Z-Glass
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392 square feet - click here for more dimensions
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View sample plans of the Z-Glass house
The Z-Glass house is not designed as a portable house; yet at only 14′ wide it can be trucked down the road. The house shown above is pictured with rolled hot steel siding. This is just one idea for a durable exterior finish that would match the modern design of the Z-glass, but since you build it yourself, the choice is yours! Unfortunately, at this time we do not have interior pictures. We sell the plans for you to build it yourself, and we do suggest talking to local contractors about building costs in your area. Under most circumstances, building costs for a home affixed to a permanent foundation range from $100-$200 per square foot. |
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250 Responses to “Z-Glass”
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i like this design because of the modern aesthetic and it seems to be the most accessible for people may not be able to climb up into a sleeping loft. are there any plans to design a fully accessible tiny home? i think this would appeal to people with disabilities and older folks who want a small retirement home that can continue to accommodate them as they may face age related mobility issues.
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Marcia R. reply on October 24th, 2008 2:17 pm:
Actually, I like this house and think it appeals to any age. Its design is very modern, with simple and straight lines and large windows which probably makes it really bright inside. I do not like the way it lays on the ground, through very apparent ugly chubby posts. I would prefer to see the house laying straight on the ground (but then it would need a foundation, which probably would make it much more costly, no?).
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Chuck reply on November 27th, 2008 11:12 pm:
Ugly post?? that ’s the cool part of this house is the setting! I think the way they have built this on a hillside is great.
I love this design and really want to build this as my first home.
chuck
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fawna reply on December 22nd, 2008 3:27 pm:
You could simply paint the posts.
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jim willeford reply on August 20th, 2009 11:18 am:
Each to his/her own for sure, but I love the posts and the flexibility for sites with views….This house can be built without using up agricultural land, which in my opinion should be one of the requirements of new construction. I certainly respect your taste though. It’s all in the eye of the beholder.
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Nancy reply on October 25th, 2009 9:54 pm:
This home is built on sonotubes, (the ugly chubby posts), which is an alternative to a full concrete foundation.
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Holly reply on January 27th, 2009 8:22 pm:
Why not reverse the position of the bedroom closet (to the opposite wall), as well as the bath/kitchen locations. By doing so, you could still maintain the windowless privacy on the entry side of the house while creating an opportunity for wonderful views out the back of the bedroom and the kitchen? I’m just sayin’…windows can be the thing that MAKES a small space work for a lot of people.
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Bob reply on January 29th, 2009 4:51 am:
That is an OUTSTANDING suggestion, especially given the beautiful setting in the picture. Full views from the bedroom and kitchen, as well as the living room make this the best floorplan on the site.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 5:20 pm:
Not a bad idea.
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Paulette reply on February 14th, 2009 1:00 am:
Had the same thought and was going to write Jay to see if kitchen/bathroom layout could be reversed. Also, living in Alaska, would it be wiser to have a slightly steeper pitch to roof so snow can slough off?
Thank you - all your designs inspire.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 5:35 pm:
That plan (and roof pitch) could be easily altered.
Ellie reply on July 2nd, 2009 6:55 pm:
Windows are definitely a huge part of making small spaces work. The darker it is and the less one can see of the outdoors, the more you’d feel like you’re closed in.
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Pamela Bonham reply on September 3rd, 2009 8:55 am:
I agree completely. That was my first thought when I looked at the floor plan!!! And more free BTUs in the winter!!! (providing of course the window side is oriented toward the south)
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Kayla Harwood reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:30 am:
Go to this website http://www.countryplans.com and on the bottom of the page find a link to an “under 200 sq. feet cabin contest”. The first place winner is a cabin designed for a limited mobility/wheelchair user. Hope this helps.
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Vic S reply on April 27th, 2009 3:14 pm:
I like this plan alot, I wish I had a vacation property to build it on.
Question for this and all the fixed foundation houses here…how are these houses modified to comply with California’s rigorous siesmic codes? Has anyone ever tried building one in the Golden State?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 9:22 am:
This house surpasses those requirements. There are a few of my designs in California, now.
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Tim reply on August 23rd, 2009 10:53 am:
I have always believed that a small, tasty home design is the way to go. On the Sonoma Coast where I live and sell real estate, these low-impact designs would fit in perfectly. Especially with a pier type foundation, as some of the ocean view parcels I deal with have some type of slope.
These are an inspiration.
Keep up the good work.
Tim McKusick
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:18 am:
Thanks, Tim. I imagine them out there every time I go out to The Sandpiper for lunch.
I can see this with lots of cool deck around it. : )
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Ellie reply on July 2nd, 2009 6:58 pm:
That’d be awesome.
I think this house is really well-suited for that. Good idea. ~
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I dreamed of a tiny house before I was two years old (believe it or not) My tiny house only had a bed , wood cook stove, cook table ,and swing on the tiny porch. The field where it sat had yellow wheat growning on the hillside. It must have been from memories of one of the many rental houses I lived in with my Mama and Daddy when I was very small.
Thanks for making my simple childhood dreams come true, in these tiny houses.
Virginia Headrick Garrison age 68 ,but don’t look it!
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Gloria Morris reply on January 3rd, 2009 10:23 am:
I loved your comment, Virginia. I am 63 and just retired and looking
for affordable housing. I live on an island in Alaska where land is
pricey and I would love to stay here in a small home. I am trying to
track down where/who to go to and have one built. How do you like
your tiny home? Do you ever get claustrophobic?
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I surely second the previous comment regarding value of one-level living space given dramatic aging of population. As 76 million baby boomers reach older age, many will be looking for homes without stairs.
Jay, are there actual models of the houses you’ve designed and built that one can travel to and see? Would be most interested . . .
Also, other than one in British Columbia, are you aware of tiny houses for vacation rental so one can get a sense of living in one firsthand?
Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:55 pm:
I currently have only my Epu to show here in Sebastopol. I will be building a New Vesica (like Loring but turned sideways) model soon for my wife, Marty, as we begin a whole village of tiny houses. She has agreed to open her house once a month too.
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Joaquin Trevino reply on June 9th, 2009 7:51 am:
Tiny house village!? Where? =D
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Andrew Wheeler reply on July 7th, 2009 8:57 pm:
I was planning the same village idea. I am the King of my Micronation with my friend and we are trying to find a way to get affordable housing for our citizens when we expand to a much larger property. And this is a very good one for the Head of State when you put if viewing all others. Maybe one day you can say my plans are the blueprints of a Royal Building.
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Mike Lord reply on December 27th, 2008 5:58 pm:
Hi Dree -
I live in BC too. Do you mind telling me the name of the company or web site that offers tiny cabins for rent? much appreciated and best of the holidays to you and Happy New Year!
Mike
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I wonder if a second floor can be installed or stack two of them?
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I mean stacking the Z-glass house
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:48 pm:
I see no reason why not. You would just have to add a spiral stairway to the plan.
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Louise reply on October 23rd, 2008 5:17 am:
It would be fantastic if you could design plans with a 2nd story w/ 2 extra bedrooms and a bathroom; perhaps offset to the the plumbing side of the building.
