When thinking about efficiency in terms of house building you most often come across words like space and energy (besides the obvious money concern; but they relate to each other). The Sebastopol, California based residence is a perfect example that you can have a perfect mix of all the above. With all kind of clever improvements and appliances, it can space a couple with a small dog, making it perfect for persons who want to start a family but don’t really want to settle. What do we mean by that? Well, the Tiny Project is built on a trailer, allowing the home-owner to change the scenery as he or she pleases.

The whole concept of the tiny home revolves around increasing efficiency and saving as much energy as it can. With 10 windows and a full-glass door the design of the home lets all the natural light come in, reducing the need for a high lighting bill. Stainless appliances use propane for heating and cooking, along side compact washer and refrigerator connected to a grid that makes the house perfect for plug-and-use with an extension cord from a main electric unit, where you station.

Alek Lisefski designed the 8×20′ tiny house on wheels to consume low amounts of materials and really blend in with the environment. He built the entire home himself, using sustainable ponderosa pine for the walls, loft floor and ceiling. Cedar was also used for the siding along with 3” of closed-cell spray foam insulation. With built-in storage and shelving, ingenious use of wall space and useful decorations, the residence is fully functional and can be easily compared with a small modern downtown apartment. Once parked in a more permanent location, it can have additional solar panels installed, along water collection facilities in order to make it even more self-sustaining.

Alek Lisefski has a plan to build a tiny house for him and designed this project. He is a web designer by trade, and has a passion for the visual arts, the great outdoors, architecture, and all things natural and beautiful. Also, he tends to find inspiration all around him, though currently all he does is stare at houses and get ideas.

“The main aspect of the Tiny Project is to build a tiny house. Inhabiting such a small space will force me to live in a simpler, more organized and efficient way. Without room to hoard things and hide away from the world, I’ll be forced to spend more time outdoors, in nature and engaging with my community. This will foster better health and healthy relationships. With no more rent to pay, I’ll save money, allowing for a less hectic work life and more time and funds for health, leisure and travel. I won’t be able to keep closets full of clothes or store 5 year old trinkets in a house so small. But I also couldn’t possibly spend $100/month to heat the place, like I do with my apartment now. It has its trade-offs, but one thing is certain: While living in a such a small house, my space, and in turn each area of my life, will be simpler, less chaotic, and free from all but what is essential. That sounds really great to me!”

Some amenities/appliances include:

• Shower, kitchen sink, and small bathroom sink, all with propane on-demand hot water
• Marine-style 2-burner propane stove and oven
• Super-efficient Counter-height refrigerator/freezer
• Home-made composting toilet
• Highly efficient electric convection heater
• Combo washer/dryer unit

Construction features include:

• Efficient fiberglass or premium vinyl, double-pane, low-E coated, argon filled windows
• High R-value closed-cell spray foam insulation
• Rainscreen exterior cladding for improved moisture control
• Highly efficient LED and compact fluorescent lighting
• Use of reclaimed items and efficient use of materials to minimize construction impact.