No matter how many energy-saving features are built into a house, size is a central factor in energy consumption both for construction and maintenance, and this has led to the increasing popularity of very small homes. The Fencl - Jay Schafer of Tumbleweed Tiny Houses is an eye-catching 130 sq ft home built on a standard 7’ X 18’ trailer bed. Designed and kitted in Sebastopol, CA, it weighs about 6,000 lb, meets all highway regulations, such as electric brakes, lighting, maximum height (13’6”) and width (8’), and can be moved by a large pick-up truck without a special license. Tumbleweed sells the finished Fencl for $54,000 FOB Sebastopol, and this one was built with purchased plans (US$859), all paid labour and finished to a high standard for about $45,000. Using recycled materials, lower quality finishing and one’s own labour the cost could be reduced significantly.
Construction is 2x4 with eleven custom-made windows. All walls, floor and roof are insulated with 3.5” of polystyrene (R = 17.5), roof is double-V metal. Lighting is standard 110v supplied by an outdoor extension cord. Hot water for shower and sink are provided by an outside-mounted on-demand propane water heater. Winter heat is from a stainless steel wall-mounted marine grade propane heater. The outside is finished with 1x6 cedar bevel siding and a double-V metal roof. The interior is finished to a very high standard in t&g pine, clear fir trim and a solid oak t&g floor, with many custom features. All storage spaces are custom-built.
The kitchen
(6’x4’) has ample shelving and cupboard space, sink and a two burner propane stove top. A small electric fridge is located under the counter. Ceiling height (under loft) is 6’3”.
The living room (7’6” x 6’6”) is flooded with light from all the windows surrounding the front of the house, and combined with a vaulted ceiling gives a larger-than-actual feel. There is a modest storage space above the bay window.
The loft/bedroom (peak height 3’8”) is large enough to fit a queen size bed (but this house is a little small for 2 people) and has an opening window. The mattress is foam that it can be easily moved through the smaller openings. Access is by a stowable ladder.
The bathroom (6’x3’) has a separate shower (on-demand propane heater) and space for a toilet (either composting or connected to a sewage system), but no sink.
Owners: Vivian Chenard, Alan Martin
Builders: Joel Lorencz, Holger Schramm and others
Custom windows by Weather Guard Windows and Doors (Jack Derish), Nanaimo, BC.
