Open Concept Rustic Modern Tiny House Photo Tour and Sources

Submitted by Ana White on Tue, 01/31/2017 - 11:21

UPDATE: Plans are now available here: https://www.sprucdmarket.com/plans/open-concept-rustic-modern-tiny-house-framing-shell/ 

 

We finished up and delivered our latest tiny house yestereday.  It is an open concept rustic modern beauty that looks simple, but does all sorts of things.  Have you had a chance to watch the video tour yet?  There's lots of moving parts, it's definitely worth watching!

 

Open Concept Rustic Modern Tiny House Video Tour

For those of you unable to watch videos, I thought I'd share a photo tour as well.

Exterior Considerations

The tiny house is framed on a 24 foot long, 8-1/2" feet wide trailer.  It is built between the wheel wells and ends up being just under 13 feet tall.  With the added siding, lights, and exhaust pipes for venting, the tiny house becomes oversized in Alaska.  This is not an issue for this client because he plans to move it seldom.  

The fuel tank was custom made by the client's brother, and mounted on the front.  The siding is standing seam roofing, with a cedar accent panel at the front.  All windows are triple glazed for energy efficiency.

 

 

Open Concept Tiny House

The big goal with this tiny house was a wide open spacious feeling.  The rug in the center is a full sized rug.  There is at least 100 square feet of open space in the center of this tiny house.  It is so roomy and open!

To achieve this, we had to do away with a bedroom.  A loft bed would have required stairs, consuming much space.  So we elevated the bed using garage door sliding hardware and a garage storage lift system (sources below).  The rails have pins in them, securing the bed, so the lift system is only used to move the bed, not support it while in use.  In addition, safety pins are installed for when the bed is in the highest position.

With a push of a button, the bed lowers to the bottom pins.  

The coffee table cubes can be used as a step up into bed if needed.  

It's really not that high (and the bed could be set even lower, but might require some couch pillow rearranging every night).

The sectional below is of course DIY, using a foam mattress cut into pieces.  When the pieces are put back together, it forms a guest bed.  

The upper bed can be set to "bunk mode" at about half height, allowing easy access to both beds.  Instead of a ladder, the upper bunk can be accessed by the storage cube, with a step up on the console.  

The beds offer amazing views of the front window and allow sleeping privacy for guests and the homeowner.

I wanted to keep the middle space open, but it did need some function.  So I built a storage piece that is sized over the wheel well.

Adding doors help hide less attractive objects and the doors slide from side to side on a DIY pipe rail.

The doors also fold up with hidden legs that pop out to become desks, and can even convert to a table-sized piece.

The desks can be used in a his/hers mode as well, with the storage cube tops flipping over to become comfortable seating.

Moving back toward the kitchen, the entryway features a space heater and an organization system

Cup hooks were attached to scrap plywood to make key rings,

Iron pipe used to create a coat rack.

There is also a shoe bench (that is actually part of the occassional use guest bed) and drawers under the lofted kitchen floor for additional storage.

The cabinet above the pipe hooks features three cubbies, but the storage above the cubbies is too high to easily access from the living room side.

So the cabinet is mounted on drawer slides and slides over the kitchen walkway.

This creates pantry storage for the kitchen that is very easy to access from the lofted kitchen area.  The shelving is sized for cereal boxes.

There is additional open storage in the framing of the bathroom wall.  A barn door seperates the kitchen from the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, a closet slides out from the shower for hanging clothes.  When the shower is in use, the closet easily slides over the toilet.  When the closet is in the shower, the shower curtain clips over the shower head to protect clothing.

The kitchen is simple.  The client will add a microwave and induction burners.  But we were able to add a space for a washer dryer combo unit.

The cabinet under the window is on caster wheels, and can easily side into the bathroom, creating access to the corner (which is otherwise very difficult to use space).

The cabinet fits perfectly under the sliding closet allowing laundry to be put away easily.  And if the laundry basket is stored under the closet in the shower, the closet can move over the toilet to reach the laundry basket.

For a more in depth look at this tiny house, check out the video tour -

I will be updating with plans over the next few weeks, and working on the source list below.

 

I used to think my job was done when the client cried ... but now I know my job is done when I cry when it leaves.  

Ana

 

Sources (list is in progress)

 

Plans + Supporting Blog Posts 

 

Press + Media Inquiries

If you would like to feature this tiny house, please link to this post and give credit.  High res images are available here.  Thank you!

