February 22, 2012   |  Login  |  Register  |  Contact  
Nothing new under the Sun

According to Houses by Mail,
over 100,000 kit houses were
 built in the United States
between 1908 and 1940.
Many people have lived
in kit houses for years
without realizing the historical
and architectural significance
 of their humble abodes.
 The aim of this page is to
 provide some basic
 information on kit houses
 as well as to provide links
 to resources (both print
 and electronic) that might
be helpful to those who
 would like to learn more
 about these houses.


http://www.lib.umd.edu/
NTL/kithomes.html



Shelter Types

This site is dedicated to those among us who wish to build a Home of less than 500 square feet and "live off-the-grid". However, we do not want to be exclusionary. Everyone is welcome. There is even a section covering larger homes and how they too can be "green".

Developing strict definitions for the various Shelter Types (other than size) can be tricky. Many Shelters have characteristics that could place it within several categories. We believe our breakouts are resonably logical and offer one way to organize our Site.

  • Plans Only (All Types)
    This section displays various Plans (and ideas) only. Some may be in the public domain - some may not. Let us suggest, if you find anything of interest that you contact the referenced source. That way you not only acknowledge the author but also help "build the network".
  • Mini-Cabins (Less than 200 sqft)
    Mini-cabins are unique. They are like living on a 30 foot sailboat (which I can recommend) and they are the only structures that can be built in most jurisdictions without conforming to all the building code restrictions.
  • Building Kits (for Self-Assembly on Pallets or Pre-Assembled on Skids)
    These Structures are composed of materials and parts that are organized at the factory and are either "kitted" on pallets or pre-built on delivery skids. 
  • PreFab/Modular (Less than 500 sqft; Substancial Foundation required)
  • RV Park Models (Less than 12 ft x 42 ft on Wheels)
  • Shelters from Shipping Containers (usually constructed of metal and are 8 ft x 20 or 40 ft)
  • Other (Smaller) Types - Yurts, Huts, Domes, Trailers
  • Other (Larger) Types




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