Microshelters: 59 Creative Cabins, Tiny Houses, Tree Houses, and Other Small Structures

by Derek "Deek" Diedricksen

If you dream of living in a tiny house, or creating a getaway in the backwoods or your backyard, you’ll love this gorgeous collection of creative and inspiring ideas for tiny houses, cabins, forts, studios, and other microshelters. Created by a wide array of builders and designers around the United States and beyond, these 59 unique and innovative structures show you the limits of what is possible. Each is displayed in full-color photographs accompanied by commentary by the author. In addition, Diedricksen includes six sets of building plans by leading designers to help you get started on a microshelter of your own. You’ll also find guidelines on building with recycled and salvaged materials, plus techniques for making your small space comfortable and easy to inhabit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Architecture, Design, Self Help, Reference, Sustainability, How To

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2015

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're interested in building a tiny house, or looking for practical information about building tiny houses, pass my review right on by - it's not going to be of any help to you, because that is not me.

What I was hoping for with this book was lots of pictures. Tiny houses, inside and out, to feed fantasies of pretty little houses in pretty little places. I found myself disappointed.

Lots of text here that I skipped through, no clue how helpful and informative the text and plans provided may be to those interested in such things. There were pictures provided, but not enough to please me. Typically a picture of the outside of each structure, and a shot or two of the inside, often showing just a specific thing or area inside.

I wanted more! I wanted to see the complete insides! Each nook and cranny! Wide shots from several directions!

Some interesting little houses and outdoor "rooms", not enough pictures of each - for me, anyway.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a strange fascination with living in a tiny house, but alas I think I have to much crap to actually go through with it. So I end up spending hours over internet blogs and books such as this one with a strange sense of fascination and a nagging question in the back of my mind- could I actually get rid of enough stuff to live in such a small and simple home?

I love this book because it shows people's stuff in the room(s) as well as a floor plan and dimensions. This is key so you can get a better idea of the size of the space and you can see what the homeowners are getting by with out (fridge, washing machine, heating, cooling, etc.). Some of the structures are obviously not meant to be homes- just little getaway nooks.

In the back if the book there is a section on building that includes info on material and supplies. There are also some more detailed plans, but not ever having built anything myself I don't really know if you could use these to build one of the homes or if you would still need an architect to draw up blueprints. But overall this will definitely give you some ideas if you're looking to build a tiny home yourself.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational and eclectic selection of tiny homes and spaces, also has some tool recommendations as well as as plans. Some scavenging tips are mentioned, but the cheap among us(me) know no shame and will glean at will. If your interested in living well in less space or want to build something like a small writing cot and spend less money, it's a good read.

[Jay French · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting to see plenty of pictures that really explained what made these structures interesting. You get some of that here, with each structure getting from 2 to 5 or so pictures. But many were just glossed over with one exterior and one interior shot. Sure, some were pretty self explanatory, like the glass box treehouse that contained only a desk and chair, but that steamed up when running it as a sauna. There are a lot of odd little structures here. While it starts with most being “tiny houses” on the smaller end, it ends with treehouses, children’s playhouses, and sheds. Many of these structures were built by the author, who enjoys using found building materials and using items in new ways. For instance in various builds he shows using wine bottles, 5 gallon water bottles, and IKEA fruit bowls as windows cut into the sides or floor of structures. What I thought of while browsing through the pictures of most of these structures was how to keep insects and other critters out. I didn’t catch the author covering that… The book ends with some discussion of typical tools used, generally non-powered hand tools that the author says aren’t widely available any more. Seems strange. There are also more detailed plans of 6 of the units here, showing roughly how they are built and the kinds of materials needed. It’s a good book to get an idea of what to do with a small structure that may be used for purposes like a spare bedroom, a small and incomplete living unit, a lonely writers garret, or a play area. I would have liked to see some more info on practical things like installing indoor plumbing and electrical service, pest-proofing, storage, and building with purchased materials instead of found.

[Yaaresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I was a kid, my dad built what would be called now a tiny cabin. Eventually, it got stuffed to the rafters with household overflow that my mother refused to throw away or donate, but before that happened, it made a great place to hide out, play, do homework, etc. So I've had a long fascination with small structures. Wouldn't want to live in one because I'm not into climbing a ladder to go to bed (or to get up for a drink of water in the middle of the night), but I still have a soft spot for the idea.

This is more a picture book of examples than really a how-to book. The author has built a number of these. Apparently, he's never seen a tiny structure he didn't like because he claims all of these are the coolest, neatest, bestest thing he's ever seen. It was really just a lot of the same after a while. There are photos, but they aren't really that good (and are really tiny in the Kindle). I would have preferred a lot more technical information and blueprints rather than the constant "This is so-and-so's house and one of the (insert enthusiastic superlative adjective) tiny houses I've ever seen!"

[Jenni Schell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. If you have ever wanted to downsize and live a smaller, simpler life, this book is for you. There is so much that you can learn from this. Great job.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always thought tiny houses were cool. then, one day so did everyone else. this has a broad selection of houses and other tiny things. fun to look through but not for an in-depth seeker.

[Rosemary Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was somewhat disappointed. The cabins, tiny houses, and some of the tree houses were interesting, but some of the other small structures left me cold.

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is jam packed with ideas for tiny structures... houses, trailers, treehouses, fortish things... so many cool miniature buildings! And on a budget too. The first half of the book features examples from around the world. I wish there would’ve been more pictures of each house;there’s usually one from the outside and two smaller pictures of the inside. Gives you an idea but not many details.

