Comments on: CONHOUSE – A Low Cost and Innovative Housing Solution

By: LB

LB — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:54:35 +0000

Well, I know I’m an idiot a lot and I love my trash family, and the trailer park home I wanted to buy just didn’t have *any* insulation – and the long-term owner was a heavy smoker (can’t handle that smell ever since I had to quit smoking ‘em myself years ago) … you know, I don’t even know why I’m rambling like this – the bottom line is most people see what they wanna see. To talk about moving into a small RV, just bigger than a Ford Van, as a disappointment is hardly being a snob. Talking about economic collaps might force my hand? I want this now, I’ve been wanting it for quite a while. There are some great container (ship) homes and I would love to own a small one.

And yes, unfurnished. I like a lot of storage, a bed and a shower. Nothing fancy. Nothing ornate.

The whole tone of MH’s comment – the negativity, the meanness … it just wears me out.

By: Steph

Steph — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:57:23 +0000

Actually, I know there’s at least a couple of regular readers on this site who live in mobile homes.

And floating homes like mine are frequently referred to in certain circles as “trailer parks on the water”. So I wouldn’t be quite so quick to label everyone here as “snobs”.

I seriously researched Park Models as one option for a home but decided to go another way, in part, because I couldn’t have as much control over the materials used or how the interior was finished.

By: MH

MH — Sun, 31 May 2009 02:40:46 +0000

Hmmm . . . Let’s see: Mass produced; Easily transportable; If necessary, can be picked up and moved; Can be assembled (set up) in a single day.

Geez. A mobile home. What a new concept.

Except — Conhouses are more exclusive. I.e., they aren’t for “white trash”, since they DO NOT, unlike many mobiles, come completely furnished & ready to move in to (right down to the widescreen TV). All you need is your clothes and personal possessions. So, I”m sure no one here would lower themselves to a mobile home.

Not, that is, until the economy finally collapses. Then you’ll all be LUCKY to even be able to find a mobile, forget “conhouses” — except, maybe, as a actual *containers* right off a ship to squat in.

Snobs & idiots. You’re all snobs and idiots.

By: Steph

Steph — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:46:40 +0000

I really think we’re getting closer to more inexpensive pre-built Tumbleweed-style options. One option I’ve been waiting to see how it pans out is some of the Amish builders out there who’ve been creating sheds and cabins. Heck, figure out how to give a class full of architecture students credit for building you something. I wouldn’t give up yet.

By: LB

LB — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:00:17 +0000

You hit that nail right on the head: John Kejr. Wonderful vibe, great newsletter, not too frequent, all the facts and photos. I’m really glad you’ll be staying in an Earthship soon. Maybe that can be all one blog since we are all so busy!

As for the container quote, it is more of a “give me an idea what to work toward” but as things grow weaker all around me, I find myself sadly looking at small RVs and contemplate that I may have to do that route and alter the vehicle substantially to make it non-pollutant. (Hey Neil Young, can you ring me up?)

Right now I feel like everything is a game of ping pong, but I am alone in a large room holding my paddle.

Yikes. Off to lay down, rest and focus on positive imagery and hopes for us all.

By: Steph

Steph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:48:25 +0000

Lynne, you’re talking about John Kejr, right? I’ve spent a morning looking at earthships with him and am also on his newsletter. He’s fantastic. I keep meaning to do a write-up on him.

My mother and I have plans to stay in an earthship while she’s in town.

Good luck on your container home quote.

By: LB

LB — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:09:44 +0000

I heart container homes, thanks for all of that, I’ll be following links for two hours today on this post of yours alone. I’m waiting for a quote back from ‘Global Portable Buildings Inc, located in Santa Rosa, California’ on their smallest and most basic… fingers cro$$ed on that! They are pretty cute! I found them through famed and beloved Michael Janzen over on Tiny House Design, from 2008. http://www.globalportablebuildings.com/ – however, unlike a Tumbleweed, it would be a much harder sell to get one of these snuck via crane (?!) onto my friend’s property in a slightly tony neighborhood, whereas simply backing a Tumbleweed House or one of it’s fine cousins would be an addition to the area.

Earthships? I adore! You can go and spend a weekend in Taos in a rental if you want the experience and there’s a great realtor out there who sends me updates on them in New Mexico as well as nationwide. Yay. I love the integrated aspect of the greywater, the indoor gardens w/serious food production but would rather be on water like yourself versus having to move to a place that snows!

Anyway, I’m going to shut my yapper so I can go and see the Vessica! A new Tumbleweed is a thing of joy indeed!