What is Small and What is Tiny

This is actually a continuation of the last post.
  Some have said that 120-150 sq ft per person is the boundary between too little, or not enough space in a Tiny House. Upwards of that, 200-400 sq ft is a Small House for 1 person or 2. You can imagine then, that 500 to 1000 sq ft is the about right for the average size family, of 2 adults and 2-3 children.

At present living like I am, it seems that a space of 150 sq ft would be tiny indeed. Adequate for temporary, and perhaps over a short haul (2-3 yrs), but hardly suitable for the long haul (5-10 yrs). That being 10 ft by 15 ft, adding that much again, would bring it up to either 30 ft by 10 ft shotgun house, or a 20 ft by 15 ft eehhhhhhhhh sort of not a shot gun ;-) at 300 sq ft. With a loft arrangement, this would be more than adequate for me.

One hundred and fifty square feet as starter, and outside sauna / shower would be more than adequate for a tiny starter home. By adding on another 150 sq ft would make it feel luxurious ;-) Throw in the possible loft, and I would be rattling around in it for the first year until I had spread out and filled up the corners LOL

Structurally it would be sound to go with the 20 x 15, as it would make ceiling joist placement and center support simple and strong. For a Cordwood house, making it 20 x 15 interior would make exterior dimensions, with walls at 18" , 23 x 18 ft..  This is a bit off from the 4 ft and 8 ft recommended denominators, but with a bit of juggling, it would be fine. Joists would span the 23 ft width, rather than the 18 ft., with the center posts at 12 ft from the outside. Perhaps too much detail for the present but have to start somewhere ;-) (adjusting this to 20 x 16 ft interior, and 24" walls renders a 24 x 20 ft exterior)

Building something like this does take a lot of sketching etc. but that leads to the problem of procrastination. Not knowing the circumstances at the time of initial construction, it is impossible to know what resources (money, trees, used windows, appliances, etc) will be available. It is entirely possible that things will be very tight, and only a shed would be built, or conversely, there would be lots of help and resources, and the full structure could be built in a summer. It is impossible to know. For that reason alone, it is prudent to keep sketching, and cogitating (HEY it is a word ;-) about the possibilities.

So the "Tiny" house option has to be considered as a first step. Or even just the Sauna, for a year as roof over my head, as resources are accumulated. This is the corundum of building your own home, and why Tiny Houses are becoming so popular in parts of the United States, during this Great Recession..

The advantages of going from Tiny to Small, also accrue to the Utility aspect of the building. The smaller the structure the lower cost of Utilities: Solar Heating, Electricity, Plumbing, and so on, and the less likely that one needs to hook into the commercial grid. The alternatives are numerous, from gas / propane stoves, heaters, fueled by a large exterior tank, to Solar and Wind power, or even heated water; The Internet is full of stories and sources for building without inflicting harm on the environment, and in addition adding 21st century amenities from unique and unusual sources. One doesn't need to go back to the 18th or 19th century way of living if one is willing to do due diligence in researching and pulling together ideas for replacing The Grid.
     Below I have added two sketches that I did up. Not that these are final ideas, just place holders. The side view is an ambitious undertaking, as it would require someone with extensive second story expertise to make happen. Something I don't have. A more likely outcome is a low crawl space type loft, about 4-5 ft high at most.

 In the floor plan, I have kept window space to a minimum. To the North I am thinking an attached shed or sauna, combination. Limiting wind entry opportunities to the North and North-West, as this is where we get our coldest winds from. The warmest winds come from the South and South-East.
  Have not included stairs or 'Loo' as I have not decided yet on how big or whether or not to include them. As the Kitchen counter takes up a large amount of space, you can gather that perhaps that will also be a work area as well as for food preparation. Maybe even a bar seating arrangement rather than a table. Still to be worked out.
    On the front, South, side, I have two 6 ft openings, one for a picture window, and the other for a sliding glass door. This with the door on the North side, takes care of the requirements of having two exits. The sizes of the other windows being 5 ft, is for Sun Light and Passive Solar Heat.  

