10 of the smallest homes in the world

[n2doc]

A truly 'eco' abode
From energy expenditure to building materials, living in a smaller house is one of the best ways to reduce your ecological footprint. Giving up the luxury of space and living more minimally isn't always easy, but it does come with a few perks: fewer possessions, bigger skies and open spaces! Plus, a smaller house makes it easier to cozy up to your loved ones. You'll learn more about Paul Elkin's compact cycle home in a few more clicks. Meanwhile, here's a reminder that bigger isn't always better: 10 of the tiniest homes in the world. (Text: Bryan Nelson)

more

http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/10-of-the-smallest-homes-in-the-world/a-truly-eco-abode

[phantom power]

1. That there is a small home.

:toast:

[TwilightGardener]

2. What's the difference between that guy and a homeless guy?

Not much.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Oh wait--solar lights and a funnel.

[Cleita]

5. Cardboard? n/t

[TwilightGardener]

6. Yes, he has upgraded building materials. There's that.

[damntexdem]

17. A bicycle?

[KansDem]

4. I like the second home!

Cozy and just the right size for a single person...

on edit: I might add a deck for barbecues and poker games.

[BrklynLiberal]

9. My favorite as well.....

[damntexdem]

18. And a garage for the SUV.

;-)

[tech9413]

19. It can be real comfortable living in less than 500 sq/ft

My last apartment was less than 700 sq/ft but had to accommodate huge mission style furniture and decades of accumulated junk( not really junk in my mind, but I take after my GF and never get rid of something you might be able to use again) A few years back I moved in with my 89 y/o parents. My bedroom, where I spend most of my time is about 180 sq/ft and although crowded it still holds most of my prized possessions ( 3 guitars, mandolin, 3 computers, plotter, two printers, reel to reel, tool kits, decades of music, two RC boats, software discs, personal records. I have to admit that I regularly cull the herd to get rid of things I don't really need or use but I can't fight my heritage of collecting.

A few years ago I began to adopt the concept that you are owned by your possessions. The more you have, the more effort you are willing to put into maintaining it. Living on a smaller scale is a great thing but it doesn't have to mean you give up everything that's important to you.

[KansDem]

20. "...I began to adopt the concept that you are owned by your possessions."

I can almost top your list:

2 alto saxophones, 1 baritone saxophone, 1 bass saxophone (really!), clarinet, flute, 2 banjos, 1 guitar, 1 double bass, 1 piano, "decades of music," computer and printer, over 300 DVDs (movies), CDs and LPs, several sets of encyclopedias (general and specialized subjects). etc.

Maybe I should build two houses: KansDem's living space and KansDem's possessions...

[onehandle]

7. This is the small apartment I want --->

24 Rooms Tucked Into One

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/garden/15hongkong.html

[BrklynLiberal]

10. Here is a video about that apt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lg9qnWg9kak

[rox63]

8. Not sure why...

But I've always found teeny-tiny houses fascinating. Maybe I'll get myself a hobbit house one of these days. :)

[FBaggins]

11. I object to that statement.

Hobbits are small... our homes are not.

[BrklynLiberal]

12. How about this...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/garden/24cottage.html

[BrklynLiberal]

13. or this...

http://hubpages.com/hub/underground-homes

[obxhead]

14. My Fav

[Rambis]

15. Friend of mine builds them

[XemaSab]

22. I watched the video linked off of the website

I'd like a real kitchen and a real bathroom. Or if I can't have a real bathroom, I'd like a real outhouse. :P

I don't know if I could live in something that small as a permanent house, but as an office or vacation home it would be okay.

[damntexdem]

16. Here's where you can get smaller ones:

http://www.bestpricecaskets.com/?gclid=CJGfo4al7qICFZQz5wodpWywQQ

[XemaSab]

21. Some of these look really nice

and some of them scare me.

I cannot imagine living in a space less than 12x12, and I say that as someone who had an 8x8 foot bedroom growing up.

I wonder if one could put rolling stacks in part of the house. These tiny houses never seem to have enough bookshelf space. :P

[Nihil]

23. Umm ...

> I wonder if one could put rolling stacks in part of the house. These tiny
> houses never seem to have enough bookshelf space. :P

I wouldn't try it on the stilt houses in .14 though.

Just saying ...

:yoiks: