Housing | ResourcesForLife.com

Sanctuary Magazine of Australia features the Small House Society and ResourcesForLife.com

On 11.12.09, In Activism, Environment, Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Small House Society

Summary. The Small House Society and ResourcesForLife.com are featured in the Australian Sanctuary Magazine (issue #9).

The Small House movement is to homes what the Slow Food movement is to dinner: a celebration of sustainability, simplicity and nourishment. It’s a trend that’s gained momentum in recent years thanks to the trifecta of increasing climate change awareness, the global financial crisis and rising real estate prices. The Small House movement is most active in the US, where people of all ages and incomes are foregoing “trophy” houses for small, even tiny, abodes that free up their time and money. [more]

The full article is below as a Scribd document and available for download as PDF.

Small Houses – Sanctuary magazine issue 9 – green home feature article

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The Space of Our Desire – A Story of Smaller and Simpler Living featured in Off Deadline

On 10.27.09, In Activism, Effective Living, Environment, Housing, Iowa City, Relationships, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Building Green | Environment

Summary. The Space of our Desire is a compelling story by Kurt Cunningham about smaller and simpler living. The story was featured in the Fall 2009 print version of The Daily Iowan magazine, Off Deadline and appeared in the online edition with the title Tiny Space, big dreams. A photo slideshow is also available.

Excerpt. Below is an excerpt from the story.

Just off Melrose Avenue near the UI’s Boyd Law Building, nestled between two trees and propped up on a trailer bed, sits a house built in inches rather than feet.

This 140-square-foot dwelling is smaller than the average-sized dorm room and looks similar to a tree fort children long to own.

But for nearly six years, it has served as Gregory Johnson’s home.

The UI technology-support specialist doesn’t own a car, nor does he pay a mortgage. Until two months ago, the 45-year-old didn’t have running water or electricity. His tiny home had just the basic necessities — a loft, a place to store clothes, and a porch to read on.

The smell of camping lingers in the walls that span only as far as he can reach, and the cobwebs create an illusion of a log cabin pitched in the middle of the forest. But this small, quaint home sits on the east side of his parents’ property.

Although Johnson recently made the switch to a small apartment roughly twice the size of his tiny home, he said his goal to inform others of the benefits of simplistic living is not over.

“What I’ve learned over the last six years is that the fewer material objects one owns, the less stress one has,” he said. “Something all people can appreciate.”

As Johnson stood next to the porch — only wide enough for a folding chair — he said size was the only issue that kept him and his fiancée, Makur Jain, from continuing to live in the home. She noted with a laugh that she also needed a properly working bathroom.

Though Johnson knows this is not the most convenient lifestyle, he hopes people can take parts of his life and apply them to their own. He stressed that living with the basic essentials takes some getting used to, but it promotes a rewarding, eco-friendly way of life.

Developing a routine is at the core of successfully living in such a non-materialistic lifestyle. Johnson’s began in the summer of 2001.

“I would wake up, ride my bike to the gym [rain or snow], shower, and get ready there,” he said. “Then, I would go on with my day. I didn’t see the point of paying for something like water.”

Changing where and how he started his day, he was able to stay disconnected from the city’s grid and pay $15 to $30 a month on heat. He maintained a relatively normal lifestyle by taking advantage of utilities from different resources. Because Johnson didn’t have electricity or running water, he powered his appliances at work and showered at the gym.

“I made a few small changes and saved a lot of money,” he said.

Jain, a UI graduate student, said the first time she saw the house, she was taken aback by just how small it was.

“It was so dark the first time I saw his house,” she said and laughed. “I remember thinking, ‘OK, where is the rest of the house?’ ”

A native of Lucknow, India, she shares Johnson’s outlook on life. Her father instilled in her a lifestyle of having only necessary items while she was growing up, she said.

“He always told me if you need two pairs of shoes, OK, or if you need two outfits, OK, but don’t worry about having more than you need.”

Both Johnson and Jain are drawn to what they call the simple “college life” living style, where everything they own has a practical use.

