot of character tp this cozy place! Laying in bed, you can look upward to see a wild variety of wood grains and patterns, knot holes, and even an occasional rusty nail head or two- much more interesting than a single-color drywall ceiling.

Discarded, and now-rescued, single-pane windows have now become wall hangings/decorations....

This tiny cottage makes use of the main house's bathroom (but will soon have its own). The 10' by 14' cabin also feels much larger with the employment of the ole "mirrored wall" trick. The room is all air conditioned- this IS Texas, afterall....

Even the floors are clad in second hand, and salvaged, wood- giving it an interesting/fun chaotic, and calico, look.
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All photos by Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

An Art Shack/Hut (France)- from Spray Architecture

2013-04-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, the comments are going to be "but without a bathroom, its just a shed", and yes, this structure would be extremely hot in the sun, no doubt about it, but try to look past that. This micro structure is art and shelter combined into one, a graffiti-laden sun shack, a tiered art studio even, and if this one isn't so much your thing, try to still take some ideas from this and run with it- that's all I'm trying to bring to the table with some of these more bizarre micro huts I choose to feature. Nuthin' more....

This is not a "tiny house" or home in the traditional sense, but it could make for a really cool (in the shade of a tree) seasonal vacation cabin (with some curtains preferably), and as with most tiny sheds, follies, and backyard studios, a bathroom and micro-kitchen, or food prep area, could easily be installed.

Spray Architecture designed and built this particular cabin in 2012. Its 14 square meters in size.

The tiered approach of this building is interesting in that it divides the living space into different regions, but without segmenting the space with actual walls.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

"Funkadelic" Coffee Table (with storage) made from trash and pallets

2013-04-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

Finally, some good weather! Well, weather in the low 50s, which 'round Boston is "t-shirt weather".

I used this opportunity over the last few days to:

-Start cutting and installing metal roofing on my tiny cabin/house of wheels "The Light Box"

-Begin some shed cleaning and downsizing (finding some materials along the way that I forgot I had!).

-Build a mock-up real-size end frame for my in-the-works A-Frame Cabin Plans

-and build THIS recycled material coffee table.

I might shoot a simple video on this project soon, but basically, its a mess of recycled wood and pallet boards, atop a free aircraft shipping container (I get these from a friend all the time), trimmed out with some rip scraps I had, and it stands on pipe fitting legs (the only things I paid for, aside from the paint that I already had in stock). The legs were almost $20, but I loved the look so much that I decided to take the hit- you could easily add cheaper, or free, wooden legs, of course.

What I love about the top of the table (which comes off to reveal a large storage area) is that it could also potentially be hung as an art piece as well.

I'm going to eventually sell this after I use it in a shoot for a cabin I'm building (for my "Tiny Yellow House" youtube show).

An Easter Island Small House/Cabin Compound (Chile)

2013-03-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Love these little cabins! They sleep up to six people, and were designed to meet the needs of the ever-growing tourism industry of Easter Island (yes, the place with the giant stone heads). Each of these dwellings can sleep up to six people, each has a bathroom, and they're built so as to take advantage of cross breezes and develop natural ventilation. Since Easter Island's trees are very limited, each of these cabins is prefabricated and built on the mainland (Chile), and then shipped to the island by boat to then be assembled. AATA Architects, deserve the credit for this one. Job well done!

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

Jennifer Francis' tiny house/cabin (for rent) in Austin, TX

2013-03-26T09:52:00.004-07:00

Austin, Texas is pretty darn awesome.
Its known by many as "The Live Music Capitol Of The World", but it certainly also deserves some credit for its forward and free-thinking citizens, and their love for unusual, and tiny, architecture. While down there to teach a two day tiny house building workshop for the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, I was able to stay in two different tiny rentals/dwellings ("When in Rome..."), AND see a third. That third tiny house was a guest cabin built and outfitted by Jennifer Francis- one you can rent on airbnb.com for under $60!

The airbnb listing link... https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/658102

Jennifer is beyond friendly, a great host, and her cabin, while not fully complete, already exudes character. With its large columned front porch, its very reminiscent of the pioneer cabins of old. Her backyard is also very fun, funky, and private (she's at the end of a dead end street).

Here are some photos I snapped, and you'll soon see more (alongside the other cabins I saw, AND the workshop) over at www.TumbleweedHouses.com.

The interior wall siding? Fence Boards....

There is no bathroom (guests use the one in her main (also small) home), but she's working on that. Also, the opposite side of the tiny rental also has a mini loft (it wasn't finished, so I didn't photograph it).

Again, since its so new, check out our new facebook page/group over at www.facebook.com/tinyhousehub

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

New video- diy maple syrup buckets= small house homesteading

2013-03-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

We'll have some more tiny house/cabin photos, news, and content next, but since this blog is about more, subject-wise, than strictly tiny houses (diy projects, salvage construction, funky art, n' thrift living too!), here's a lil' video I shot recently.....nothing fancy, but its a money saving idea for those of you who boil their own maple syrup.

-Derek "Deek" Diedricksen