As JW stated, the modern aesthetic of this design is very appealing. It is really is beautifully simple.
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bronwyn reply on December 9th, 2008 6:19 pm:
But would it still be a tiny house with an extra bathroom and 2 more bedrooms?
How much more of a carbon footprint with each additional bathroom?
Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 4:07 pm:
As I see it, even a 5,000 square foot house is small so long as the space inside is well designed and well used. When I drive thru the suburbs I like to imagine that each house has an entire village living in it. It makes things more palatable.
Joyce Coady reply on March 5th, 2009 4:45 pm:
You’re already redesigning the ‘tiny concept’ house into suberbia large……please!
Tyson reply on August 3rd, 2009 10:42 pm:
You could also adjoin a second one on the same level in various ways, my favorite as a T off the back living room window wall, then yet another one off the end of that, completing an H…
The possibilities for organic (as-needed) expansion and modular prefabrication are strong with this one.
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Lynne reply on December 14th, 2008 8:13 pm:
Re stacking two…? Ask the company if the lower would bear the wieght. It’s not a given.
If you like the look of two stacked…? Do a web search “house shipping container”.
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Me reply on May 6th, 2009 8:55 pm:
Stacking two of these together would make 600square feet. Not quite ’suberbia’ sized.
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I think that with a little work this can be the home of the centry baby!!!!!!!!
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I am so impressed with not only the Z-House, but all the tiny homes. I would like to see the furnishings for the Z-House along with a listing of where to buy those products i.e. stove, refrigerator, toilet, cabinets, etc. or anything else which goes inside to make it a home. Thank you for coming up with such great designes!
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Kekky reply on February 21st, 2009 3:44 pm:
Actually, if you go to one of the larger IKEA’s they have micro-sized home spaces set up that you can walk through for ideas - from 200 to 600-some square foot spaces. And of course you can buy everything right there.
And… if going farther afield, the idea of micro-houses or “kyosho jutaku” as they are known in Japan has inspired a number of stores that specialize is furniture and accessories for compact space living. So… the next time you hapen to be visiting Tokyo… lol
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I really like this design. It’s very similar to the WeeHouse and C. Deam SoHo Glassic cottages. The Z-Glass may be a more flexible and affordable alternative for those who prefer something site-built.
My house is pretty big, and although I love my house, I think if I could do it all over again, I’d go with something more maintainable and sustainable like this Z-Glass home. Times are getting pretty tough now. Little homes like this that require less work and money are going to be the next smart trend!
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ML: For smaller appliances, you might check out http://www.tinyliving.com/store. I haven’t used them yet, but I have looked over their site (which I originally heard of after it was referred to in Dwell or one of those types of mags) and it seems to be full of useful small appliances like stoves, fridges and water heaters. Prices weren’t bad considering. Nothing on cabinets, though …
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Jenny Slagle reply on November 3rd, 2008 7:35 pm:
I suggest considering workshop/garage cabinetry, as you build.
it’s immensely more cost efficient - is certainly durable - and if your sensibilities are modern, fits perfectly!
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bronwyn reply on December 12th, 2008 5:44 pm:
Thanks. I guess I wanted to know–as I have a really hard time imagining dimensions–what the actualy carbon footprint is for one of your bathrooms. I can imagine two possiblities: one “full” bath (i.e. you can bathe/shower in it) and one with just toilet and washbasin.
Also, I am interested in the possiblity of recycling grey water via gravel and certain plantings (there are places working on this in Costa Rica.)
Best.
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I am extremely impressed with your use of space. I currently live full-time in a traditional RV and was just telling my husband last year how much of a lack of creativity I see in traditional RV’s. I, myself, was designing a “rolling home” with a vaulted ceiling and a sleeping loft, but of course I am no professional. However, I came up with an idea you may be able to use. I began thinking about what the function of a wall is exactly. A wall is in place to help lend structural integrity and also partition off areas. So, in place of building a wall, why not use a floor-to-ceiling section of a one-foot by one-foot cubicles made of attractive polyurethaned wood to act as a wall where privacy is not of the utmost importance. It would not only lend structural integrity, but would also allow for the partitioning off of an area without closing it in too much and give that much more storage space. If privacy is an issue, you can always skin over one side.
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i love the z glass house it is my favorite design however i wondered where the furnace and water heater would go as well as if you had another way of heating it in mind???? thank you for your god given talent
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Sean Klosky reply on October 22nd, 2008 11:04 pm:
For the water heater, there are a number of tankless water heaters that can attach directly to the water pipe you need heated. These are nice since it doesn’t “store” any hot water (wasteful) and is ready on demand.
Check these out here:
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Navigation?storeId=10051&categoryID=502663&langId=-1&catalogId=10053
Sorry for the long link. If this doesn’t work, just Google “tankless water heater”
Sean
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Thomas "David" Franklin reply on November 9th, 2008 4:34 pm:
Why use a furnace at all. I recently used flat flexible plastic radiant heating panels behind Sheetrock for my primary heating source from http://www.Calorique.com this is a fantastic product and it is the cleanest heat.
If I could buy this company i would
T. David Franklin
Clarksburg, WV
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If it were me, I would use an encased black hose coiled on top of the roof for a water heater, but of course I live in South Texas. As long as you don’t live in too cold of a climate, it’s effective, cheap, and easy to install, and as long as you do it professionally, not unattractive. Otherwise, I believe RV supply companies have water heaters that are small and heat the water as you use it, so a large holding tank is not necessary. Not sure how they work, but I’ve had family members rave about them.
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fawna reply on December 22nd, 2008 3:56 pm:
I know in some south american companies they have some type of contraption that connects to the shower that heats the water as you use it. It has some type of switch where you can turn the heater off/on.
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Paul Guyon reply on December 23rd, 2008 4:14 am:
I used one of these during a trip in Scotland about six years ago. The amount of heat you get depends on the flow. For a hotter or warmer shower, you have to turn the faucet down, instead of up like we’re use to. If it’s too hot, you have to turn the faucet up to increase the flow of water. It’s counter to what we are use to. My experience is it doesn’t take much effort to figure them out, but came close to a scalding the first time. Guess this could be a legal liability problem for the makers.
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Nate reply on August 11th, 2009 5:58 pm:
I used electric showerheads nearly exclusively for a couple years in Bolivia. Here’s a pic (with text in Spanish):
http://www.blogdeviajes.com.ar/articulos/el-terror-a-las-duchas-electricas
They function by shooting an electric current through the water as it passes through the showerhead. Needless to say, occasional mild electric shocks should be expected - most of mine occurred when I somehow bumped the metal spigot. Mr. Guyon is right: for a given electrical current, the only way to ‘turn up” the heat is to “turn down” the water flow. Frankly, the ones I used simply never got anywhere near scalding - or maybe they just didn’t seem that way by the time I turned the water down so much on cold mornings.
“Legal liability” is not so much of a concern where electric showers are typically used, so caveat emptor. I don’t know about finding them for sale in the US, electrical usage/efficiency, nor adapting them to 110v, if necessary.
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Great little houses here!