There are a number of ideas percolating in my head, but at the present I am not ready to put them to paper, or electronic storage ;-)

Autumn Winds and Changing Colours Blowing Thru The Mind

A lot has happened since the last post. Seasons have changed and Winter is almost upon us, here in the Northern Hemisphere; and my life has been going through more changes, to suit the seasons ;-)
     I have moved to a room in a basement, with Shower/:Loo, and share the kitchen upstairs with my land lady. There was to be two rooms down here, but a "temporary" accommodation for a local teenage girl was necessary, so now there are three ladies and me sharing the kitchen. Mind Blowing though that is, I am surviving; rent is reasonable, and aside from some wasps that needed removing, has been uneventful LOL
     90% of my "stuff" is still in my daughter's basement, safe for now, and I have begun work on another Mini-Gym, using bungee cord this time. As well as a desk for the computer and writing. There is a narrow 7' shelf that I will be bringing here as well, for storage of this n' that. but for now it is minimalist living at it's best, in a 10 x 15 1/2 ft space.
     Which brings me to this blog. I could be writing about the 22 lbs (210 lbs down to 188 lbs) I have lost since moving out of my daughter's, and getting away from the fat and carbs diet; or having dropped my BP and therefore the pills I had been talking for it; or I could have written about eating without a stove/oven and using hot water to heat the food (other than the occasional use of the Micro-Wave); then again, how about the need for exercise, the atrophying of my right thigh, and what to do about it. But for this post, I'll settle for, What is Tiny and What is Small, with regards to housing...

      I have spent a few days in the past 2 months drawing diagrams of floor plans, trying to come to grips with that question, and HOW to go about building what I feel would be a livable home. The room down here, is Cabin Size, that with a smaller bed (it is a double or a queen, not sure) would be suitable for a few weeks in the Fall or Winter for hunting and fishing, but long term year in year out would be cramped. Even with a loft, though it would be better, it would not lend itself to having people (the kids or friends) over for holidays. And that seems to be the rub as they say; how do I entertain the idea of entertaining in this small space, even if I could fit more chairs and tables? The Space in Scarborough was adequate (kitchen, bedroom, washroom and two closets) and with addition of one room suitable for entertaining short term guests, but no very good for long, without the extra room.
      At the old place, at my ex's. was thinking of this, when I took out the measuring tape (never go anywhere without it ;) and measured the living room, and realized it was 21 feet by 12 feet... with the kitchen, dwn stairs entrance, and part of a bedroom. Did a non-scale drawing and could see the possibilities. Shrink the living room to 12 x 15, and a bathroom at the end, 5 x 12, as the first half to be built. then add the another side to it later, 10x12, for kitchen, and 10 x 12 for a bedroom den... lots of space (24x20) 480 sq ft. for one person to entertain; add guest cottages and it is more than adequate for having family and friends come to stay...
    This isn't the final story on what shape the house may take, but it is getting closer to an understanding of what I will need. A cabin is fine for a hermit, but for a real person, with family and friends, it would hardly be suitable. So back to the drawing board, and more thinking, but I feel that I am one more step closer to knowing...
     Oh, and about the weight, and the Mini-Gym: well, aiming for 185 by the end of October, and the Mini-Gym and desk to be brought over here in two to three weeks.
   

