Former architecture student Gordon Nelson has always been fascinated with alternative structures used as homes. Almost a year ago he began work on a tiny home in Manhattan, MT. “My needs are modest; it’s just me and the dog,” he says. “It just needs to be enough to keep the rain off my head.”
Location: Manhattan, MT
Product: 2 1/2 x 1/2 Corrugated Brimstone Print
Architect/Designer: Homeowner Gordon Nelson
Gordon is joining the Tiny House Movement, people building living quarters that range between 80 and 1,000 square feet on trailers or without a foundation. The majority range from 100 to 130 square feet. Many people, like Gordon, are drawn to these structures for the simplicity of living and cost effectiveness. A tiny house averages $23,000 if built by the owner while standard sized houses average $272,000.
The tiny home's roof flows into the walls. Gordon will use the corrugated brimstone for the entire exterior.
Gordon’s tiny house is built on a trailer capable of supporting 12,000 lbs. The ground floor is 8x24 with an 8x10 sleeping loft making a cozy 272 square foot space. “It has almost anything you could want,” he says. “The starting point of the design was the soaking tub.” Along with the 4ft x 2ft and 2ft deep refurbished livestock tub, the house will feature a 3/4 height fridge, an 18in dishwasher, and an all-in-one washing machine and dryer.
Aside from being a tiny house, Gordon’s structure is uniquely shaped with a roof and walls bent into an arch, inspired by victorian era architecture. “I wanted something that was a little Steam Punk in character,” he explains.
Gordon chose the Brimstone print to fit his Steampunk theme.
To fit in with this style and to provide maximum protection, Gordon chose 2 1/2 x 1/2 corrugated Brimstone steel siding. “There will be some copper and brass accents, so the Brimstone was the best match for that.”
The corrugated metal siding panels are durable enough to survive Montana’s hard winters, hail storms, and wild weather. It will also create a water barrier to ensure his tiny home stays warm and dry. The best part is that the metal siding panel will easily fit into his design, “The walls become the roof, so I needed something that would flow from the walls to the roof.”
Gordon spent the summer working on his tiny house and wants to be ready for the Montana Winter.
Gordon is hoping to move into his new house by October. He has created the frame and put in the insulation. The windows have recently been installed and he is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the siding. Stay tuned for an update on the finished project.
Tiny House Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/garden/11tiny.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0