Regarding the Z-Glass, can you describe the roof in terms of how it sheds snow and/or water? Looks like to have a relatively flat top just curious as I live in a part of Colorado that has some pretty heavy snowfall here and there.
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:23 am:
It’s got something like a 1:12 pitch and a 40 psf. snow load that can be easily doubled with bigger rafters. I prefer steeper gables in particularly snowy areas, but, if you must have modern, this will certainly do the job well.
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Tessa Ricar reply on November 1st, 2008 2:28 am:
Add a Murphy bed and build in some other furniture, and this is a dream house. But my property is at 6,500′ in northern AZ and I am also concerned about both snow load and insulation values. I think the county would approve the design if it had a saltbox roof (affording a small attic). However, what do you have for R-values for the walls/roof and E-value for the glass?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 1st, 2008 4:37 pm:
19 Rs in the floor, 11 Rs in the walls and 35 Rs in the roof come standard on all stationary houses. That’s more than enough to meet most standards, but, if you want to beef it up, that poses no problem.
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Lian Brehm reply on August 14th, 2009 8:13 am:
R-11 in the walls is not standard and not code -I think that the current MINIMUM R value is 26. R-11 for walls is substandard! Is R-11 the insulation value itself, or the value of the wall assembly? Since this house is on stilts, the floor also should be a MINIMUM of R26. Also 2 x 4 construction should require actual thermal bridging -a minimum for any climate/region - 2 x 6 would be closer to adequate, and still required thermal bridging to get to sustainable deep energy savings.
Matt reply on August 14th, 2009 1:24 pm:
>>>R-11 in the walls is not standard and not code -I think that the current MINIMUM R value is 26. R-11 for walls is substandard! <<<
That’s a statement made pretty assertively for one that is incorrect.
Insulation requirements are specified in the Energy Conservation Code and are either R-13 or R-19, depending on the region.
However, in most (if not all) places, the ECC doesn’t apply to a structure that doesn’t have central heat and/or air conditioning. These tiny houses are no more subject to the ECC than a shed (which is to say, they aren’t subject at all).
david lindsey griffin reply on December 28th, 2008 9:47 pm:
Did you get an answer to your question about the loadbearing capabilities of the roof on this house that you could understnad? I am thinking about this house for upstate New York where we have some heavey snow fall. I got the part of installing more rafters, but would that be enough?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 1:44 am:
The roof of the Z-Glass is designed to hold 40 pounds of snow p.s.f., but it can be beefed up to as much as 100 simply by increasing the size and number of rafters.
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wow man..this is the home of my dreams…
modern, practical and tiny!!!!
big windows too!!!! i love it!!!!
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Restrictions on our property requires at least 700 sq. ft. to build. Can this plan be easily enlarged to meet our associations specs on minimum building size (also must have a basement!)
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Jay Shafer reply on October 21st, 2008 2:16 pm:
I suggest two of them connected by a deck with a basement foundation instead of piers.
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Ellie reply on July 2nd, 2009 7:31 pm:
That’s a weird restriction. Why do they require a minimum square footage?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 4th, 2009 6:13 pm:
Revenue.
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Wow, I think you are a genius!
I love the idea of a smaller home and learning to live with less. I am not a home owner yet, so this gives me another option to look into!
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I love this home. Is there a home one can visit to see it in the ’steel’ so to speak. Would certainly be interested in buying the plans but would want to see it live first. Thanks.
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The Z-Glass is a great desert house. I live in southern Nevada, & flat roofs are the most functional (less area for the sun to shine on) Steel sides are a great idea, nothing rust here.
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Hi. Can you design tiny houses for tropical places. Ones that can be classified as low cost track housing?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 28th, 2008 3:12 am:
I could modify my designs to fit even better and more affordable in a tropical climate.
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Maya reply on January 28th, 2009 12:57 am:
Eric, in Indian Rocks Beach, Fla (near the Tacky Turtle!) they have tiny key west houses for rent. They almost look like little doll houses.
Also in Blowing Rock, NC there are some tiny cabins right in town. You can rent a motel room or one of these tiny adorable cabins, from the same place. Perhaps the chamber of commerce has pictures.
Either of these small places could help someone get the feeling of reduced living spaces. The idea is more appealing every day!
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I love the idea of buying a tiny house and getting off the grid. I don’t own a car, ride a bike only and i live in san francisco. any suggestions on a good place to park this baby in the bay area. a place where i could do some food growing would be great too.
thanks,
sophie
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:25 pm:
Backyards, rooftops, orchards, fields, pontoons and barges come to mind first.
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sophie jasson-holt reply on October 27th, 2008 9:54 pm:
I love your idea but something a little more concrete. Do you have any idea on how many other folks in the Bay area that are actually using Backyards, rooftops, orchards, fields, pontoons and barges in the Bay area to park a house.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 11:27 pm:
Nothing specific. Sorry.
Nice work. I’ll be getting in touch, shortly.
cheers,
jh.
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I would love to actually see the z-glass, is there anyone that I can visit and view?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 7:56 pm:
Not yet, Traci. The first set of plans was purchased just a few weeks ago, so it’s unlikely to be finished yet. I’m excited to see those composite shots repaced with pcs. of the real thing. They always look better when finished.
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Joaquin Trevino reply on June 9th, 2009 7:57 am:
That would be fantastic
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A question for those over 6 feet tall. Any plans that have slightly larger dimensions? For example, I am as tall as your loft space at its highest. Also thinking wider/higher doors, higher ceilings. I can’t be the first to ask this! Thanks for a great website. Brian
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 9:34 pm:
We’ve stretched out the teeny ones for tall folks by adding 4″ in height. Just make a note when you order.
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Could the Tarleton be pulled by a 6 cylinder Jeep Wrangler?
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Do you think it would be possible to put this on wheels? Like on a mobile home frame or something? I love the idea of the others on wheels but they don’t have quite enough space. Thanks!
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Laina reply on October 28th, 2008 3:27 am:
Also, I live in northern Minnesota-meaning really cold winters. How do these houses fair in our climate? Are they insulated well and have large enough heaters?
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Any future plans for incorporating the use of metal shipping containers, 20′ or 40′ to your lineup of quality living spaces?
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Just curious if below the steel siding is sort of a traditional type stick frame. I think the steel exterior sort of throws me off on what its made of.
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love this house. does anyone know anyone (or have you yourself) built this house? if so where?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 29th, 2008 4:10 pm:
The first set of plans was purchased two weeks ago.
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a virtual tour of each size house would be ideal same thing as you had done for your own tiny house would be great!
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Can one put a Z-glass on a home’s garage rooftop?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 30th, 2008 9:34 pm:
In most cases, yes, but check with an engineer before you proceed.
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I live in southern california.
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[...] The architecture, both the modern and the traditional, is lovely and on [...]
i love this design. i showed my parents and they like this house too. my mom is consittering purchesing this home. is it safe to move this specific house more than once?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 1st, 2008 4:53 pm:
Yes. It can be built on a trailer and moved as much as you please without incident.