The latter half is basically tips on how to DIY- tools, budgeting and salvaging, decorating on a dime, and six plans that can be tweaked to fit your use. Definitely a book I want to revisit when I build my first ‘relax shack’! The plans are not for beginner builders... I am definitely a novice and while I was able to make sense of the plans, I wouldn’t feel comfortable building a structure based on the info in this book. More specific know how is needed on how to get started.

[Varrick Nunez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this title because I had read a tiny homes book from the same author & publisher and liked it.

Although clever and cute, these micro-homes etc. are just too small for me. I can imagine that in some settings or situations, these could work, especially the larger ones in this tiny pantheon, but for the most part, I would feel cramped. Short term, maybe, but not for more than a few weeks, I think. That said, I've been out for weeks at a time with just a tarp & sleeping bag walking, so maybe my mind-set is just wrong on these.

There was less of the "I might do this differently after having lived in it a while..." sections of the book. Surprising, I thought that one of the best features of the other title.

[Dan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a giant disappointment. Many of the "tine houses" that are covered do not have sufficient details / pictures to be useful. If you're looking for inspiration, you won't find it. Further, if you are interested in knowing how to build a tiny house, or to get into the details, there are some quick plans at the back of the book, but I didn't think they were worth the cost of the book.

[Scott Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has been a growing fascination with the idea of small places in recent years and this book captures several examples of these structures. Inspired, unusual and perhaps crazy, these houses can be jawdropping as one imagines their utility. Sometimes they are simple, sometimes they are complex. It is however an invitation to imagine and to consider yourself in this world. Maybe you will be inspired or maybe you will end up with a greater appreciation for your elbow room.

[Felicity Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, fast read to get ideas flowing on unconventional uses and designs for very small spaces. I've been obsessed with tiny houses for several years, and am now branching out to other tiny builds.

Loved the section at the end on useful tools and he where to look for salvaged & reclaimed materials.

Not a 5 star rating because the pictures, while gorgeous, often didn't convey enough of the structure.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

MICROSHELTERS tries a little too hard to do too many things: most readers will want more photos of the tiny houses, and to know more about the clever solutions within. Those interested in building or creating their own may appreciate the plans at the back, but will miss photos of what the plans actually build. Best for a first, inspirational step.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book to look through. Lots of pictures. Includes plans/schematics to build your own small structures. One thing I didn't like is when the author would describe a unique characteristic, and then wouldn't include a picture, such as the best/most interesting feature of one home was the soap holder, welded somehow. No pictures...

[Kjersti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed looking through this book, and wished there were more pictures. About two pages were devoted to each structure, which he easily could have doubled to fit in more pictures of these interesting little places. I didn’t spend much time focusing on the part of the book that included plans, in case you were looking for inspiration or measurements for your own micro structure.

[Scott Andrews · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should be called "People without skill, knowledge or motivation give up and live in....this"

Not enough interior photos and no floor-plans make this a useless propaganda piece for modern primitive- read, poorly designed and poorly appointed- shelters.

Makes almost every tent, every refurbed VW Van and any lean-to look like Versailles.

Awful.

[Anthony Aguirre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

It was a quick read and highly encouraging. Overall, there was an upbeat sense of punk in diy shelters be it for kids or blending work spaces and dwellers needs.

The photos were excellent.

[Emma Bond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of great ideas for those hoping to build/design their own small home on a budget, although I have doubts about how many of them would receive council approval in Tasmania. Full colour photos help to present the designs and the ideas within. A great read/resource.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very creative examples, good guidance on salvaging materials, and good advice for how to build and style something so small. I'm remodeling a travel trailer for full-time living and these creative uses of small spaces are very handy.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that the variety in this book, from tiny houses, to even smaller sheds and playhouses. Also there's 6 architectural plans in the back. I wish there were floor plans for each structure show. But otherwise very inspiring.

[Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book. I liked the variety and the tips. Written well, kept interesting, good pictures and a fun narrative to a lot of different styles and ideas. Great for dipping a toe in and getting an idea of what's out there. I liked the tips and tricks of decor and tools too.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family is really into the idea of tiny houses, so this was a fun book to read. Got a lot of ideas for when we have a cabin 'someday.' Some of the houses include plans, and there are lots of practical tips in the last third of the book.

[Erik Mericle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sub title is misleading. Very little coverage of cabins and tiny houses. More focused on micro shelters for reading, napping, and just chilling. To reiterate other reviews: I'd liked to see more pictures. Good information on scavenging.

[Lmichelleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rated as a 5 for inspiration and photography. The sample building plans look interesting too, though I'm not sure if I'm a good enough builder to follow them! I dream of building a small cabin in our woods and this was excellent for inspiration.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of cute construction ideas

Whether just browsing or researching your next big project, this was a great book with a wide variety of tiny house styles.

[Michelle Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book of shelters of all sorts. I nice essay on each shelter complete with pictures and plans.

[Tonya Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!! It was very creative and supportive of all kinds of buildings. Plus the helpful hints to help you with your own projects. It’s a keeper!

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at lots of different tiny houses.

[Tam G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is essentially a coffee table book, no plans, no intricate discussions of how it all works. What I like about it is the variety of small shelter types (half houses, cabins, tree houses, platforms). The variety also does a good job with bare bones ideas as well (something usually not the focus of tiny house books which trick out everything with luxury elements). I enjoyed the ideas, especially the do