Progress Update 3/19/2016

In planning for the build, we knew it was important to consider what was going to be inside the tiny house. Sounds obvious right? I actually learned that at a tiny house class I attended!

One of the stories shared at the class was of a tiny house builder who had not considered the width of his shower insert. The walls were framed, the insert was ready, and it was time for the install--and doh!--the shower was too big for the doorway! I've been fairly warned, and so I made plans for two items requiring attention: My tub and a tree.

The sports tub was a find on Craigslist a while back--and it's an I'm-not-going-to-compromise-on-this item for my house. That is, the tub part--I hadn't dreamed of going about a tub in this way. However, it and a Japanese ofuro appeared in the search results one day when I typed "small tub." I opted for the more spacious option which will be too wide to fit through the bathroom doorway. It is also quite tall to climb into. Since we will be constructing a tiny bathroom around a large tub, alternations needed to be made before the walls went up. Yesterday, my father had one side notched out for easier access so we wouldn't have to hope there was room to get it done later. 

The tree is for a stairway that will be by the desk. The inspiration came from Ella, another tiny house builder who used a tree on her front porch. I found a good tree a couple days ago, but then I found a better one today! Tree #2 has a branch that I am hoping grew there in anticipation of becoming either a stair rail or a place to nail my stairs into. I was so excited about the possibility, I delayed measuring it until tomorrow just in case it grew there for some other reason.

Photo Credit: LittleYellowDoor  //  Photo Credit: CountryLiving

So What Is 'Kisuy'???

Kisuy is a funny name, right? Here's what it's all about:

Early on in my planning, I decided I wanted to use my tiny house build to help me think creatively regarding the way I sourced materials for the project. It's so easy (and expensive!) to go out and buy everything needed--or even a finished product for that matter. However, I wondered what might happen if I spent the time (since I had it) to collect, salvage, and make something myself versus only going to supply stores...

That said, I know my limits. I'm not a welder and wasn't about to assemble the trailer nor was I the least bit interested in salvaging or scavenging for used materials for the structure of my project. To me, structural items need to be new, and I was happy to put in the money to purchase those. Alternatively, I couldn't find a reason not to use re-purposed materials on the interior--provided they were of good quality. The best features of these items are their stories and charm, especially when they come from family and friends. This is where "Kisuy," which means "covering" in Hebrew, comes in. 

As I collected, salvaged, and found alternatives for what I needed, I began to notice something inspiring--the project began to take on the quality of a family quilt! I had a piece of family history in a window that was salvaged from the house my father and his siblings grew up in. The kitchen hardware and lighting came from my tia's 1800's adobe homestead in New Mexico. Additionally, siding for the interior came from what had been beautiful alternative dwelling that belonged to one of my former teachers. 

So just like a quilt, the concept of my tiny house has taken the shape of a covering or "Kisuy" assembled from the collected stories of family and friends. No doubt, there will be plenty of my own story in there too of course! I can't wait to share more on our progress as my father and I continue our adventures in assembling a tiny house!

And finally, a big thank you to everyone for all of your love and support in making this happen!

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