Microshelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses, and Other Small Structures

They say good things come in small packages, and that's definitely true here! Being a fan of cabins and rustic homesteads, and drawn to small homes with little room for clutter (because my life is so cluttered!), I was looking forward to getting a look at this book, and it didn't disappoint.

Written with humor and passion, the book includes "Tiny Houses", "Backyard Cabins, Camps, and Hideaways", "Tree Houses and Stilted Shelters" and homes "On Wheels". This is then followed by a list of tools and materials, outlines where to salvage supplies and how to decorate on a budget, and an offering of six plans for backyard microshelters that you can build.

I enjoyed the author's writing and creativity (many of the structures were designed and show more built by the author), and the photography did a great job of showcasing the designs. I only wish that there were more homes ("Tiny Houses") and fewer of the other designs which mostly amount to shacks and clubhouses. While clever and well thought out, shacks and backyard clubhouses were not quite what I was looking for.

But overall this is a great effort, and perfect for people looking for a "tiny" bit of inspiration. show less

Have you ever wanted to throw almost everything you owned into the garbage and start over in a simpler setting? If yes then this book is for you. Admittedly the book is more aspirational than instructional. It is mostly filled with beautiful photographs of houses with under 500 square feet of space. There a few pages devoted to some of the tools needed to sign construction of one of these shelters, and few pages that have preliminary blueprints of some model homes. There are no pages on such necessities as plumbing or electricity. Nor are there pages on minor things like city permits. This a book you enjoy for the pictures, and to get rough ideas, and decorating tips from. If viewed from that level the book gave me a fun few hours of show more respite from me over stuffed 1500 square foot home. If you ask more than that from this book you will be disappointed. show less

Whether you are trying to lower your carbon footprint or just think that great things come in small packages Microshelters by Derek Diedricksen is a very cool book. Now I happen to love “extreme” homes and seeing how far people can push the envelope in terms of materials and concepts for living spaces. This book has plenty of that, but it does so on a small scale, so that just about every shelter included is affordable. The term shelter is used on purpose as well, because many different types of building are featured, from cabins to B&B’s and shelters designed for various pursuits. As a fan of tree houses I really enjoyed that section in particular, but all of the categories covered in this book are done well.

The way that the show more structures are covered is very good also. Each one is represented with three or four color photos, a small essay, and, my favorite, a small blueprint–style drawing complete with measurements and diagrams. The book would be excellent for DIY’ers but even if your are not looking to build your own little structure the innumerable tips on storage and space-saving gadgets is quite handy.

It’s also just a well-done book, fun to look at and fun to read. In this day and age of digital storage and diminishing resources having everyone learn a little bit more about making the most of the space that you have is just plain socially responsible, to boot. All around a fun little book, (pun intended).

Review by: Mark Palm
Full Reviews Available at: http://www.thebookendfamily.weebly.com show less

A cornucopia of inspiration and information! Filled with color photographs, tested tips and ideas, and even a few building plans.

3.5 stars

OH man! I would love a micro mini house! Even just a cabin in the woods! A lady cave in the back yard! Loved this and was inspired (haha) to dream. There is a house in here built by a what, 15-year old young lady. Complete with plans! Just need a plot o'land!

Interesting topic, some nice pictures and great ideas and tips. It is issing everything about water, utilities, insulation and similar topics.

59 creative cabins, tiny houses, tree houses and other small structures