The Dog Days of Summer in Southern Ontario

It has been a wonderful summer, if you like the heat and humidity. WHICH I DON'T!!
Health wise, it has been a blow out summer for me. June my right foot was hurt by falling 2x4 lumber, July it got too hot to walk safely for a retiree ;(, and then August just as it is getting cool, my landlord asks me to be ready to move out by Sept. 1st, NOT Oct. 1st as I had requested, to help me get over the month and a half hump before motels and cottages become available for Winter Rates ;(
   So the first two weeks of the month have been spent trying to find an affordable alternative, that would not ruin my plans for saving $10,000+ for next summer... but I have managed to find something, that I hope will work out. It is not a separate apartment exactly... I share the entrance and the kitchen with the landlord, but have two separate rooms in the basement, with washroom/shower in the bedroom, and it is furnished... oh one other downside, but not really a problem, there is no internet. So I will need to install my Teksavvy equipment, for DSL... not a problem, I HOPE!!
   Move in on Friday, the 23rd, after paying first and last. It is a 1.5 miles from where I live, and I have down sized again this past month, to a slim 25 cu ft, from 100 cu ft in June ;) won't be taking the boxes, just the clothes, food and the computer/desk... should be a slimmed down experience. I am hoping that I can store the boxes here, with the wine that is aging ;-) I'll be visiting here and my brother's often, as well as walking as much as I can between now and Winter. Then it will get interesting.

    How to exercise in small spaces??
My idea at the moment is a bar arrangement, for handling, and steadying myself, while I do crunches, with a back pack. Starting at 10 lbs and working up to 30 lbs. That and weights for arms, should be enough to keep in shape, when I can't walk.
    As you can imagine, with the exercise regime this summer, I have not been able to loose any weight, and have kept a steady 205-10, which is not bad, but not good, when I should be hitting down about 180 by now... very disappointed. Aiming at the moment for below 200 lbs by October/November. Not a specific number, just below. Away from the rich food served here, I should be able to drop to below in a month, and then make some progress from there. Tempted to put a number, but don't think it is a good idea mentally...

    Are there Wombats in Australia?
    Have been following a woman in Australia, who like me is a haphazard blogger. She rides dirt bike, competitively  and she is just getting back in shape for a race. She has some great ideas for diet and I am going to add a few to my regime. I am having chocolate milk (my own mix of cocoa, splenda and milk powder) for breakfast, and sometimes a measuring cup of oatmeal and granola, with more milk powder, if I am going walking. I stop off at McDonald's, where I have the gift card, and have a soda, and chocolate muffin for lunch. For now, I have been walking 6.5 miles (done 3 trips this week, and will do one more) and it seems to be helping the stamina. I have also been using the cane less, and while it slows me down, it hasn't been a problem for balance, or the knee.
    My knee is still not fully usable like the good one, but with exercise it may strengthen to be able to hold my weight going down stairs normally again. Well, that's the hope.

This is NOT an advertisement

How ever, I just did a calculation on the cost of Ancient Grains Flat Bread at Costco vs Sobey's.

Now the same bread is sold at each store. But they are packaged differently, even though the cost is the same, $3.99. Sobey's is packaged 8 rounds to Costco's 15. I use anywhere from 8 and up per week when I have them. They are a nice easy meal. My Costco membership expired in June, and I was not going to renew it, until I was sure I would be near a Costco Store. Now I am having some doubts.

Last night I bought some groceries at Soby's, $47. two bags, not good, but a lot less than I was expecting, by about $15. But here's the crunch. For an average years worth of flat bread, (52x$3.99) it would cost $207.48. Now compare that with Costco at (52x8/15 = 27.73 x $3.99 =) $110.66, that is a savings of $96.82 before membership costs of about $50. Which is still a savings of $46.82, on ONE ITEM alone. When taking into consideration other items, like pills, meat, and condiments, it is probably a good bet, at least compared to Sobey's, Costco is the winner.

Of course that would not include regular super markets, like Food Basic, NoFrills and their sales. They could compare favourably with Costco. But how often, unless your an avid coupon watcher, can you hit the sales. Definitely leaning towards another membership.

Food, FOOOOOD, Glorious Food!!!

ok, a bit over the top I know. But it has been on my mind lately.
How to survive without a kitchen??
What that means, without any stove, microwave, or fire place?
What can be prepared just simply using hot water from the tap?
Can it be sustaining and interesting?

