Jay Shafer

This book is really a 140+ advertisement for Tumbleweed Houses but what a great book it is. Jay Shafer began a movement to create and have people live in little houses. His designs are stylish and cute, like a kitten. He breaks down his own plans so that the reader can build one for themselves but still encourages them to look into his website.
I’m not sure what I would do. He sells kits to make the houses and yet I like the challenge of designing my own. I am in love with these houses. show more They feel like grown-up playhouses.
True to his word, in part 4 Jay offers instructions on building your own tiny house. He starts with prepping the land and foundation. With a small house, you have more variety for foundations.
Jay, then, moves onto a variety of structures you can put on that foundation from gazebos to houses. The detail he has put into this book amazes me. It really is a book for building your own home and outbuildings. I dream of the time when I can lay down some roots on land that I own. Jay will be the first person I call (okay – not really but I will be using his book and perhaps a kit or two).
*Note – those who purchase the book can download a free plan for his Zinn house. show less

Whether you really want to downsize or just want to fantasize about living in a small, exquistely-constructed, simpler bungalow, Shafer's book will be a treat. Stunning photos of the small Tumbleweed houses in many natural settings will entice readers into learning more. The first half of the book focuses on the styles of homes available, and the second half has illustrated guidelines for preparing a site and building a home. Highly recommended. (170)

I love these house designs, photographs, and Shafer's discussion on the aesthetics of houses. I'm not likely to ever create one myself, but if I ever have a beautiful spot for a meditative cabin, I'd love to build one of these.

A good illustration of how small can be beautiful, and useful, and often better than big.