(Northwestern University) The Tiny House movement has introduced the idea of space as a resource to the forefront of the sustainability debate. The movement focuses on reducing the size of living spaces in order to reduce carbon footprint. A design of a 128 sq. ft home off grid home combines this concept of space as a resource with green engineering principles.
Engineering Students Build Off-Grid "Tiny House"
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AUGUST 02, 2011
Northwestern University

How much space does one person need? A one-bedroom apartment? A small studio?
How about 128 square feet? That is the size of the so-named "Tiny House" that Northwestern University students have designed and built over the last two years. The 8 x 16–square-foot house, which sits on the back of a trailer, comes equipped with a bed, a kitchen, and a bathroom and can function completely off the grid.
“It’s an idea that really resonates with people,” said William Fan, a mechanical engineering graduate and project co-manager. “Especially after the recession. It’s about trying to simplify your life so you have full control of your space and living only with what you need.”
The project started after Fan attended a workshop given by Jay Schafer, founder of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, which creates pre-made homes and building plans for houses ranging from 65 to 837 square feet. Schafer’s Tiny Houses are built for resource-minded consumers who don’t want to take up more space than they need.
Read the full press release on the Northwestern University website: www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news
Northwestern University Tiny House Project: sites.google.com/a/u.northwestern.edu/nutinyhouse
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company: www.tumbleweedhouses.com