Well, the past two months I have been using powdered milk,
quick cooked oats and Splenda/dark brown sugar, for my breakfast.
Adding the occasional handful of raisins. This was partially a start.

Another treat :-) was Bread and Milk for breakfast. 2 -3 slices of bread,
powdered milk, and a scoop of raisins, and hot water.

Then I began making a drink of Honey, Mint, Ginger, Lemonade and Hot Water .
This in 3 liter bottles, but it began to ferment after 3-4 days. Low Alcohol of course.

But then two weeks ago I got a throat bug.
I began making lemonade, with Brown Sugar, using a plug in kettle.
Again this was limited kitchen facilities.

As for lunches and dinners.
I expanded to include wraps, and using a small Microwave Oven.
Using flat bread from Costco, Ancient Grains (4 dollars gets 15 rounds)
I first began making spreads with margarine and spices or jams.
These were ate cold, no heating up. Variations were endless.
From the usual, peanut butter and jam or honey, to adding Cinnamon
or Cloves. Didn't do this but even heated up apples might have worked.
But then I got a buy on cheese, and grated up a block.
Making Cheese Wraps with salad or frozen mixed veggies.
Heated in the microwave they were great lunches or dinners.

Yesterday, I bought some granola, and a bag of quick cooked oats.
Today I mixed half and half, added a bit of powdered milk and no sugar.
Then the hot water to make breakfast. Decided to try it plain.
Not great but not bad. Think the raisins and a tip of the spoon of sugar
would improve the taste.

Once I had the Microwave Oven in the mix, I began experimenting with Apples.
LARGE Pink Lady apples, cored, and diced with skin, brown sugar, margarine, and quick oats.
Micro waved for 5 minutes, stirred up and eaten hot, with mug of hot lemonade.
Was enough to keep me from nibbling from lunch to 6+ in the evening.

Another drink, was taking raw cocoa powder, splenda and milk powder, and making my
own hot chocolate powder. A couple of spoonful's and hot water from the kettle was all
it took to make a drink to warm up on, during a cold day with the a/c ;-D

It is enough to say, that with a plug in kettle, and microwave oven, a single person
can get by without an kitchen, and in a pinch, even without the microwave.
Between dried stuff, and ready cooked, it is possible to live.
But don't expect to win prizes for culinary greatness ;-)

A Stove / Fireplace to Heat and Cook with

POST 2 A Stove / Fireplace to Heat and Cook with June 25th

I have been thinking about Finnish / Russian Stoves for quite some time. Then last week, http://cordwoodconstruction.wordpress.com/ posted this article on it's blog. It had a picture of a mass storage fire place that looked quite simple to decipher. I went looking about and found more information on them, and a picture of one in the process of being constructed. The Interior Parts were custom made and shipped to site from a factory, and the exterior parts were accessed on site, and gave the finished product it's local character, built by the home builder.
      It was the picture of the Interior Parts that got me really excited. While I had seen some diagrams of various stoves, I had not seen anything like this. Two, 18" flues 2" wide, on either side of a firing hole. They pointed upward of course and had their origin in the firing chamber. This was a pattern that I could understand.
      My brain immediately went into over drive, and I have been thinking of pretty much nothing else since. No drawings as yet, but I have come down to thinking a dome style interior, with flues on either side and up the back, with two cooking levels, one for large pots, and the other at the top, for pizza or cookie trays. and through the back, how about copper tubing with water running through, to a tank, recycling on a small pump.
    I'm still trying to think through the flues construction and whether to have them go straight up over, or to curve over before going up. The latter more complicated, but if done right, the smoke/air inside could be reheated and less smoke and soot go up the chimney. At least that is the idea.
   This is of course very preliminary thinking. So don't get too locked into any ideas yet ;D But the more I think about it the more interesting it becomes. One aspect of this is, that I am thinking more advanced ideas for a first shelter, in that I would build it with Stackwall, and a cob for mortar, with a smallish but effective Fireplace, using clay/non organic sub soil mud. Something our early Neo-Lithic Ancestors would create on the quick and cheap ;D

POST 1 Mini Stone / Clay Fire place-Stove June 17th

First, definitions; Fire place vs Stove

A Fire Place is any open source of fire, with or without a chimney.
A Stove is an enclosed Fire with a heat surface over top, enclosed or not, for cooking on/in.

