Rowan Kunz has always been an independent spirit, so it should come as no surprise that she dove head-first into the daunting task of constructing her own tiny home. Since purchasing the 192-square-foot trailer in 2012, Kunz has learned valuable lessons on how to become self-sufficient, but also on when to ask for help.
In an interview with Hudson Valley Magazine, complete with incredibly detailed photos from Ken Gabrielsen, Kunz provides a tour of her self-sustainable, off-the-grid tiny home. For a more in-depth look at each step of the process, be sure to visit Kunz's blog, Rowan's Tiny Home.
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The exterior of Kunz's tiny home is cedar siding, and she built the deck all by herself. Though she had initially designed the house to be mobile, she appears to have planted her roots at the edge of her parents' property — at least temporarily.
The interior is pine, and Kunz recalls using “three ladders, wedges, and a variety of expletives" while paneling the 15-foot boards to the ceiling. The sitting area is directly across from the door, allowing Kunz to enjoy the view while nestled in a comfy chair.
Kunz's heater is perched on floating steel shelf with tin ceiling panels serving as the heat shield, per her brother's suggestion. Though it may look small, it is more than capable of heating this cozy home.
The most remarkable aspect of the kitchen is the sheer amount of storage space it provides. One of Kunz's friends made the maple countertops, but the shelving is all Kunz's handiwork.
The bathroom is another highlight of this quaint home. The composting toilet, which Kunz gleefully refers to as a "bucket" has helped her be more conscious of using resources, but the bathtub steals the show. According to her blog, a friend named Mike constructed this enviable cypress bathtub.
The kitchen features a stainless steel sink ("that drains!" she remarks on her blog) and Kunz set up the gray-water plumbing system on her own. As for the chimney and electrical wiring, Kunz had no problem relying on others' expertise to ensure the job was done properly.
Kunz relies on solar panels to power the lights and appliances in her home, and she utilizes gutters to collect rainwater.
Kunz'z sleeping nook is at the other end of the trailer. The lofted design allows for storage underneath, and the bed is partially obscured by a bookshelf and trunk. Inside the sleeping nook, Kunz installed a shallow closet to hang clothing.
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In total, the house cost about $25,000 to build and has given Kunz the opportunity to reflect upon what truly matters. She tells Hudson Valley Magazine, "the house has enough living space for me. I have more comforts than most people in this world.”