This Newlywed Couple Built a Timber Framed Tiny House With No Prior Building Experience
Edwin and Clara’s tiny home journey began in June 2018, inspired by their separate interests in simplifying life. Living in San Diego while they pursued their college degrees, they felt uncertain about the traditional paths laid out before them. They questioned the necessity of taking on large student loans and the burden of mortgages that come with owning a standard home. They craved more financial freedom to travel, explore, and live off the land.
The couple saw tiny home living as a solution that aligned with their values. They envisioned a lifestyle that would provide them with flexibility and autonomy, allowing them to shape their own futures. Their desire to build their own tiny house led them to sketch ideas and discuss the possibilities for their project.
An unexpected tragedy brought them the opportunity they needed. When a devastating fire struck Northern California, it destroyed the home of close family friends. Edwin felt compelled to assist in rebuilding their friends’ lost home. Through this process, they met Paul, an ER doctor with a passion for woodworking. Paul offered them a priceless opportunity: while they helped him rebuild, he would assist them in constructing their own tiny home on wheels.
Despite limited building experience, Edwin had completed a few carpentry classes in high school, while Clara had never used tools before. However, their determination drove them to learn many new skills. They gained knowledge in various aspects of construction, including felling trees, milling wood, and both electrical and plumbing work. Their hands-on experience in timber framing and cabinetry flourished as they worked alongside skilled builders.
After successfully completing their friends’ barn and a 2,000-square-foot house, they turned their attention to their own tiny timber house. Their building process spanned three years and involved numerous challenges, from managing expenses to compromising on social time with friends and family.
In May 2019, as excitement built up for their wedding, the couple used this milestone as motivation to push forward with their home project. They wanted to showcase their hard work to their loved ones. By early 2020, they were ready to relocate their tiny house onto their own property. Since then, they have embraced tiny living, continually improving and enjoying the fruit of their labor.
The couple finds joy in their timber-framed home, which they view as an artistic creation. The design includes large windows that invite natural light and offer picturesque views of their surroundings. Living simply has enhanced their lifestyle, granting them the freedom to pursue new opportunities and adventures.
Edwin has also collaborated with other builders, using trailers from Tiny House Basics to create additional timber-framed tiny homes for those interested in exploring this lifestyle. The couple’s journey illustrates that with dedication and creativity, a tiny house can become a gateway to living a fulfilling and flexible life.
Tiny Home Features
When considering the components of a tiny house, several key elements define their charm and functionality:
- Size: Typical tiny homes on wheels range from 100 to 400 square feet. This compact living space encourages minimalism.
- Design: Many tiny houses incorporate timber framing, which emphasizes natural materials and sustainable practices. This technique often includes traditional mortise and tenon joinery and wooden pegs, contributing to the structure’s strength and aesthetic appeal.
- Open Spaces: Features such as full-height ceilings and large dormers increase headroom and create an open, airy feeling within the home.
- Living Areas: Tiny living arrangements often incorporate multifunctional spaces. For instance, a living room may double as an office, and a sleeping loft may accommodate a full-size bed.
- Kitchen and Storage: A well-designed kitchen can feature a 20-inch range, ample cabinet storage, and attractive counter space. A focus on efficiency allows for compact, yet functional arrangements.
- Bathroom Facilities: Many tiny houses offer innovative bathroom solutions, like composting toilets, large shower spaces, or even using a galvanized stock tank tub for an appealing bathing option.
By integrating these distinct features, tiny home owners like Edwin and Clara showcase that living small can be both comfortable and stylish, transforming lifestyle choices into powerful statements about sustainability and personal freedom.
Newlywed Couple Constructs a Timber-Framed Tiny House with No Prior Experience
Edwin and Clara embarked on an exciting journey when they decided to build their own tiny house. They had no previous experience in construction, which made their project both challenging and rewarding.
The couple chose a timber frame design for their home, which is known for its strength and durability. They also appreciated the aesthetic appeal of natural wood.
Key Features of Their Tiny House:
- Size: The house is built on a 24-foot trailer, making it portable.
- Design: The timber frame allows for open spaces and large windows, creating a bright and airy environment.
- Sustainability: They used local materials, contributing to their off-grid lifestyle.
Building from scratch involved learning many new skills. Edwin and Clara even milled their own lumber with the help of a friend who owned a sawmill. This hands-on approach not only saved money but also gave them a sense of accomplishment.
Challenges Faced:
- Gaining building knowledge through research
- Managing their time between work and construction
- Overcoming mistakes and learning from experiences
Despite these challenges, Edwin and Clara’s determination and teamwork allowed them to create a beautiful and functional space that meets their needs. Their story serves as an inspiration for others looking to pursue similar projects, showing that with hard work and creativity, anyone can turn their dream of tiny living into reality.