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Foundation plans are not included in the package. It would be nice to include foundation plans for a raised floor foundation down to 12 inch frost depth for most people in the northwest to be able to use the larger tiny houses for permanent structures. Also, do they include an engineer’s stamp? Without an engineering and foundation diagrams, there would be additional drafting and engineering fees to get these houses built. Seems to me that you should get this with the package.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 14th, 2008 8:12 pm:
We include a foundation plan in every set of drawings.
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Can the Z-glass be modified to allow for 2×8 exterior walls for better insulation?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 15th, 2008 3:48 pm:
Yes. You can just do it once you receive the plans, or I’ll do it for $180.
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Id really love to see the photos of the first one, have you heard anything else about their build?
Matt (uk)
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Jay Shafer reply on November 15th, 2008 3:47 pm:
Nothing yet, Matt.
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Are the interior walls on the Z-Glass load bearing?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:16 pm:
Nope.
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What type of frame is used for this house?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 19th, 2008 8:53 pm:
2×4s.
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Hi, I’m Jon and I’m in the U.S. Army, and I’m pretty sure this would be an ideal home for us on the go military guys! all the homes are attractive and could be moved anywhere. I was just kind of wondering if you had some type of reward plan for referrals purchases. I’m also thinking if I had the materials to do it, I could get a large number of referrals easier with brochures etc. that explain how everything works, and how affordable and portable these homes are.
Thanks,
~PFC Jon D.
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Daniel reply on November 21st, 2008 10:48 am:
I’m in the military too and looking at building a variation of the Epu sometime after I return from Afghanistan. If you build one, I wish you luck!
~Dan
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Is it possible to have plans enlarged 100%. Also modified for thick walls and heavy snow load? I know its not the tiny house concept but I need it to be wheelchair accessible and think that will be as small as it could possibly be and still be accessible. What would be the additional cost?
Thanks,
BC
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Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 4:52 pm:
We could do that for an additional $200.
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Happy Thanksgiving! Are the three glass “windows” also sliding doors? I’m thinking in terms of putting a deck out there - even the possibility of connecting two Z glass houses by deck.
Thanks,
Libby
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Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 4:11 pm:
They aren’t, but they easily could be.
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Please, please - interior photos. Just enchanted with this house!!!
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what is the roof on this? I see no drainage. What about some additional exterior photos including one of the roof.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:48 pm:
The roof is slightly pitched. We’ll post more photos as they become available.
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what about the production inspection and building code requirments for this type of houses? as same as the permanent house inspection? thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 5:50 pm:
This one could actually be classified as a “park RV” if it is built on a mobile home chassis. That means no expensive permitting. I am planning to start building all of the ones under 400 s.f. as RVs.
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Tessa Ricar reply on January 14th, 2009 1:12 pm:
Jay, could you give a W.A.G. on what it would cost to transport this as a mobile to northern AZ? Also, what the package itself would cost? And, would you still do modifications? I assume I would have to get someone local to set it up. Thanks a bunch.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 15th, 2009 5:15 pm:
We don’t normally build the Z-Glass, but sell the plans. That said, we could presumably build it and deliver it for less than $75,000.
Sandra Walker reply on April 29th, 2009 11:03 pm:
You’ve stated you are building <400 s.f. ones as RV’s. I am signed up for the Boulder class. Will you have these plans for us to see/buy at this class? Also, WHERE is the class to be held in Boulder?
Thanks,
Sandra Walker
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Jay Shafer reply on April 30th, 2009 8:29 am:
If you remind me the week before I leave to brig those plans I’ll do so. Just post the reminder here.
I’ll be in a Hampton Inn meeting room.
Sandra Walker reply on May 1st, 2009 9:59 pm:
Where we sign up for the Boulder class it says you will be at the Homewood Suites by Hilton but you just wrote you’ll be at the Hampton Inn. Which is the correct location so I can reserve a room…thanks!
Sandra Walker
Jay Shafer reply on May 2nd, 2009 9:32 pm:
I meant the Homewood. The Hampton Inn is in a different town. Sorry.
Sandra Walker reply on May 23rd, 2009 5:15 pm:
Jay…you asked me to remind you one week ahead to bring your new plans for houses less than 400 square feet as R.V.’s to our Boulder class this coming weekend. Thanks in advance and see you there! Sandra Walker in Texas
Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:38 am:
I’m sorry I waited so long to get to these comments that I’m in Cheyenne already without the plans. Not to worry, though. I can draw them up from memory and show you that way.
I saw a tiny stove mounted on the wall of you tiny house.
What type of stove is that?
What does is burn?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 5:39 pm:
It’s a propane stove from Dickinson Marine.
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I can see three of these grouped around a central open area and a standard roof thrown over the whole thing to create a really interesting indoor/outdoor living space.
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Ellie reply on July 2nd, 2009 8:01 pm:
Wow. The mental image I got for that was awesome in itself. Great idea! =D
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Hey,
I am really into these tiny homes. One question though… my favorite would be the Z Glass house. What is the cost of this structure? If I lived in New York how could you transport it and at what cost? Thank you and keep up the good work…
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 3:20 pm:
At this point we only sell plans for the houses over 120 square feet.
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Hey Jay,
LOVE your ideas! These houses are adorable, and I really like this model. One floor efficient, just superb. Are you planning on offering this is a slightly larger size? I really need to have my own washer/ dryer, and also have a home sauna with a 4′x5′ footprint.
Where is the community of tiny homes that you’re building, and will you be offering those for sale?
Please take care and have a wonderful holiday season!
Barbara Byrnes
Longview, WA
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Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:19 pm:
I have no plans for a larger version, but it’s easy to connect more than one with a deck or by setting one on top of or next to the other.
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I purchased your plan book a week ago or so. I like all of your house plans but I like the Z house best. Some of my questions about size and heating have been answered by other people’s questions and your answers. However I live in the Washington DC area and it is very hot and humid in the summer. I don’t see air conditioning addressed anywhere. Is that in the plans or is it something that would be an “add on” that I would have to get a local HVAC place to plan/install?
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Donna F. reply on December 26th, 2008 4:36 pm:
Angela,
In other blogs, Jay has stated that a small window unit will fit into the loft windows. =)
I will put a skylight in like Dee Williams did, and put an air-conditioner in the loft window (I live in Alabama and the summers get HOT, plus I might also go to Houston where the air is so thick you could cut it with a knife at times!)
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Angela Dunavant reply on December 29th, 2008 3:52 am:
Donna F.,
Thanks for your reply. I will look at the other blogs.
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Andrew J reply on December 29th, 2008 6:20 pm:
This has been a very large concern for me as well. I live in north Alabama where we could get by without a heater, but air conditioning is an absolute necessity.
I only wonder how efficient a window unit would be at cooling these tiny houses; I suppose it depends greatly on where it is placed. I also have vanity issues with the rather unsightly protuberance of window units.
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Donna F. reply on December 29th, 2008 6:52 pm:
Hi Andrew J.
