Tiny House Living Festival opened at the Clark County Event Center yesterday. The show runs all weekend and is really a site to see. We like to attend architectural and builder shows to see the new trends and connect with colleagues and see customer reactions first hand. We blogged before about the Annual remodelers showcase, Portland Design week and the Street of dreams.
The Tiny House festival is one of the most curious ones. With many people downsizing and rethinking their space needs, smaller houses (and tiny house in particular) are gaining popularity. Builders brought their smallest creations to the Festival. While there, you can check the specs for other types of dwellings they build – large houses on wheels, house boats, and tree houses – just to name a few.
It is interesting to see the different approaches to floor plans. Some houses have large kitchens with full-sized appliances, some have “huge” storage (same size as the Master bedroom and located either directly above or directly below it – does Feng Shui apply when it comes to tiny houses ??). Other houses have great living rooms that can fit an IKEA sectional and a big TV, some open to the outside. Yet other ones focus on bathrooms and even have a full-size tub.
Buses of all shapes and sizes are another class of Tiny Homes. Here you can find biodegradable toilets that are pulled out of entry-way closets, shower-kitchen sink combos and showers positioned on the entry steps of the bus. Very cute and creative and really shows that it is possible to live and be happy in a small space.
It was also interesting to see the different choice of materials. We liked cedar-lined homes; on a hot day, like yesterday, it’s a treat to be inside one of them, quite unlike the plastic and vinyl-lined ones. And of course, out favorite – plywood-lined with plastered walls. Regular dry wall cannot be used in Tiny houses, it will crack when the house starts moving. Plaster creates the familiar look or a regular home and flexibility on the move.
Other interesting finds – the variety of heating and cooling sources for small living (including a 10”x5” woodstove purchased on Etsy for $100).
Floor plans, bathroom and kitchen solutions, storage choices, choice of appliances and building materials – lots to see. Visit the Festival for yourself and what you like.