In fact, they recently moved all their possessions into the bathroom at their new apartment in order for a maintenance crew to change the carpeted floor to hardwood.

“I think that is when I realized just how few things we own,” Jain said. In fact, the couple doesn’t even own a bed; they sleep on yoga mats and find it just as comfortable.

Johnson isn’t the first UI employee to live this way. With the help of a former UI art Professor Jay Shafer — now a co-owner of Tumble Weed Tiny House Co. in California — Johnson spent the summer in 2001 building his home and downgrading his way of living.

“I moved things out little by little,” Johnson said. “What I didn’t need I left behind. I wanted to know what it would be like to live as simply as possible.”

Shafer’s home designs have been featured by the New York Times, CNN, and even Oprah Winfrey. [More...]

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Housing Matters: Can Building Green be Affordable? … an ICPL Sustainability Event by Eco Iowa City

On 10.26.09, In Activism, Environment, Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Building Green | Environment

20091026mo-eco-iowa-city Summary. In cooperation with Eco-Iowa City, the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission presents a discussion on building sustainable and affordable housing.

When. Wednesday, 28 October 2009, 7-9PM.

Location. Iowa City Public Library, Room A.

More Information. Call 319-358-0828.

Speakers. Gregory Paul Johnson of the Small House Society, and Don Otto of DPO Construction LC.

Event Details. More information from the event, including presentation slides, audio, video, and responses to comments and feedback will be made available on this page in the future.

>>> Press Release <<<

A public forum entitled on sustainable, affordable housing entitled “Housing Matters: Can Building Green Be Affordable?” will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, at the Iowa City Public Library Meeting Room A. The speakers will be Gregory Paul Johnson and Don Otto.

Johnson is founder of ResourcesForLife.com, an outreach and public interest organization based in Iowa City. He has studied urban and regional planning with the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs, and works as a technology consultant. He is also a facilitator for the Small House Society.

Otto is a green builder and owner of DPO Construction LC. He has been building energy-efficient homes for 31 years, and is especially interested in how design impacts energy flows. He will offer insights into building more environmentally friendly homes.

Free home weatherization kits, provided by Eco Iowa City, will be given out on a first-come, first served basis.

The forum is sponsored by the Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission, whose task is to assess and review policies related to the provision of housing, jobs, and services for low and moderate income residents, and to oversee the allocation of federal block grant housing funds in Iowa City. This is the first public education program the Commission has sponsored. For more info, call 358-0828.

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Compact Cabins: Simple Living in 1000 Square Feet or Less; 62 Plans for Camps, Cottages, Lake Houses, and Other Getaways

On 10.23.09, In Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Small House Society

Summary. Compact Cabins by Gerald Rowan , published by Storey Publishing, is now available in our store.

Click Here to Buy Now

Overview. Below is a description from Amazon.

The setting might be a sparkling lakefront, a cool clearing in the woods, a breathtaking mountaintop, or an expansive beach, but the dream of a modest retreat from everyday life often includes a simple little cabin. In cabin getaways of the imagination, the cares of the world recede, time slows down, and the day’s pace is set by leisure and quiet activities.

Compact Cabins presents 62 design interpretations of the getaway dream, with something to please every taste. Best of all, these small footprint designs are affordable and energy efficient without skimping on comfort and style. The cabins range in size from a cozy 100 square feet to a more spacious but still economical 1,000 square feet, and all include sleeping accommodations, kitchen and bath facilities, and a heat source. Complete chapters on low-maintenance building materials, utilities and appliances, and alternative energy sources supply readers with the options for living efficiently in small spaces.

For every design, readers will find floor plans with detailed suggestions for designing the space for optimal use. These plans are flexible; many feature modular elements that can be mixed and matched to accommodate a particular owner’s needs or hobbies. Features such as an outdoor fireplace, covered porch, or external storage locker might work nicely in several cabin designs. It’s all about enhancing and maximizing small spaces to suit individual needs and preferences.

Build small. In this time of uncertain energy costs, global warming, and tighter budgets, building small is a theme that resonates with second-home owners. Gerald Rowan shows readers how to achieve their cabin dreams on a small footprint.