You might check out this for the air conditioning that doesn’t need to take up a window. I know, I’m the same as you…I like the central air look. This particular unit is 12,000 BTU…I’m sure with all that insulation you will feel nice relief from that Hot Alabama sun!
http://www.compactappliance.com/AP12000S-EdgeStar-Extreme-Cool-12000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner/AP12000S,default,pd.html?cgid=Air_Quality-Portable_Air_Conditioners-Residential_Units
Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 4:51 pm:
Donna F., you save me so much time by helping out with responses. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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Donna F. reply on January 2nd, 2009 1:34 am:
Hi Jay!
You are SO welcome! Thank YOU for your good work here! I’m starting a new job next week, and my goal is to save all this year to be able to build the Lusby (or Tarleton) for me and my 12 year old to live in. You and Dee are SUCH inspirations to me…especially Dee, being a 40-ish lady like myself and building it herself!
For the meantime, I’m constantly on your website here seeing what else new is being said, and I’m seeing that a lot of the same questions are being asked on several different house blogs. I feel like you are answering the same question over and over again. Perhaps it’s time to add those to the FAQ list?
I’ll be on here considerably less when I start my new job, but I am so glad that my answering those questions was a help to you!:)
And thank you for turning me on to a new lifestyle…imagine…mortgage and rent free!!
Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 5:06 pm:
A window unit or free sanding A.C. will work.
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The Z house is awesome from the outside. Can’t wait to see the finished product from the inside. Living in San Francisco, I pay 25k/per annum in rent, fees et al: building the Z-house would relieve this burden making my American-dream of home ownership possible. But, unfortunately, the overweaning problem for any Bay Area renter-cum-Tumbleweed wannabe is where-to-put-it!! The cost is cheap but money buys land. Nevertheless, the designs are a piece of the American pie whatever way you wanna slice it.
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[...] that, the ideal house was something like this - extremely small - placed out in the middle of a prairie somewhere in [...]
[...] mods were all small functional bare bones no frill homes when they were built. Jay’s Z-glass model is a no frills modernist cube. It’s not a lifestyle for everyone, but I sell a lot of 800 to [...]
I love the tiny house idea! My favorite house is the Harbinger, but the layout of the Z -Glass would be better for me as it has a real first floor bedroom and no need to climb to any other levels. (I too am getting older.) However, I’m not a “modern” person, and I’d prefer a more traditional bungalow look (and a woodstove — in upstate NY, AC isn’t necessary if you have operable windows, but you’ve gotta have a woodstove!). Possibly a future tiny-house design could feature a welcoming front porch and front windows, a first-floor bedroom, no ladders or steps, and include some facility to wash clothes. I’ll keep checking back!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 31st, 2008 4:32 pm:
You’re talking about the new Whidbey. It looks like the Harbinger, but has a bedroom downstairs. I intend to put it in the new book and post it on the site soon.
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Mr. Shafer:
I own a Streng Brothers home here is Sacto (a poor man’s Eichler) which I adore. It has 10 foot exposed beam ceilings, great room and walls of glass floor to ceiling looking into the back yard.
I love that your Z Glass is kind of a “mini-me” version of my own home. I have two questions:
What is the ceiling height?
Is the $695 price tag the cost of the blueprints?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 4th, 2009 11:13 pm:
1) 8′.
2) Yes.
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i first saw these homes in Parade Magazine just a few months ago.
I really love this idea. we are 79 and 64 yrs old. the z house is great. EDNA IN NORTH CAROLINA
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Im guessing not hurricane proof I live in Florida
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 7:34 pm:
I’d recomend one with less glass.
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Can you make the ceiling taller, 12 -13′ maybe?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 6:24 pm:
That could be done.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 8:11 pm:
Yes.
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Would it be possible/advisable to make the following modifications to the plans for the Z-Glass : turning the living room window into the front door with sliding glass doors; not having an additional door,
and making the space where the heater is currently as a place to put a small wood-burning stove perhaps a potbelly stove?
And how much extra for the modifications?
thanks so much for your vision in this company. Its given us “simple is better” folk more options in this fast pace world.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 21st, 2009 12:42 am:
Sounds great. I could modify the plans for $100.
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Are the plans written for this to be built on a homemade rv frame? I like the idea of not needing permiting. Also, is the one in the picture on an rv frame suspended in the air? Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 5:10 pm:
The plans show it on a pier foundation, but it would be easy to build it on wheels instead.
The New Popomo looks a lot like the Z-Glass but smaller. The plans do depict it on wheels.
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As I have said before I like this plan the best and have found ( but don’t own yet) the perfect lot for it. I have been blocking off the room dimensions of each room of this house in my currant house to get a feel of the “actual” room size. This blocking off has been very interesting. Space isn’t wasted in the Z-Glass house (or any of the others). Space IS wasted in my current house!
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 5:27 pm:
That’s a great way to get a feel for a space, Angela. It’s how I do it as I design.
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I love the Z-glass plan. I want one, it is a goal of mine now to have one in the future. I have a Wilding wallbed where I live currently, and a queen or double would fit and function perfectly in the Z-glass home. I would recommend to anyone wanting to put a wallbed into their tiny home to get one too if you want a solid, classy, quality wall bed that can have a fold down desk too. I use mine every day and they are wonderful… check them out… http://wallbedsbywilding.com/
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Jay,
Has anyone build a Z-Glass house yet? If so, do you have any contact info or links to share?
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Beverly reply on February 21st, 2009 6:02 am:
I’m living/working and saving my dollars in Korea in order to return to East Texas and build a small home. I love the Z. Perfect size and its design is clean.
Not understanding a couple of things.
1) The kitchen. Assuming the dotted box closest to the door is fridge? The other dotted box? And the little box between kitchen sink and tub?
2) (Might be the same answer), what’s with the heating and cooling options? Water heater/furnace/air?
3) Are the two spaces at the front door simply closets? (As in, they could one or both be shelves for books, TV/music etc?)
Also, I think I can see a stained glass door flush with the front wall that would save somespace and be beautiful…
Hope to build this in 2012.
Kudos on the design.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:32 am:
1) One’s a Washer/dryer and the other’s a water heater.
2) A gas heater is located in the main room.
3) One’s a closet and one’s a desk with shelves above it.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:04 am:
Not yet, but I know at least one is being built.
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Your site is loading very s—l—o—w and no picture of the zhouse or the floorplan comes up as of this date. it used to work.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 11:24 pm:
Thanks for letting me know. I forwarded this to Steve, so it should get fixed soon.
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Please tell me you are doing a workshop in TX again this year!! I couldn’t make the one is Austin last year.
I am fond of the Z-glass, but don’t want a metal box. I am thinking wood, like a cabin, reclaimed wood siding, flooring and paneling for walls. I am also thinking solar roofing material, tank-less water heater, a water well, radiant heating through the floors, a composting toilet and a wind turbine to harness the winds of west TX. I have the land and can foresee a 50 home community on my 50+ acres. I haven’t figured out the cooling yet, but in west TX, that will be a necessary issue to solve. I want to be efficient, sustainable and off grid.
I have my own design, sort of a square box, ~400 sf, but I want to go to a workshop to make sure I am covering all the bases and that my design is sound. If not, I’ll probably buy the Z-glass plans and modify them.