 

 

PS - Do pin your favs!

 

Comments

mmurphy613

Tue, 01/31/2017 - 18:22

I am so impressed by the level of creativity and ingenuity demonstrated in this tiny house. I really appreciate clever and thoughtful resolutions to design problems. Well done!

Sanbar

Wed, 02/01/2017 - 11:03

Ana, I just discovered you a few days ago. WOW. Amazing designs. And this house? This house is the bomb. Already I am planning to make this design my new home. One modification I am thinking about is using your queen loft bed design with the pull-out full-size mattress/couch. I like the idea of having a private first-level bedroom. Thinking about adding a door to it, with a ladder on it. This is instead of the pipe ladder on the shelving/wall section. My partner and I are so looking forward to the plans!!!

 

HopeKelly

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 19:31

My husband and I just finshed watching the video for newest tiny home - open concept.  We were blown away by the have used space.  We were extremely pleased with the bed!  The living room!  The kitchen!  The entry way!  And even the bathroom, although we were not sure there would be too much moisture for the clothes closet area.  Other than that, Girl, you rock!  Awesome job!  Awesome innovation!  I can see myself living there!  Amazing! 

Coastalcruiser57

Sun, 02/05/2017 - 04:48

Wow...Just WOW!  What an amazing use of all the space in a 24ft Tiny House!!  I'm thinking I will end up in a tiny house due to health issues and did not like the idea of an elevated loft to climb up to and out of.  Your clever solution is just the ticket with the elevator bed.  Love it!!! Love all your projects, ya'll are amazing!

stefunnee18

Sun, 02/05/2017 - 14:00

I love EVERYTHING about this tine house, Ana!  I wouldn't change a thing.  If it were for sale, I'd buy it.  It's exactly what I'd want for myself.  I cannot stop looking at the photos and watching the video.  *swoon*

jenSadler

Tue, 02/07/2017 - 18:47

I am astounded at the creativity behind this design. By far the best tiny house I've seen and I look at a ton of them. I would love to see the plans

aubreeroney

Wed, 02/08/2017 - 17:56

You are an absolutle genius! I cannot wait to see the plans for the Storage Console with Flip Up Tables! My husband and I are thinking of going out on the road soon, and building out a sprinter van, and I'm excited to use some of these ideas as inspiration for building our own tiny 'house' on wheels! 

Suze

Sat, 02/11/2017 - 09:12

This is by far the best design of a tiny house that i have seen - and i've been looking at them for at least three years. I will want the plans, or will want to talk with you about having it built for me. Astounding use of space, wonderful finishes. Any ETA on plan availability, or is there a 'contact us' preference to discuss cost estimate to build and deliver?    THANK YOU!!!

berlybl30

Sun, 02/12/2017 - 07:59

Absolutely LOVE this Open Concept Tiny Home!!!  You by far made use of ever space & have never been crazy about the idea of a loft bed with so little head room but with your elevated bed you don't have to worry abt knocking your head on the ceiling in the middle of the night.  LOVE this Ana, you & your husband did an outstanding job on this design, all the way around!!  Can not wait to see the plans!! 

Tinadreamer

Sun, 02/12/2017 - 12:29

Love this open concept tiny home. It looks great  and the ideas are so smart! Love the windows, beds, desks/tables--It's my favourite so far! Thanks for sharing! One day! :)

howdog

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 21:22

I look forward to seeing plans for this home. You definitely have used some innovative ideas in this home. I hope others build off your design. I'd like to see how people can personalize it for themselves. I have a transport company that moves campers, boats, horse trailers, car trailers, etc. I've moved some tiny houses. Most of them have lots of features built into them. The drawback to most of these features are the weight that they add, which in turn makes them very heavy to tow. This house seems to have lots of features and storage with what looks like weight savings. From someone that moves these, keep up the good work keeping them lighter.

Sguest

Tue, 02/14/2017 - 12:15

This is amazing. I watch tiny house videos as well as Tiny House Nation on FYI channel. You have innovative ideas I have never seen before and I love the bed, it makes getting into and out of bed easier for the less agile. The whole closet in the shower is ingenious. I look forward to seeing your coming works.