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Natural Home Magazine Features Put Your Life on a Diet by ResourcesForLife.com Director Gregory Johnson

On 10.14.09, In Activism, Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Housing > Small House Society | Put Your Life on a Diet

20091014we-natural-home-magazine-2008-MayJune Summary. The November/December 2009 issue of Natural Home Magazine features an article about Gregory Johnson’s book Put Your Life on a Diet: Lessons Learned Living in 140 Square Feet.

“What excites me most is how micro decisions can have a macro impact. For me, a smaller home has resulted in a significantly reduced cost of living; my home’s costs of construction, utility bills and maintenance are much lower than those of an average home. Living in a smaller space also limits my purchases, saving me money. And these factors help reduce my environmental footprint, which benefits everyone.” ~ Gregory Johnson

Video. Below is a video of Gregory Johnson commenting on the Natural Home Magazine article.

Learn More. Learn more about the book by visiting PutYourLifeOnADiet.com or purchase the book today.

20091014we-put-your-life-on-a-diet

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Green Housing: How to Love and Live in Your Eco-Inspired Home

On 09.16.09, In Environment, Housing, by guest

Effective Living > Housing

How to Love and Live in Your Eco-Inspired Home
by Shireen Qudosi (with additional editing by Gregory Johnson)

Long before the mod designs of today’s sustainable homes, there the “Glass House”. Built in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1949 by Philip Johnson for his personal use. It was a ground breaking project in its time and still continues to astonish those of us today who cannot fathom living in a see-through house.

While most people love the concept of a glass house, they have one major problem with it – privacy. But there’s a simple solution – curtains. Lightweight curtains would provide both shade during summer months as well as privacy, without compromising the structure’s aesthetic appeal.

But what a lot of people also don’t realize is those eco homes aren’t cookie cutter houses. On the contrary, they can be built with a lot more forethought and personalized design than traditional real estate. Just ask Michelle Kaufman of MK Designs.

When Michelle Kaufman and her husband moved to California, they decided to fill the market for clean green homes after their own difficulty in finding one. Clients can design their own custom home and choose the features that work for them. According to Michelle, “the real challenge, and the critical area for a successful project, is the implementation and the production.” Fortunately, through many years of being in the business, Michelle and her team have been able to iron out this wrinkle.

Regardless of whether or not you’d choose to live in a glass house, our mutual love of aesthetic and design are instantly drawn into Johnson’s minimalist creation. A balanced sense of proportion and a design that connects with the environment is what ultimately has paved the way for modular and prefab.

Yet no matter what your home is like, you can get it be more sustainable – and contrary to what some may think, sustainable doesn’t mean living a “bare bones” lifestyle. A sustainable lifestyle can be chic and creative while still be eco-conscious.

With fall at our doorstep and winter around the corner, the number one consideration is learning to reduce heating costs. Insulating your home, using an energy-efficient space heater, and good old fashioned bundling up will certainly help you do your part in reducing energy consumption. But for extreme green, try installing a geothermal heating system, with loops deep in the ground around your home, and a heater exchange to collect relative heat from the ground.1 If you’re already in a DIY renovation mode, then consider installing windows and skylights that’ll let more light come in – thus reducing your dependency on electrical lighting. There are also a number of window designs that not only let more light in, but also help keep in the heat.

But if you’re a quick-fix type, there are still versatile ways you can prep your home for winter and reflect your stellar taste – especially if you’re a notorious coveter of wooden floors.

If you’ve got wooden floors (hopefully bamboo), try covering them with rugs during the winter. The use of rugs is a quick DIY insulation that gives you a chance to add a new style element in your living space. Far from perhaps over bearing eclectic themes too strong for certain tastes, some eco-inspired pieces are also designed for the utilitarian thinker. For the military-mined eco-enthusiast, there’s Rebekah Rauser’s Redeploy Rug that combines the necessary military durability of surplus blankets with organic fluidity. Made of 100% wool Russian army blankets and with topographic pattern, the Redeploy adds a unique dimension that makes the piece not only necessary but stylish.

