While stumbling my way through the internet, I came across this list of "space saving" chairs from This Old House.

The list is diverse, with some unique designs as well as old favorites (such as the Papton chair, shown at left, made from a single piece of card folded cardboard).

The practicality of some designs is questionable and most likely none of them will end up in Blake's Tiny House, but it is certainly fun to take a look.

While reading the book At Home by Bill Bryson,  I have been thinking about is how little the word "home" is used in everyday conversation.  Usually it is only mentioned in a phrase like, "I'm going home" or "I need to pick/drop something off at home" or "See you at home."  

"House" seems to be used more frequently.  After all it was the "housing crisis," not the "home crisis".  And the name of this website it is "Blake's Tiny House."

Well, I am off on an tangent.  But, perhaps that is appropriate, given that Bill Bryson is constantly jumping around in this book.  

In At Home, Bryson, who also authored  A Brief History of Nearly Everything, offers the history of the house.  Specifically, his small stone home in England that was built in the mid-1800s.  Although his Victorian vicarage differs from the residence of most people, it does not really matter because, as stated earlier, Bryson switches topic a lot.  He reminds us that the house---which started as the simple one room hall---has over time, been molded into something much more complicated and cluttered.  I think the modern complexity of houses, is good to keep in mind while working on a tiny house.

At Home is not a dull, dry historical tome, but a quirky book with facts and stories that are funny, unique and interesting.  Of particular note, is the section dealing with the impact of artificial light.  After reading it, I am sure no one would willingly return to the days of the single candle.

Sections of At Home can be found at Google Books.  NPR also has an interview with BIll Bryson.

Tell us where we should take the Tiny House. We are planning a journey that takes us to builder shows/conferences, RV shows, or general festivals/fairs.  Home base will be in the Bolder/Denver/Longmont area and we only have 7-8 days to do the tour. We are looking to tour in June or early July. Where do you want us to go? Comment below. 

Here at Blake's Tiny House, we live in areas with cold climates and understand how important it is to have a good building envelope.  Unfortunately, many of the traditional insulation products are made from some very unpleasant and often toxic chemicals.  

While looking about for some other options, we have come across Greensulate by Ecovative, a very interesting insulation product grown from rice hulls, cotton and fungus. 

For more information, take a look at this article from Time and a video from the always interesting TED talks.