If I can’t come to a workshop, would purchasing some of your consulting time cover critiquing my design and giving me pointers? The closest one is the one in Boulder and that is >10 hours from me, driving of course.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 14th, 2009 12:05 am:
Not just yet, Lydia. Your’re on the right track though. I hope to connect with you soon.
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I do not understand the appeal of this house. The other houses on this website are aesthetically pleasing, but I find the z-glass to be more of an eyesore. The pillars, material used, and square shape remind me of some type of industrial tree fort. I don’t mean to be harsh, but I really feel like this is not a positive contribution to communities, in comparison to the other houses, which definitely are.
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I take back some of what I said, actually, I understand that environmentally it’s a very good house. I just can’t get over the aesthetics of it. Eh, it’s probably just a personal preference, though, I’d delete my above comment but can’t.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 18th, 2009 1:57 am:
Oh, Bill. You fear hurting people’s feelings as much as I do. Thanks for the qualification.
I don’t like modernism as much either. There’s nothing like a well utilized, gabled roof to shed the elements and signify “home”. This house is for all those modernist “box freaks” out there.
Ok, now I’m just inviting hate mail. Please be gentle.
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Tessa Ricar reply on March 23rd, 2009 1:03 pm:
LOL. If you can’t critique your own design, who should be allowed to? You definitely thought outside your usual box w/ this one, but maybe it takes a village to raise a house?
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Tracy Roberts reply on May 1st, 2009 4:42 pm:
No hate mail here but how about a revision that allows for trailer building as well? With the front glass set back just a bit a folding deck could be added for protecting the windows during transport as well as a place for socializing on nice spring/summer evenings outside. A great place to enjoy the view depending on where you decide to park.
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Tracy Roberts reply on May 1st, 2009 4:47 pm:
I just looked through the Brochure and found what I was talking about. DUH!!!!! Read the material before opening mouth. LOL Good job Jay and disregard the previous comment.
Mandy reply on June 10th, 2009 9:41 am:
Yes, but for us modernist freaks, the Z-glass is a very good idea
We actually have a very similar build to 2 Z-glass being put into an L shape. The short leg is the bedroom/bathroom, then the long leg is the open room with one end being the kitchen. Then a deck in the open area of the L. Comes in just over 800 sq ft, plus a 350 sq ft basement, but need a little bit more room to allow the Great Dane and two Pit mixes enough room inside also and living in Nebraska, where we have things like tornados coming to visit, I like basements.
And the real reason for building a box - having a reconstructed knee at 26, life without stairs is pretty nice.
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Carole Cole reply on October 5th, 2009 3:09 pm:
well, Bill, to each his/her own. I’m an artist/craftsperson and this house appeals to me - why? Because I love the idea of not trying to outshine my environment. I’d like to put this house some place beautiful and not have to keep up a complicated paint job. I want a functional house that will fit into a beautiful setting and I love the simplicity of angles. This does it for me - although I’d probably design it with a more aesthetically pleasing finish on the exterior. Like I said, to each their own…
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Why not use a walk in shower in the bathroom and redesign the kitchen to be a “galley” style. More space could be then reclaimed for the main living room by doing this. Even in this small space, top quality appliances and finishes could be used. I like the use of windows here.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 18th, 2009 1:59 am:
You are so right. Revisions shall ensue.
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Tessa Ricar reply on March 28th, 2009 5:57 am:
Or after you convert from a tub to a shower, you could use the space left over for a clothes washer. If you have sufficient energy available, you could even install a small, apartment-sized stacked washer/dryer unit. Maybe I missed it, but I don’t recall seeing a clothes washer in any of your designs.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:38 pm:
All of the stationary ones have units under the counters, but they really don’t show up. Thanks for asking.
Carole Cole reply on October 5th, 2009 3:12 pm:
ohh ohhh - hey, add a hot tub room to compensate for not having a tub to soak in -
can you combine 2 of the z-glass houses to make one larger home? I’m very interested,just was given 2 acres in Kentucky and this would be perfect for me!!!!!!
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Jay Shafer reply on March 22nd, 2009 6:18 pm:
Yes. I’ve been dreaming of two together for a while now.
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Mary Gorman reply on May 1st, 2009 3:37 pm:
I, too, would like to see 2 z-glass houses stuck together in some modern-ist fashion…that size would be perfect for us…anything happened along those lines yet? (I see that these questions are older..maybe there is a better site for more current dialog??) thnx
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:22 am:
I’ve heard this from more than one person. I don’t think anyone’s done it yet, though.
what are the prices for the plans for the popomo???? and are you bringing the fencl on the tour also i want to come to iowaq city to see you in june thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:46 pm:
The plans are $995. I’ll be taking a Fencl with me on my trip to N.Y. this Spring.
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Question: how can the kitchen be 8×7 and the bathroom be 5×5? isn’t the bathroom more like 5×7? picky, I know, but…2 feet is a huge difference in a design this small. maybe it’s just a typo.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:54 pm:
Thanks for pointing that out, Patricia. As I recall, the bath is about 7×5 and the kitchen’s about 7×7.
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I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE Z-GLASS HOUSE COMES IN A LARGER SIZE
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Jay Shafer reply on April 25th, 2009 6:40 pm:
Nope. But I have put two together with a deck between before.
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I have loved this design for years. My former homes have been more traditional and that is part of the appeal of this one–change. I want to do something different/ I’m still not sure which house I will put on my land in Central Oregon but I keep coming back to the Z Glass. Thanks for offering a modern choice.
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Carole Cole reply on October 5th, 2009 3:14 pm:
YES - nice to see that I’m not the only one who sees this as a perfect home for Central Oregon. Land is cheap and a house on wheels is legal just about anywhere.
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Great design. Can these be stacked to make a 2nd floor?
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Sandra Walker reply on May 19th, 2009 9:21 am:
Yes JO they sure can.
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I’ve lived in huge homes and smallers ones. Being disbled forced me into a 680sq ft apartments, which at times is more than I myself need as I grow older. I suppose getting a permit to build it would be difficult unless you want to live in BFE, but for someone eho is single with a chronic illness, it’s a good idea. A thought would be an entire subdivision of these types of houses with association rules limiting occupancy to 2 people, one pet…there’s a money maker. While I like this one, the are all charming small houses.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:32 am:
Thanks, Dan.
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Linden reply on June 8th, 2009 3:25 am:
As a disabled wheelchair user I’ve been mulling on adaptations of this design, which would make it good for me. Often housebound I wouldn’t want to live in too small an area as I get stir crazy. However think a version of this stretched a bit to give 450sqft would be very adequate. I would go with the previous proposition of reversing the kitchen/bathroom and the wardrobes going at other end of bedroom. In addition, I would run a balcony the entire length of the front, with access from the livingroom, bedroom and kitchen. This would give me an exterior space to be in even when too ill to go out properly. Finally, I came up with a storage space by the front door accessed from the exterior as somewhere to store and recharge my wheelchair. This would only need to be about 3′6″ high so the rest of the height could be a store inside the main room.
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1) in the designs where you have two z-glass homes connected by decking, are they connected, or is it possible to do an L-shape? also, what rooms are included in the second z-glass as it wouldn’t make sense to have another kitchen and bathroom?