Lsgibbons

Thu, 02/16/2017 - 13:40

Hi Ana! What an amazing design you guys came up with! I've been deep down the rabbit hole of tiny home designs and this is by far my favorite. We are about to pull the trigger on building a tiny home but, of course, just saw your latest design and it has me re-thinking anything. I know its hard, but are you able to give an indication of when you think you might have plans done? If its in short enough time, I might wait to proceed on our project until then. I wish I could just hire you guys to build me a replica of this one but I think the drive down from Alaska to the SF Bay Area might be a little much.

Blicca

Fri, 02/17/2017 - 09:54

What was the approximate cost of this build? I love this design so much, and want to start budgeting to build one of my own!

bda5040

Tue, 02/21/2017 - 10:04

Everything looks absolutely incredible and practical. I am very interested in trying to install the elevator bed in my own place. I noticed that the Amazon product supports up to 250 pounds, did you use any other mechanicsm that might increase this weight limit and when do you think these plans would be available? Keep up the great work! 

leonamartine

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 07:58

I am in love with this design and with your site.  I'm particularly interested in seeing your plans for the bathroom ball framing and storage consile with flip up tables.  I know you said they are in progress, and I await with much anticipation.  I want to incorporate these two items in a bus conversion that my husband and I are completing.  In fact, I was hoping to finish one of them this weekend!  I'll keep checking back for updates.  They are amazing ideas!

beckvan

Wed, 03/08/2017 - 09:44

I've been looking for years @ tiny homes & its time to get this done. 

My questions, which I'm sure you'll cover are:

Insulation for the Alaska climate.

Heating for Alaska winters.

Condensation.

Solar.

So ya....nothing major right LOL. 
This concept is SO open & light & thats what I've been looking for for a long time. I would have to make some adjustments to 'girl' it (more closet space). 
I look forward to getting started on my very own Tiny Home-IT'S GONNA BE AWESOME!!!
Thanks,

Becks

jehenslee

Sat, 06/24/2017 - 10:46

When will the plans be available for the open concept tiny house? I have been waiting patiently, but I want them NOW :)

Thanks, 

marlee98

Fri, 07/07/2017 - 17:59

I too have been waiting patiently, and have a builder ready to start. Ana, please consider finishing these, as I can tell there are many interested people. Even those willing to buy this completed Model. So I am in!

marlee98

Fri, 07/07/2017 - 18:02

I am so ready to start my build on this tiny home too, and would love to have the Plans with Material list. Would it help to know I am willing to pay for them?

JGraves

Wed, 09/06/2017 - 06:37

Ana, this is by far the best tiny house design I have seen!  I absolutely love it!    My family and I are looking to downsize our lives and live debt free with the added bonus of being mobile.  Do you still have the plans and materials list available or am I just missing the link somewhere?  I'd love to build it!  I am willing to pay for them.  Thank  you for the great resources you provide to us aspiring carpenters!

Otterpop153

Wed, 09/20/2017 - 10:05

This is hands down the best design for a tiny house I have seen! I have been thinking about and planning my tiny house for over a year. I too thought of the bed lift and now that I have seen your design, I am ready to take action! I would be so grateful if you shared the plan for building the tiny house. I am trying to figure out if I have enough saved to actually build and I think if you were willing to share the plan, I could be that much closer to making the dream a reality! How much would a tiny house like this sell for? (Retail price since I'm sure you wouldn't want to share building costs)

denisdaigle

Fri, 12/15/2017 - 18:02

Hi Ana, I've been planning to build this beauty since the day I first laid eyes on it. I just start making payments on the 24x8.6 trailer and all I need now are the plans to pland and budget the build. I know you're incredibly busy and Christmas is just around the corner, but any word on when you'll add your finishing touches and make the plans available? I would be so grateful!

NZ fans

Wed, 01/03/2018 - 23:14

Hi Ana, 

We have just seen your video and loved it !!!! Very clever - probably the best and most practical tiny house I have ever seen. Our daughter Ana wants to have it all with  elevator bed being the ultimate hit. 

Lots of regards from NZ. Cannot wait to see what else you are going to come up with:-)

fabew

Sat, 01/06/2018 - 14:30

Wonderful space! Love the white, open feel. My absolute favourite is the elevator bed. For me, a tiny, low-ceiling loft area for a bedroom gives me a trapped, claustrophobic feel so definately love the movable bedroom.

Have you ever thought about a bath (or sauna room) on the roof covered with a glass dome to watch the stars or northern lights. Could also open some window in the dome for air movement. Could also have a hammock or nest of cusions to watch the sky.

