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Prefab ouses that take imaginative approaches to design are irresistibly interesting! The amazingly roomy net-zero Arc House reveals how curves can create an illusionary feel – a small space seems much larger. Innovatively and creatively designed by a group effort involving Green Builder Media, Shelter Dynamics, Kitcheneering, and Align3D, this prefab house is a good blend of the frugality and minimalism of micro house living with revolutionary structure science.
To read more about this, read the full article Net-zero Arc Prefab House. Or… to see more of Shelter Dynamics’ work, find them in the Building Homes and Living directory.
These Amish style barn houses start at $5,400 and are built on site from $25,000
If you are familiar with the Amish community in the business world, then you are also probably familiar with their reputation for quality products. I love the craftsmanship of Amish architecture, and the phrase “made with love” comes to mind when admiring their work. They pay close attention to the details which results in an astounding structure. So, if you are in the market for a house, barn, shed, cabin, or garage then keep reading to find out why an Amish build is a great idea!
Details, details, details! They are the key factor to quality work. Of course, the Amish Barn Company understands this very well. They are based in upstate New York and have been providing customers with quality work since 2005. From small dog houses to large two story horse barns, the Amish Barn Company does it all! However, not all us have animals to attend to, so let’s look at one of their structures that we could all use. A home! Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway spot or a full time residence, these cabins are a great choice!
There are several styles of cabins to choose from. I will be highlighting a larger style called the Board and Batten Cabin with Loft! This is an A frame cabin featuring a really great front porch! The first thing you will notice when looking at this cabin are the beams that are used to accentuate the A frame roof and frame the porch. As a single beam runs horizontally across the porch with three vertical beams connecting it to the top of the roof there is a subtle yet warm resemblance to the sun rise. This may or may not be intentional, either way this detail can certainly give a new appreciation for the design. The next thing you should notice are the windows. Windows are important because they fill homes with natural light and allow for some amazing views! The best part about this feature is that it can be adjusted to fit the clients needs. You will see in the pictures provided that one home has a small circular window on the second floor while the other has two large windows upstairs. It might be fun to do a set of double cross brace doors on this cabin and accent the front porch area with a large triangular window above them!
It’s hard not to notice the beautiful wood that makes this structure. Stain can be a homeowners best friend with this cabin! It will allow you to get the shade you like without sacrificing the grain of the wood used to build it. You will see in the pictures below that two different shades of stain were used. On one cabin, a red tint was paired with unstained porch beams to create more contrast to the home. Inside the cabin you will find a large space with a staircase that leads to the loft area. The interior is dependent upon the client, so there is a lot of room to adjust the space to meet your desires!
Some other details that this company covers can not be seen in the build. The Amish Barn Company works with customers to make owning one of their structures more affordable. This can be seen through their rent to own program. They also cover delivery for free to any locations within one hundred miles of their home base in Oneonta, NY! It seems that it is safe to say, this is a company who cares about their product as well as their clientele!
Here is a message from them to you! Amish Barn Company says, “Our single wide one story cabins start at around $5,400. Our built on site cabins start around $25,000. We custom quote all our projects. Please contact me at [email protected] or call 607-432-0527 to design your own and for more information and pricing.”
By Alison LaPaglia
For more information about Amish Barn Company, find them in our home directory.
These Self-Assemble Tiny Houses From $3,600
Most of us have a good idea of how we would like to decorate our home, but how many of us have a good idea of how to transform our backyard from an empty space to a special place for some of our favorite enjoyments … or for our favorite people?
Here’s the good news: This problem is easily solved with the help of the Natural Gardener Company. They are ready to supply you with a home kit for your perfect backyard build! If you can not build it yourself, they even give you the option to purchase a kit that they will put together for you!
Tiny homes starting as low as $3,600.00 can suite your needs and fit your backyard. From a gazebo space enclosed to keep you and your morning paper dry on a rainy day, to a guest house perfect for the in-laws over the holiday season, you are sure to find the build for you! Lets look at one of their structures that is large enough to serve as a guest house among other things. The Byron Summer home has a really unique “L” shape that is accented beautifully with tall windows.
This home could work as guest accommodation, detached office, man cave, or entertainment center. You can use it for friends and family when they come to visit, to give them a little extra privacy, or you can use it as a house rental. Whichever way you choose to use this build it is sure to look good! The Byron Summer Home — pictured above — stands 10 ft tall and features two folding front door entrances, a patio area, and many windows to bring in lots of natural light! The structure is made of wood, which means you can leave your build in its natural state, stain the wood, or paint it to match your home! Not only that, but there are various options for structures and layouts from the company.
The Natural Gardener Company makes it possible for you to really use your backyard. It is not limited to a sunny day, perfect weather, or a nice view. You can have full year round use in any of their structures. You pick your build, maybe build it yourself, and simply enjoy rest! So go get the build perfect for your backyard and start making use of the space behind your home!
For more information of The Natural Gardener Company, find them in the tiny home directory.
Smaller homes are less expensive than larger ones in terms of taxes and building, heating, maintenance, and repair costs. The lower cost of living may be advantageous to those 55 and older with little savings. In addition to costing less, small houses may encourage a less cluttered and simpler lifestyle and reduce ecological impacts for their residents. The typical size of a small home seldom exceeds 500 square feet (46 m2). The typical tiny house on wheels is usually less than 8 ft by 20 ft, with livable space totaling 120 square feet or less, for ease of towing and to exempt it from the need for a building permit.
Small houses may emphasize design over size, utilize dual purpose features and multi-functional furniture, and incorporate technological advances of space saving equipment and appliances. Vertical space optimization is also a common feature of small houses and apartments.
As small houses may be attractive as second homes or retirement houses—two out of five people are over 50—their increased utilization may lead to development of more land. People interested in building a small home can encounter institutional “discrimination” when building codes require minimum size well above the size of a small home. Also, neighbors may be hostile because they fear negative impacts on their property values.There has also been opposition based on this fact, due to concerns about increased taxes.
By Alison LaPaglia