Ultimately, no matter which route you choose, the goal is to create a home that is both functional and stylish, while still doing its part for the environment.

Eco winter ideas is brought to you by Shireen Qudosi.

1 http://www.canadianhomeworkshop.com/home-reno-and-design/green-renovations/five-ways-to-make-your-home-more-sustainable/a/21292

Image 1: Philip Johnson’s ‘Glass House’

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Small House Society News 200908

On 08.13.09, In Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Small House Society – News 200908 | 13 August 2009 | Thursday

Dear Friend of Small, Simple, and Sustainable Living,

I know that time is precious for everyone, so I’ll try to keep this update short. The approximate reading time is about 4 minutes. Feel free to reduce your reading time even more by skipping over topics that don’t interest you.

Discussion List. As a result of misdirected emails over the past two days, some discussion that belonged on our discussion list ended up going out to the monthly newsletter list distribution. I apologize for the inconvenience. Unfortunately, about 10 people unsubscribed from the monthly newsletter list because of this. The problem is now corrected.

Small Living Journal. The Small Living Journal continues to reach thousands of people with practical solutions to simpler and smaller living. Please take a moment to visit the journal to learn more and subscribe.

Tumbleweed Blog. The blog at TumbleweedHouses.com offers excellent information on a wide variety of simpler smaller living issues.

From previous newsletters…

The Clayton i-house. The most recent designer/builder to boldly enter the national stage has been Clayton with their i-house. [see video]

FLYP Media. There was a very nice multi-page article produced by Flyp Media. If you missed it, you’ll want to take a look.

Small House Movement Video Overview. In response to hundreds of email and phone inquires, I’ve created a simple 10 minute video that introduces the Small House Movement. A new and improved version of this video will be produced in the future in response to feedback and suggestions. Please watch the video and let me know if you have any comments.

Rocio Romero. From their latest newsletter, it’s clear that Rocio Romero is continuing to design and build art that you can live in. Take a look.

Tata Housing. The India-based company, Tata made news recently for creating the world’s first $2,500 car, the Tata Nano. It’s not a concept car. It’s an award winning vehicle that people are purchasing and driving. Now Tata has launched Tata Housing. What Tata has achieved with small cars they are now creating in the small house industry. I’ll be going to India on June 26 through July 12 and hope to learn more while I’m there.

The Small House Book. Jay’s newest book, The Small House Book, is now available on the TumbleweedHouses.com website and has received positive reviews among those who have read it. If you use our link to the TumbleweedHouses.com website, some proceeds from book and home sales will help support the Small House Society.

Energy Efficient Construction Video. A video is now available for those interested in extreme energy savings. Take a look.

Small Living Presentation in Wisconsin. On 2 April 2009, at a conference on Temperance at Viterbo University, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, I delivered the keynote presentation on the topic of simple and small living. A complete video of the presentation (1 hour of presentation and 20 minutes of questions and answers) is available for viewing on Blip.tv and Vimeo.com.

Small Living Journal. The recent launch of the Small Living Journal at www.SmallLivingJournal.com was a huge success. The journal was launched on 23 March 2009 with it’s first issue, and since then thousands of people have visited the site and hundreds signed up for the RSS Feed. The Small Living Journal began as a simple idea put forth by Stephanie Reiley (of ComingUnmoored.com). Stephanie contacted many of the writers (and leading voices) within the small house movement; people who are regularly sharing their own small living experiences on blogs and websites. She brought these writers together, one by one, to join in a kind of collaborative writing project that would be the Small House Journal. Already admired and respected in the movement, it didn’t take Stephanie long to gather a significant base of support, and the dream became a reality. Please take a moment now to visit the Small Living Journal and subscribe to the RSS Feed.

Membership. Many thanks to all those who have already joined or renewed their membership this year at the $5 annual level. If you’ve not done so already, please visit the membership page. Your support helps us support simpler and smaller living initiatives. Thanks to all those who gave above and beyond the $5 suggested membership donation.