Chenifur

Sat, 01/13/2018 - 12:47

OMG I totally love this design...I would definitely love to build this model, one for my self and one for my son who will be booted from the nest soon!!!  Please let me know whent he plans come available.  I am in Northern Ontario and our winters are some cold ones comparable to your North...So having everything inside and protected really appeals to my sense of survival.  Thank you so much for your innovativeness and sharing of these plans...i look forward to seeing the plans.

_bo

Tue, 01/16/2018 - 07:05

Happy that I have found you - really impressed by your design. Congratulations! Please let me also know whent he plans come available. Thanks!  Greetings from Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_bo

Tue, 01/16/2018 - 07:06

Happy that I have found you - really impressed by your design. Congratulations! Please let me also know whent he plans come available. Thanks!  Greetings from Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_bo

Tue, 01/16/2018 - 07:07

Happy that I have found you - really impressed by your design. Congratulations! Please let me also know whent he plans come available. Thanks!  Greetings from Switzerland.

 

 

 

 

 

_bo

Tue, 01/16/2018 - 07:08

Happy that I have found you - really impressed by your design. Congratulations! Please let me also know whent he plans come available. Thanks!  Greetings from Switzerland.

 

MaineRain

Fri, 03/02/2018 - 06:26

Hi Anna!  You are a genious.  Thank you very much for sharing your progress on this tiny home and all of the gems it holds.  I can't wait to use these plans to outfit the inside of my tiny home.  I'm not kidding - the elevator bed is truly genious.  My partner is VERY tall, and I wondered if he would be comfortable in the houses that use a loft style.  This one solves the proglem! 

I'm really hoping you will make the building plans available soon.  We just purchased a trailer and I will start selecting windows next... but then I need to start framing and I could use some guidance with the specifics of this place.  

Thanks again!

busmasterjones

Sat, 03/10/2018 - 20:47

This is the most original, professional, clever tiny house I have ever seen.  Thank you for sharing.  I'm not sure which feature I like the best (couch to bend, sliding pantry, sliding closet, hidden washer/dryer, or flexible flip up tables).  Truly inspirational.  Thank you so much for sharing this.

busmasterjones

Sat, 03/10/2018 - 22:54

You obviously struck a chord with many people who love this house.  You mentioned a delay in posting the plans in Decemeber.  Do you have any update or estimated publication date on these plas?  You have a world of people who are ready to incoportate your innovation and tweak your plans tio make a home of their own.

There are also a few unanswered questions about the apporximate weight of the finished tiny house and the approximate cost of the build.  Both would be great details to add when you get a chance.

Thank you for being so willing to share with others.  Keep doing what you do, girl!

Ms. Xenos

Sun, 05/05/2019 - 14:48

Ana, this is my favorite Tiny House!  I am a digital literacy teacher and I show your video to my third graders when we talk about the design thinking process and how to be very creative and intelligent when you solve problems (ie. what your client wants).  After we watch your video, we then design our own tiny house floor plans online.  My students are so inspired by you and your creativity!  There are lots of "oohs and ahhs" when we watch!  We love the multi-function furniture, unique elevator bed, convertible sofa, table/desks, and hidden laundry area.

You've got about two hundred 8- and 9-year-old fans here in Illinois :) Thank you for sharing what you do.

 

dgoo123

Thu, 06/06/2019 - 20:32

My wife and I love your design! We want to buy the plans and do something very similar as soon as we have the money to start. What was the total cost of this project?

daramarkb

Sat, 05/09/2020 - 18:17

Hi there -
How much does this tiny house weigh when built exactly as you've done it? Thanks!

SpiriTed

Sat, 08/01/2020 - 17:49

This is beautiful. How would you incorporate a gas stove and a full sized fridge in this plan? After all I am a chef ;)

swatism

Wed, 10/14/2020 - 07:40

Love this Tiny House. So you still make them? I am in the market to buy one ASAP. I could do with the plans as well in case that is all you give out and commission someone to help me complete it too, if you have those.

mikkimouse13

Thu, 03/17/2022 - 17:15

I love the concept for this tiny house. I also love some of the designs for the Quartz Tiny House. I was wondering what design software you use to make these plans? I would like to try my hand at combining what I love about both houses into one and I would love your advise on how to incorporate some of my ideas.