2) Would it be possible to place a green roof on top of the z-glass? Would it support the weight?
3) where can you purchase the rolled hot steel siding from? it beautiful, but i can’t seem to find a retail/wholesaler.
thanks for this great design!
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Sandra Walker reply on May 25th, 2009 4:52 pm:
Dear Eric,
Well I’m not Jay but since he’s on the road I thought I’d throw in my 2 cents worth. I want to build a couple of Z-glass too and am taking the Boulder class this weekend. I do know that the interior walls of the Z-Glass are not load bearing so you can configure this model any way you choose as long as you meet IBC codes. I’ve been playing around with building two of these and having a deck connect them. Maybe two seperate little houses or one having a kitchen, laundry and bathroom and the other a bedroom, living room and crafts/work area. I know you can physically connect them or set them any distance apart with a walkway/deck in any shape you want. They can also be stacked. A green roof would be cool too with help from an engineer. I’ve never seen him state where the steel walls come from but I want wood instead. I also want to make the roof extend out from the walls so it doesn’t look so much like a box and the windows will have some protection. You can also take out the big windows and use sliding glass doors. I may build a loft area at one end above a bed for extra storage. What appeals to me the most about this model is its ease of roof construction. This is a fast build to get it weathered in. Please share your ideas Eric, and TIA.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:48 am:
1) An “L” would work great.
2) It’s up to you, but I might either leave it wide open or divide it into two bed rooms.
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Any update on the interior photos for the z-glass? I noticed that the plans where bought a while back.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 5:00 am:
Not yet.
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Can I place one floor plan on top of the other? On the second level I would have a bedroom on each side with the center part open (tall ceiling) except for a railed walk space and a short set of stairs coming down the first fllor bedroom side (move that door a little back or forward). It seems a marvelous way to have a fabulous view and enough sleeping areas for a small family. Will it need much alteration to the plans beyond adding the catwalk and stairs? Thanks!
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[...] and for all you modern house lovers like me, don’t miss the Z-house. It is so minimalist and cool, but what is with that rusty siding they chose? « Camping [...]
I love all these houses and I’m endlessly fascinated by all of them; however, I’d be really grateful if you could get up some indoor pictures of the Tiny houses like you have with the Teensy ones. I’m curious to see how they all look inside, especially this one!
Thanks ~
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Clint reply on July 17th, 2009 2:49 pm:
I second that. I don’t mean to be impatient, but it’s been months since this question has been asked and haven’t seen anything yet. To be honest, It makes me want to start looking else where for my tiny house. Even though I love the Z Glass. Sigh…..
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chesapeake reply on July 19th, 2009 9:04 am:
Clint,
I know how you feel! But I believe the issue is simply that many of these homes are in the process of being built, and not by Jay himself, meaning people who have purchased the plans. Jay is at the mercy of those who complete their homes in a timely manner, and then wish to send in photos of their private residence.
I was confused for awhile as to how there could be such nice photos of the outside of the homes and none of the interior. Then I read that the Tiny homes (the bigger, non-mobile homes) are all computer renderings! My designer boyfriend didn’t believe me, and spent hours looking at each photograph for signs of a computer. Jay does such a fantastic job on the details of the renderings.
I also know that Jay spends hours on all the plans, and any house you build from them would be beautiful. But I understand wanting to view before purchasing! I’m sure Jay gets anxious to see the real-life manifestations of his paper and pencil creations as well.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 10:16 am:
Thanks for helping.
Clint reply on August 23rd, 2009 10:38 am:
Well heck. Their computer images!!!! Would have never thought in a million years!!! Thanks for the info. I’ll keep waiting.
Will there be issues with plumbing fixtures being located on exterior walls? Hot and cold water lines can rise from below, but the vent piping will have to be located inside the exterior walls (as “S” traps are not allowed in most areas). Some areas do allow air admittance valves, eliminating the need for vertical venting.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:28 pm:
We haven’t had any problems, yet.
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Lian Brehm reply on August 14th, 2009 8:00 am:
One fix for this is to put the venting and water lines inside a false wall, inside the building’s exterior envelope. This is a requirement in most plumbing codes especially in cold climate areas. S traps are prohibited because the do not protect the trap seal, you could add a combination waste and vent- which is a trap outlet going into an oversized branch drain with only one horizontal offset.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 11:54 am:
Thanks, Lian.
I love this design, and the siding. I think it looks perfect like it is - and am considering it for a studio space on my property. How is the siding attached, what do the connections look like and is the steel treated? How thick is the steel? Can I get it from a local supplier? I can’t seem to find much information on this kind of siding online. Is there a link?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 11:52 am:
A patina can be created on almost any metal with chemical treatments then sealed with incralac . The siding in this image has been photoshoped from some steel I photographed at a salvage yard. I’ve seen similar applications on several modern houses. See http://www.oskaarchitects.com/Projects/38/Delta-Shelter for one of my favorite examples and more information.
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If you are required to build a minimum sq footage, just tell them your not done yet and it will be 700 sq ft when your done. Or like in my situation, 845 sq ft. My plans are for several small structures connected with decks to total my 845 sq ft. May go ahead and do the foundation for all just to let them know my plans, and that I am building in stages. Where I am they consider anything under 400 sq ft with no plumbing or electric a storage building. And they do not care if you convert a storage building into a house either.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:19 pm:
Cool.
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I like the modern design and the scenery, but how would getting food, clothes, and other items work out? I don’t see a suitable place for a car to park. There are pipes and wires underneath the house, right?
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Wait, nevermind.
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I would love to see plans for this house with two or three together in order to expand later (as funds allow) and connected with deck.
Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 11:32 am:
This design was inspired, largely, by the Wee House. It’s creators have brilliantly done just as you suggest. See…http://weehouse.com/flash/SFWA_index.html#/weehouses/youngwh/1/
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One more thing. How mobile is house? Could I build for living now and then move it to retirement property later? That saves building two homes
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 11:32 am:
It’s only 14′ wide, so it’s very portable.
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Mrs. Clark,
Do i get extra credit for putting a comment up?
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how much does it cost??
&& you can paint it right?
and the pluming and everything is already working right?
how do you get electricity and water in there?
and yu need more pictures!
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I’ve live on less then 10,000$ a year so - I’ve got to find a affordable home if my dreams are ever going to happen. Nothings worse then paying rent - your at the mercy of the home owner. I love this design a lot - a few suggestions - the first can this be modified to use standard size framing of construction materials? - It would reduce costs because everything is pre cut for you. I’m also mildly claustrophobic - so a bit bigger would be preferred - how much do you charge to modify your plans for that. And I think I’m like 4 floors - one as a basement and a top level to live on as an outdoor living space. Can that be done?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:50 am:
The materials are standard sized. The rest could be done.
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In the Z - Glass house I suggest adding a upper outdoor living / flower pot type gardening space with a “L” shaped stairway leading down from the roof. Use the stairway as your personal gym. Make the following adjustments to create space in the main room. Lower level of stairs: treat as if they are like the high school bleachers: So they can be pushed under the mid point of the stairway to create more indoor living space when not in use. This has the following advantages: When the roof garden part of the house is not in use. Such as during winter: it creates a small walk in closet under the stars. Add where bedroom currently is.
