Art Cormier has followed a winding path from police officer to rock wall gym owner to Tumbleweed workshop presenter and Tiny House RV educator. We first discovered Art after he posted a series of YouTube videos explaining his Tiny House RV construction using SIPs (structurally insulated panels).

Art’s building with SIPs

Art completed his Tiny House RV in 2012 and is now parked in Lafayette, Louisiana. He is an avid climber, taking a month off every year to climb Yosemite. He’s even been featured on David Letterman for his “stupid human trick” of traversing a chair. 

You can watch the full tour of Art’s tiny here
(and be sure to watch until the end for a surprise)

Art’s Great Room with a Convertible Couch

A few facts about Art’s Tiny House RV:

  • 117 square feet
  • Built on an 18 foot trailer
  • Full porch
  • SIP (structurally insulated panel) construction which is extremely efficient and offers a high R-value 
  • Exterior siding is reclaimed Cypress
  • Interior lighting kept minimal with LED strips
  • Couch that converts into a bed for company

 Art’s Kitchen with a Hidden Chest Refrigerator 

Art’s Tiny Kitchen

How can a tiny kitchen be so minimal yet so innovative? Art’s kitchen features a chest refrigerator – cleverly hidden under a cutting board. His countertops, sink and backsplash are made from one custom piece of stainless steel. Art keeps his shelving and storage to a minimum stating: “If you build it, you will fill it.”  

Art’s Tiny Bathroom

A handmade Shoji-style door slides away to reveal Art’s tiny bathroom. The shoji door is lightweight, beautiful and allows for privacy while letting natural light shine through. The bathroom features a Nature’s Head composting toilet and a 32” x 32” fiberglass shower stall.

 Art’s Shoji-style Sliding Bathroom Door

Heating and Cooling

In Lafayette Louisiana, air conditioning is a necessity. Art’s Tiny House RV is equipped with a compact window unit air conditioner (he’s not even sure they make them that small anymore). In the winter, he heats his tiny with a plug-in space heater.

Art & his Tiny House RV / Photo credit: Tiny House Giant Journey

Art claims that in the dead of the winter (in Louisiana it gets down to the mid-20s), he pays less than $1 a day to heat his home. When you only have 117 square feet with a high R-value, and you’re located in the south, that’s enough!

If you want to read more about heating options for tiny spaces, click here. For off-grid heaters, click here.

Art in his Loft

What’s your favorite part of Art’s Tiny House RV?

Watch the full video tour here.

More tips and tricks from Art Cormier on his Tiny House RV website.

Art & his Tiny House RV / Photo credit: Tiny House Giant Journey