I know that by the Neolithic people were heating water using pre made containers, by putting rocks from the fire into the water container. Thus heating the water. But I wonder when man or woman (let's not be sexist ;) discovered that by containing the fire, and letting the top rock heat and using it for cooking on?

My idea is to use rocks and clay to form a 3 sided container, with a flat rock on top, and another flat rock for covering the front of the fire... in this way the top rock would heat and serve as the cooking surface.
To move it further a bit, by enclosing the top rock, we get a primitive stove, for baking ;-) how this would be done, would require some experimentation, but I think a thicker base with walls built up over time to cover a wattle frame that would be left in for a period to support the roof of the stove... whether the dome would be capable of self support without the frame is the big question, or if left in, would the wood of the frame deteriorate with the heat being transmitted through the stone and clay...

The other question, is how "mini" would this be ;D I am sure our ancestors did this experimentation a few times in the past, on different continents... what I am proposing doing is nothing new...

    As I think this through, I'll add to this and bump it up... but it does seem a way forward to learning.

from the primitive to the modern survival tech

I came across an article in the Globe and Mail about a means to supply power to off grid back packers.

 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gadgets-and-gear/gadgets/charge-your-device-off-the-grid-with-sherpa-solar-power-kit/article12513769/

with a little bit of luck I stumbled upon the home site of this little wonder, and a world of Solar Powered Energy Support, based in of all places, Brampton, Ontario, stones throw from here.

http://www.solarflash.ca/

Now, not all stuff is cheap, and Solar Energy, while it is getting better, is not for the small of pocket book, or bank account. But for someone who is willing to start small, and work up, like someone who wants to build by stages a Cordwood or Eco-Home, then this is the ticket.

I can see taking this little wizard,

http://www.solarflash.ca/goal-zero-portable-recreational-solar-products/complete-kits/scout-150-expedition-kit/scout-150-expedition-kit/

as a starting point, in a low tech method of keeping in touch, and perhaps having some light not dependent on a fire or candle. (maybe even a one cup coffee maker ;). This would do until a more permanent habitat were created, that might require even two or three such power supplies, when it would be probable that it would be cheaper to upgrade to a more powerful unit.

This unit is for RVs but it does not mean it can't be used on a stationary base. It is 125 Watt, and is capable of powering an RVs electrical system. This is Solar Flash's description, without price. At the bottom is a link to a pdf file from the maker.
  http://www.solarflash.ca/category/off-grid-battery-backup/off-grid-kits/rvboat-kits/

http://www.solarflash.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/HESRV-SolarFlash-spec1.pdf

for a description and price from a company in Manitoba, try this site.

http://www.evolvegreen.ca/catalog/item/6217815/8808063.htm

As can be seen from the brief links above, there is lots of options for power off grid, without going over board. But one thing is abundantly clear from what little I have learned, it is going to be necessary to bone up on some of this tech, so that I can do it myself. From the Solar Flash site, for a full installation for a cottage, (Stove, Fridge, Micro Wave, TV/Entertainment Unit, Pumps etc,) it is 10,000 for materials and half again of that, for installation of a low end 4.5 Kw Solar Power Source!!

http://www.solarflash.ca/category/diy-grid-connect-solar-kits/4-5kw-diy-solar-pv-kit/

No one said Solar Power was going to be cheap "IF YOU WANT THE CITY IN THE COUNTRY"