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GreaterUpperValley.com

The Tiny House Movement

Dec 02, 2013 10:30PM ● By Erin Frisch

My brother Todd Sensenich grew up working with his hands, crafting items out of wood and other miscellaneous objects and textures. Growing up I watched him go from project to project. It was not until I came home for summer after finishing my first year of college that I realized how far his skills had reached. As I walked through the woods past my house I came upon eight wheels, a roof and a movement: The Tiny House Movement. What sat in those woods was something that I had never seen; yet it seemed so brilliant, so imaginative, I immediately wanted one for myself.

Today the homes that we live in are most commonly too big says www.thetinylife.com. There are rooms that stay vacant for most parts of the year, except to store something that we don’t really want in the first place. The Tiny House movement urges us, as homeowners, as citizens, students, and families to rethink how we use our space. These houses most commonly include, a loft bedroom, a kitchen, small bathroom and living area.

My brother adapted his to his own needs as an Audio Engineer and carpenter. He has his own oasis upon the oak and maple trees. A hammock hangs outside next to a canopy under the covering of trees and oil lamps sit on the hexagonal picnic table he hand crafted. Inside there is a small recording studio and above is his loft which doubles as a bedroom. The insides walls are made of high quality wood panelling and the tiny house is also equipped with a heat panel, which is used in the winter months. The entirety of the inside is soundproofed for when he records and there are skylights and windows to open when it does not need to be soundproofed. The outside of the house has a little green metal roof and the siding natural wood siding. It is a Perfect home for a creative and busy Audio Engineer/ Acoustical Installation carpenter and manager.

As I stood there in the woods that day, staring at the tiny house, sitting on the beautiful land that I grew up on all I could think was, this feels right. As a college student, I jump from small room to small room, toting my precious items with me every year. This, just like the Tiny House movement gives me a sense of freedom, except for the fact that my dorm room is not hoisted upon tires.

As a young, inspired, vivacious generation we must look to the future to help change these ideas about owning ‘things’. Minimalism is a vital aspect to this movement and in shaping lives that are lived efficiently. These houses save money, help the environment and are a part of a movement taking flight. Why not rethink our living spaces?

By: Jennifer Sensenich

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