Salt Spring Island Tiny Homes: West coast craftsmanship, to scale

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This Tiny House under construction will have all the comforts of home packed into a 10’x 19’ footprint.

Size affects a home’s affordability and its environmental footprint. Hence the increasing popularity of very small homes. This Tiny House was designed by journeyman carpenter Colin Crystal to showcase his new business, Salt Spring Island Tiny Homes. The Tiny House is 10 ’x 19 ’and is built on a heavy duty 8’x 16’ flat deck trailer. The house includes a three piece bathroom, kitchen with standard appliances, sleeping loft, and living area.

Construction is 2×4 with standard double glazed vinyl windows. Walls and roof are insulated with R-12 fiberglass batts, the 2×8 floor joists are insulated with R-28 batts. The roof is metal. Siding is cedar.

The kitchen has ample shelving and cupboard space, standard sink, refrigerator and propane stove. Cabinets are from Ikea. The bathroom has a shower, composting toilet and small vanity.

Propane is the energy source for space heating, hot water and cooking. A propane on -demand water heater supplies shower and sinks. An enameled propane“wood stove” provides space heat.

Wiring is standard 110v supplied from an outdoor extension cord. Lighting is LED. A PV system can be added for off-grid locations. The refrigerator is the only major

electric appliance. If adequate power was available, electricity could replace the propane, which is a fossil fuel and contributes to global warming.

Water for the Tiny House can either be supplied by waterline from an adjacent building, or rainwater can be harvested from the metal roof. A pump, pressure tank and

water treatment system fits beneath the kitchen sink.

Ventilation is especially important for tiny homes. Fresh air is needed for occupants and for combustion appliances. Ventilation is also needed to exhaust stale, moisture-laden air from kitchen and bathroom. Passive ventilation is provided by operable windows in the loft and on the main level.

Greywater from sinks and shower can either be connected to an existing septic system, or can be filtered though a reed bed treatment system and used for irrigation.

For more information:

Colin Crystal

Salt Spring Island Tiny Homes