5 Articles: Tiny Houses Are Trending

Tiny houses are taking the nation by storm! Whether it is a desire to live more simply, a way to cut housing costs or concern for the environmental impacts of large homes, the tiny house trend continues to grow. Throughout this season of One Book, One Chicago, we've explored architecture, including making "really tiny houses" in the Maker Lab. Let's explore more about the tiny house movement with these five articles.

You can read these articles using CPL's Online Resources, but I've also noted if an article is available freely on the web.

"Tiny House, Big Benefits: Freedom from a Mortgage and Worries - and Stuff by Nina Patel
Washington Post, June 28, 2015 (also available on the Washington Post website)
This article looks at the various reasons people from retirees to globe-trotters choose to live in tiny houses.

"Small Wonder" by Steele Thomas Mardoux
Country Living, February 2015
Tiny house dweller Michelle Spiess, who co-founded the tiny house manufacturing company Tiny Heirloom Home, describes a day in the life of living in a tiny home.

"Tiny Homes to Call Their Own" by Michael J. Totten
Los Angeles Times, January 24, 2016 (also available on the Los Angeles Times website)
In Portland, Oregon, a group of homeless people created Dignity Village, a tiny house community that's working for them and for their city.

"Living the Simple Life" by Melissa Mylchreest
Cabin Living, March 2016
People who seek to build vacation homes are finding tiny houses to be a popular and affordable alternative to a traditional second home.

"7 Big Lessons from Tiny Homes" by Carley Lintz
Daily Herald, August 30, 2015 (also available on the Daily Herald website)
Even if living in a tiny house isn't practical for you, there are still lessons to be learned from those who are choosing to live a smaller and more simple lifestyle.

Keep learning with our Tiny Houses recommended reads, and don't forget to come to our Really Tiny House Competition and Block Party on April 28.