New Online Community. In recent months, there has been incredible growth among the small living online comunities and discussion forums. In addition to the Small House Society Online at Yahoo Groups, there is now a new Small House Society Online Community at ResourcesForLife.com with small living topics organized into sub-forums rather than a single discussion list. It’s advertising free and doesn’t require a Yahoo account. Visit the Community Information page for more information including a video tour. Other communities and discussion lists, independent of the Small House Society, include the Tiny House Yahoo Group, The Tiny House Forum by Michael Janzen, and the Tiny House Village Network. The combined membership of these groups represents thousands of people. The messages posted to the forums and lists exceed 10,000 messages. I believe this is a sign that the small house movement has reached critical mass and is about to experience rapid growth in the coming months. The Small House Society Online Community maintains an active listing of current discussion lists and online forums.

New Live Events and Workshops. As of this month, ResourcesForLife.com now offers online events, seminars, classes, workshops, presentations, and teleconferencing. Using this new technology, the Small House Society hopes to offer special live events as well as hosting collaborative meetings for the movement. More news will be in next month’s newsletter.

Media Coverage. There continues to be excellent media exposure for the movement toward smaller and simpler living. Just about every week we receive media inquires from print and television journalists around the world. Most recently the Small House Society was featured in the Financial Times of London and Shedworking (both with photos courtesy of my Fiancée, Makur). There was also a very nice article about the movement in the Economist.

Interviews. Please let me know if you would like to have your website and business featured in a video. The plan is to explore small living websites while interviewing the owner(s) about their work. The narrative can accompany a video tour of the website.

How a House is Built. The latest book from Dennis Fukai and Barbara Fukai offers a detailed and three-dimensional presentation of home construction. Learn more about How a House is Built on their website.

India Tour. In January I completed a second visit to India (from December 25 to January 15). This second trip offered an opportunity to learn more about housing and urban planning issues. I encourage you to read my full report if you didn’t yet get a chance to do so before. During this trip, I learned about a planned community called Lavasa.

Radio Interviews. Audio is now available for recent interviews with Gregory Johnson on ABC News Australia (includes Jay Shafer), National Radio in Ireland, Iowa Public Radio Book Reading/Interview, and Public Radio Interview with Ben Kieffer from February 2007. I hope to have more audio available in December.

Website Redesign. The Small House Society web pages have been significantly upgraded with new navigation links at the top of each page and the addition of a Facebook group.

Kiva Lending Team. Resources For Life now has a Kiva Funding Team. If you’ve not yet heard about Kiva, I encourage you to check it out.

Border to Border Tour. If you’ve not had an opportunity to visit the Border to Border Tour page, I encourage you to do so. The tour was an amazing success. Photos from the tour area now available. Many thanks to all those who attended the tour events and provided us with encouragement and support.

Thanks. I want to thank the global team of volunteers and contributors “behind the scenes” who help make all this possible. I’m very grateful to the many people who continue to uphold and advance the mission of the Small House Society. Thanks again for your support. Please let me know if there is any way that the Small House Society can serve you better.

Regards,
Gregory Johnson, Facilitator
Small House Society

Internet: http://www.smallhousesociety.org
E-Mail: shs @ resourcesforlife.com (without spaces)
Postal: c/o Resources for Life, PO Box 2717, Iowa City, IA 52244-2717
Phone: (319) 621-4911

* * *

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Continental Magazine – Idea of the Moment: The Next Little Thing

On 06.18.09, In Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Small Living

Summary. The June 2009 issue of Continental Magazine has as their Idea of the Moment feature article the story The Next Little Thing by Joe Bargmann. Below is an excerpt from the full article.

Johnson is a leading figure in the micro-housing movement. He’s a co-founder of the Small House Society (SHS) and the Small Living Journal (smalllivingjournal.com), a Web site that launched in March, as well as the author of Put Your Life on a Diet: Lessons Learned from Living in 140 Square Feet. Other co-founders of the SHS include Jay Shafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, which sells plans and materials for dwellings measuring between 65 and 837 square feet, and Shay Salomon and Nigel Valdez, who created the influential book Little House on a Small Planet.