Next to bath and toilet room after reversing the locations of bath and kitchen add the refigarater & freezer / and stacked washer & dryer. It saves walking around to put the cold stuff away and barrows kitchen space from the main room making the kitchen seem larger when in use. Along wall next to back of house add a fold out table as additional counter space
To open the place up remove all inteir walls with the exception of the bathroom and make the room taller - to create additional storage space create shallow pockets under the entire floor to store things in that are only used occasionally. In effect you have shallow boxed Attic under the floor.
I think these modifications well make the lovely home more user freindly. It creates a 400 sq ft outdoor living space on top and a 400 sq living space inside or 800 sq ft very compact home.
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I love the Z house much better than the Wee house. I am going to build a small modern house and the Z house just might be it! I’m looking forward to seeing completed projects.
Siding that might work for the Z house is the one Rocio Romero uses for her LV prefab houses, Kynar 500 galvanized steel from Unaclad http://www.unaclad.coM
A great kitchen idea for the Z house is the Circle Kitchen:
http://www.compact-concepts.com/englisch/index.html#
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I think your right about the circle stairway. I built a leggo model of the plans and comments people have made and it makes more since then my L stairway idea. Still as this design uses steel outer walls - is the entire home made of steel?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 29th, 2009 1:55 pm:
Nope. Wood framing.
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Great plans and great ideas for efficient and “economical” housing.
It just saddens me to see the prices of the plans themselves. Obviously it is a tremendous planset and is “best of breed”. Unfortunately it’s priced out of scale given the square footage of the homes.
As an example - my homes plan fees were $2120.00. 1943 sq feet. This includes an architect, structural and electrical engineers reviews and sign off.
$ .91 per square foot for all involved processes in the plans. And this is in the suburbs of Chicago.
Given that, your plans should run in the $120 range.
It’s just one of those things that see day in and day out in my profession. Rather than the betterment of men, it’s the betterment of the man (with the plan).
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Carole Cole reply on October 5th, 2009 3:22 pm:
I’m glad you had the nerve to bring this up. I’d only use it for inspiration. I never could follow a recipe to the letter…
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:37 pm:
Please see:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/the-cost-of-frugality/#more-675
and rephrase remaining concerns as a question.
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Can these plans to upgraded to steel framing? I’d feel safer with an earth upper floor with steel framing instead of wood. I am also green as possible and building from wood destroys wildlife communities that live in the trees branches. Ultimately - I can’t support using wood when it takes 15 to 50 years to grow trees in the first place and if people only want to work every 50 years - that’s fine - but it would be very hard to make a living that way. As far as planting new trees - they not plant the same species - they plant faster growing replacements. So beautiful trees move ever closure to extinction.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:44 pm:
Metal could be done.
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To anonymous: Does that mean you would expect plans for a 3880 square foot house to cost over $4,000? There are certain set costs associated with anything. That is why these small houses are not super cheap to build, as lot costs/permits/plumbing roughs/etc. costs remain essentially the same. To Mr. Pierce: The reason they plant faster-growing replacements is so they can harvest those instead of old-growth forests. I suppose you are not concerned over the forests, hills and streams that are destroyed strip-mining the iron ore and coal that is used to create steel? I’ve seen the strip mines in southern Ohio and West Virginia, not a pretty sight. And every year the runoff kills all the fish in the large stream close to where I lived.
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David Pierce reply on October 7th, 2009 3:08 pm:
I do care about strip mining a great deal - I don’t like it one bit - but I also know 75% of the metal is from recycled cars. In my case I’d use reused steel as much as possible. It will slow down the build but I’m using little new steel - so a great deal of the drawbacks are faced. One of the things I’m thinking about doing is using glass & crushed stone board walls - sand blasted to allow maxum light into the house. I’m not sure that would work yet. But I am thinking about it. Doing that would greatly cut down on how much steel was used.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 6:36 pm:
Good thinkin’, Lincoln.
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Bigrig -
I think the point was that the $ .91/square foot figure used in the comment was that that price included the engineering signoffs as well for the municipality. So that cost included more than just the plans. I’d think that’s a fair assessment of the posters intent.
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reminds me of the Marquand Retreat by the Miller|Hull partnership.
http://www.millerhull.com/htm/residential/Marquand.htm
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And yes- Bigrig is quite right, David. Mining is the most environmentally destructive practice human beings engage in.
Wood construction, as far as embedded energy is concerned, is considerably more sustainable (not to mention cheaper).
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David Pierce reply on October 13th, 2009 4:10 pm:
I know wood can be cheap - but if I did do wood type - I’d go with bamboo, rice paper or straw boards if at all possible as they are grass and not wood.
The real problem with wood is five fold. It takes 30 to 50 years to grow trees, a fire and you are using even more wood or 60 to 100 years to replace the wood in your house. The second is maintenance and bugs that eat wood - add about 10 % to the yearly cost of your house after about 5 years. 100 year old house and about 80% of the wood has needed to be replaced - at this point you’ve spent about 3 x the cost of your wood house. For me the last two matter the most - killing slow growth trees for the wood when some wildlife live on the food from that type of tree puts those species at risk. I cant do that to wildlife. The last is wildlife habitats - many animals live in the trees and old growth trees is the strongest trees they can live in. So all trees are a community for wildlife. So chopping down a tree is like burning someone’s town to the grown. It’s unethical - if you must use wood - reuse it or limit yourself to dead trees.
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Hello,
I’m quite interested in living in a tiny house; I just wish there were more photos of the interior of these homes…hope some can be made available in the near future. Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 6:36 pm:
I hope to devote more time to procuring the images soon.
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Dear Jay,
As a single mother of a 14 year old daughter; interested in living a sustainable lifestyle and paying astronomical rent; I am seriously interested in this housing alternative; however, what’s really holding me back is WHERE do I put my house? I want something in your 600 square foot range, but have no land, so I suppose I need to buy a plot of land? Are there certain communities/neighborhoods across the U.S. that are accommodating to these tiny dwellings that you can point me to? I am willing to relocate. Thanks for any infol.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 6:54 pm:
I design the 600 square footish ones to meet International Building Code, so, in theory, you could buy a plot and build one anywhere in the US or Canada. But then there are those pesky local amendments that so often pop up that dictate how small a house can be. There are a lot smarter areas that do allow for efficient design, though. Google “tiny house community” and you’ll most likely find something.
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Someone suggested reversing the bathroom/kitchen and the bedroom closet to make the house “private” on one side and all view on the other. Simpler: Reverse the front door and the window wall.
I *love* this house! When I buy my mountain property in N.M. (heh!), this is going on it.
Incidentally, it’s not necessary to build a pitched roof for snowy areas — the Pueblo Indians did just fine with flat roofs supported by hefty beams. But a high-pitched, corrugated tin roof is traditional in N.M. mountain villages too.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 9:10 pm:
Great minds think alike, Paula. I have been developing something just like that.
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