I had the pleasure of meeting Macy Miller a couple of years back after seeing her comment on another blog, and she was recently a guest of mine on the r(E)vo Convo podcast.
As an architectural designer, Macy has long wished to build her own place that had everything she wanted in it: no more and no less. She wanted her own personal “fort.”
As she turned from teenager to college student, Macy found an interest in designing systems for use in solar power, radiant heat, and alternative sewage.
I’m happy to report that Macy was able to fulfill her dream of finally building her own unique space. She currently lives with her infant daughter and stately Great Dane in a 24-foot gooseneck flatbed trailer with a 5′ dovetail porch.
Here’s a transcript of my interview with Macy.
What a peaceful setting for Macy’s tiny house
Andrew Odom: When did you build your tiny house and is there one reason in particular that you did so?
Macy Miller: I started the build in December 2011 and completed my house in June of 2013. It took a bit longer than expected but I made it. I built mostly for the education of it.
I have a background in design and was looking for a construction project to compliment those skills. I also didn’t want to continue paying rent anymore and wanted my own space that I could do as I please in.
I was tired of not being able to hang pictures and really settle into a home, nor was I in the position or the mindset to strap myself with a large mortgage.
When I really thought about it, the tiny house project would help me check off 14 things from my bucket list, so I went forward. It’s actually now checked off down to number 23!
Loft in the gooseneck end of the trailer
AO: What are the size specs of your tiny house (size of trailer if applicable, square feet, number of stories, number of occupants, etc)
MM: I built on a 24-foot gooseneck flatbed trailer with a 5′ dovetail. The completed house is 8.5′ wide and 24′ long with a 5′ patio attached. Makes the total 196 sq.ft. with a faux laft up over the gooseneck for 2 adults, an infant and our Great Dane.
Great shot of the outside of Macy’s house
AO: How do you feel about the tiny house movement and being such an instrumental part of it?
MM: I don’t feel like an “instrumental part” of it really. I’ve just had some media coverage.
Of course there are good and bad parts to that.
I am, however, grateful to be able to inspire others and hopefully impact social change toward a more sustainable and HAPPY future for others.
AO: How long do you expect to live in your tiny house?
MM: My initial goal was two years. In June 2015 I will hit the two year mark but I think it will be at least a couple more in my tiny house.
It’s been an awesome lifestyle decision for my family and I and has enabled us to be able to do so much that we otherwise wouldn’t have had time for.
Eventually I do want to give my daughter her own space. There are at least a couple ways I can make that happen in my tiny house but I am already itching for my next building project.
As soon as we build up the cash to pay for that we will go forward. Best guess? 2-3 years.
Very sleek and modern looking on the inside
AO: What is the one thing in your tiny house you couldn’t live without?
MM: My dog Denver. It was designed before he was even born but with him in mind! Animals are pretty important component of my life and he’s the best companion and protector for my family and me.
AO: What one thing would you do differently or do you wish wasn’t part of your tiny house?
MM: Black/dark floors were a terrible idea! They look good cleaned up but rarely stay that way with a dog and a kid.
Macy designed a luxurious, large shower
AO: Is your tiny house relatively stable or still mobile?
MM: Technically it is still mobile but I haven’t moved it in a while and don’t plan on doing so either.
Macy Miller will be a featured speaker at the 2015 Tiny House Conference and has recently launched a popular podcast called the Tiny House Chat Podcast. You can also visit her on the web or join her community on Facebook.
All images © 2014, Macy Miller and MiniMotives.com