The micro-housing trend, once decidedly on the fringes, has hit the mainstream, in part because of the economic downturn. People are looking for ways to live more efficiently, whether that means lowering their utility bills or spending less time vacuuming – just two of the advantages of living in a smaller house.

Johnson is a leading figure in the micro-housing movement. He’s a co-founder of the Small House Society (SHS) and the Small Living Journal (smalllivingjournal.com), a Web site that launched in March, as well as the author of Put Your Life on a Diet: Lessons Learned from Living in 140 Square Feet. Other co-founders of the SHS include Jay Shafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, which sells plans and materials for dwellings measuring between 65 and 837 square feet, and Shay Salomon and Nigel Valdez, who created the influential book Little House on a Small Planet.

The micro-housing trend, once decidedly on the fringes, has hit the mainstream, in part because of the economic downturn. People are looking for ways to live more efficiently, whether that means lowering their utility bills or spending less time vacuuming – just two of the advantages of living in a smaller house.

Share. To share this article, use the share button found above to the right. To share the full article as found on the Continental Magazine website, use the share button below.

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Penguin House – Tiny Japanese Micro Home For Small Living

On 06.03.09, In Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Effective Living > Housing > Small House Society

Summary. The Penguin House uses very innovative engineering and architectural design to achieve a better use of space.

Through creative channeling of light, and specializing designing of walls, hallways, and windows, the home is illuminated using natural light rather than being dependent entirely on artificial lighting.

Notice in the picture here that steps are open to allow air flow and light to pass through.

Video. The National Geographic Channel provided the video tour below.

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Small House Society News 200906

On 06.03.09, In Housing, by gregorypauljohnson

Small House Society – News 200906 | 3 June 2009 | Wednesday

Dear Friend of Small, Simple, and Sustainable Living,

I know that time is precious for everyone, so I’ll try to keep this update short. The approximate reading time is about 4 minutes. Feel free to reduce your reading time even more by skipping over topics that don’t interest you.

Open Tiny House Event. If you’ve been reading Jay Shafer’s blog, you know about his cross-country trip, the Fencl Coat to Coast Tour. Jay will be having two open house events in Iowa City. One on June 3 at 6PM (Mercer Aquatic Center), and another on June 4 at 12: 30 PM where both of our homes, the Mobile Hermitage and the Fencl, will be available for viewing and purchase (508 Melrose Court).

From last month’s newsletter posted two days ago…

The Clayton i-house. The most recent designer/builder to boldly enter the national stage has been Clayton with their i-house. [see video]

FLYP Media. There was a very nice multi-page article produced by Flyp Media. If you missed it, you’ll want to take a look.

Small House Movement Video Overview. In response to hundreds of email and phone inquires, I’ve created a simple 10 minute video that introduces the Small House Movement. A new and improved version of this video will be produced in the future in response to feedback and suggestions. Please watch the video and let me know if you have any comments.

Rocio Romero. From their latest newsletter, it’s clear that Rocio Romero is continuing to design and build art that you can live in. Take a look.

Tata Housing. The India-based company, Tata made news recently for creating the world’s first $2,500 car, the Tata Nano. It’s not a concept car. It’s an award winning vehicle that people are purchasing and driving. Now Tata has launched Tata Housing. What Tata has achieved with small cars they are now creating in the small house industry. I’ll be going to India on June 26 through July 12 and hope to learn more while I’m there.

Mobile Hermitage – Now For Sale!

The Mobile Hermitage, pictured above, is one of the homes that helped start the Small House Movement back in 2003. The Mobile Hermitage is now being offered for sale at a price of $40,000 $30,000 or best offer. Please contact us to make an offer. This is the same home that was featured on National Public Radio, Public Television, Better Homes and Gardens, and even the Oprah Winfrey show requested to have it on the show. The sale of the home will help advance the Small House Movement and make way for an exciting new development in smaller, simpler, more sustainable living.