Once I got back from Europe and the dust settled, I finally started on our tiny houses book. We’ve been gathering material on the subject for about a year and I’m astounded by the wealth and richness of material. I thought I’d have to wrestle with myself to get rolling on this project in the early stages, but it’s taken on a life of its own from day one. I’ve never had a book take off like this. I’m having a wickedly good time, getting up early in the mornings to work on it. PLUS I’m running across all kinds of other interesting stuff (see blogs of Nov.-Dec.).
There are a ton of books out there on tiny (or “small”) houses and more coming, so why are we doing one? Well, we wrote about building small, simple, non-architect, homes in Shelter, 36 years ago. In fact Bob Easton drew up 5 simple little buildings with these roofs: shed, gable, steep gable, gambrel and circular. We told owner-builders to keep it small, simple, and economical, and to not get trapped in a wishful fantasy (domes, 7-sided, abstract shapes, etc). “Quick to build so you can get on with your life.”
Secondly, there’s an obvious surge of interest nowadays, necessity being the mother, etc.
Third, I’ve been photographing small buildings for 40 years now.
Fourth, we’re doing one of our signature building books, dense with photos and stories, way different from other books, hoping to publish by November 2010. It’s gonna be a good one!
*Click here for gambrel roof page from Shelter (shown above).
Excellent! Looking forward to reading this book.
I too am looking forward to this book. From building my own small place I know the tricks used to hold things in place and straight while getting the next bit ready. I had never been so happy when a friend turned up and offered to help.
It gave me a real appreciation of building elements/form, the assistance of a friend or two and the effort involved in getting things right. I am looking forward to seeing Lloyds portrayal of this.
This is super… I am totally anticipating this one and except great things. I love your style.
p.s. I have been searching for a better way to contact you, but I wanted to share photos of my own tiny cob home with you: http://small-scale.net/yearofmud
Your books have been a huge source of inspiration to me.
– ziggy
evacindustry@gmail.com
When this book comes out, I will devour it. 🙂
In your book, could you spare a couple of pages for disability access? Tiny homes are great and can be lifesavers for the disabled, as they can be less expensive, take less maintenance, and –most importantly–have only 4 painful steps to the bathroom instead of 22.
We are blogging about trying to remodel a 350 sf carraige house to be accessible at http://www.accessahut.wordpress.com
Thanks and I really look forward to seeing your book!