East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Undergraduate Honors Theses Student Works 12-2019 THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING Monica Garcia-Guzman Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/honors Part of the Construction Engineering Commons, Environmental Design Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, and the Interior Architecture Commons Recommended Citation Garcia-Guzman, Monica, "THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING" (2019). Undergraduate Honors Theses. Paper 554. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/554 This Honors Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Undergraduate Honors Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING The Design of Tiny Homes and their Significance to Simplistic Living By Monica Garcia An Undergraduate Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Midway Honors Scholars Program Honors College East Tennessee State University ___________________________________ Monica Garcia-Guzman Date ___________________________________ Mr. William K. Hemphill Date THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING ii Abstract This research examines the design of tiny homes and the importance they play in the lives of those that would usually have not been able to afford a house. The research will also focus on designing a tiny home with the use of design software to fully understand the extent of the characteristics of a tiny home. The design of these small dwellings, usually about 400-500 square feet, allows for a minimalist lifestyle that can be very low cost. The same materials that are used in traditional constructed homes are used for tiny homes because it makes them more durable and more valuable. Therefore, engineers and architects take great strides to think of clever designs for these small spaces to include everyday necessities while providing pleasing aesthetics. The popularity of tiny homes is rising, but they are still illegal in many parts of the country because they do not meet standard building codes. If further research is provided about the wonderful designs that these homes can provide, and the ways in which they give individuals a desired lifestyle, regardless of income, it could be possible that the flourishing tiny house movement could eventually lead to the legalization and legitimization of tiny homes nationwide. THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank my mentor and professor, Mr. Hemphill, for working with me on this challenging project. He was understanding of my situation and gave me confidence in my abilities as a student and provided valuable insight on the topic of this thesis. I would also like to thank Dr. Kornweibel for being patient, understanding, and kind to me from the very first day that I began attending East Tennessee State University. She encouraged me to continue pushing forward and to not give up during tough times. THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING iv Table of Contents Cover Page…………………………………………………………………………………………………..i Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................ vi List of Tables ........................................................................................................................................ vii Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 Significance of Study ............................................................................................................................. 2 Statement of Problem and Research Question ..................................................................................... 4 Literature Review .................................................................................................................................. 5 Methodology Research Design .................................................................................................................................. 8 Data Collection Method #1: Interviews ................................................................................................ 8 Informed Consent and Privacy of the Participants .......................................................................... 10 Process of Interviews ..................................................................................................................... 10 Interview Summaries ..................................................................................................................... 12 The “Kahns” .............................................................................................................................. 12 The “Fairfields” ......................................................................................................................... 14 “Roxanne” ................................................................................................................................. 15 Data Collection Method #2: Experiential Build Activity .................................................................... 16 Brief Introduction to Incredible Tiny Homes .................................................................................. 18 Process of Building a Tiny Home................................................................................................... 19 Process of Design in SketchUp .......................................................................................................... 28 The Completed SketchUp Model ....................................................................................................... 37 Discussions THE DESIGN OF TINY HOMES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO SIMPLISTIC LIVING v Tiny Homes Versus Other Living Accommodations .......................................................................... 42 Apartments .................................................................................................................................... 43 Condominiums .............................................................................................................................. 44 Mobile Homes ............................................................................................................................... 44 Traditional Homes ......................................................................................................................... 45 Campers/RVs ................................................................................................................................ 46 Storage Sheds ................................................................................................................................ 47 Themes from the Interviews............................................................................................................... 48 Financial Freedom ......................................................................................................................... 48 Freedom to Travel ......................................................................................................................... 49 Freedom from Possessions ............................................................................................................. 50 Responsibility to the Environment ................................................................................................. 50 Future Research The Elderly and Disabled................................................................................................................... 51 The Homeless .................................................................................................................................... 52 College Students ................................................................................................................................ 53 Extra Questions ................................................................................................................................. 54 Expenses of Building a Tiny Home .................................................................................................... 54 Expenses of Maintaining a Tiny Home .............................................................................................. 56 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................... 57 References ...........................................................................................................................................