California
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California Tiny Homes
Thinking of going tiny in Cali? The Golden State is home to many tiny home lovers, and there’s no wonder why. If there’s something you want in life, California probably has it. From the multitude of forests and mountains sprinkled across the land, to the beautiful golden coast, many people have been drawn to everything this state has to offer. California is varied in its natural beauty, making perfect backdrops for tiny homes. Even the cities have great opportunities for tiny homes, making tiny living is an attractive option all across California.
Temperatures vary widely throughout California. Investing in high quality insulation will go a long way. The better insulated your tiny home, the less the competition between inside and outside temperatures. This means you can keep your California tiny home at a comfortable temperature year-round with maximum energy efficiency. All of our homes at Wind River are constructed with 2×4 framing and spray foam insulation. Spray foam has by far the highest R-value available for the tiny home application, and wooden construction allows less air infiltration than steel framing.
Additionally, we use LP SmartSide for a low-maintenance and durable siding that won’t warp or change with fluctuating temperatures (and which we can do in any custom color(s) you like). Speaking of your exterior color palette, for hotter climates, we recommend keeping it light and choosing a galvalume metal roof that reflects the heat from the sun.
Investing in solar power for your California tiny home is also a great idea. Ask us about the solar-equipped homes we’ve built in the past. We recommend a ground mounted array for a semi-permanent tiny home setup. Additionally, housing the heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding will allow you to make the most of your tiny home’s precious square footage while living an off-grid, eco-friendly lifestyle if you choose.
Another key design element for your California tiny home is the deck. Wind River can assist with your overall site plan and even create a set of deck construction documents with our architect for your contractor to build on-site. We recommend a combination of sunning space as well as a covered area for hotter California days. The covered portion of your deck can also be screened if you’d like.
We recommend giving thought to the placement of your tiny home on your site. Set yourself up for energy efficiency by facing the long walls of your trailer to the north and south. This will mean less surface area penetration from the hot rising and setting summer sun. It also helps maximize your heat from the sun in the winter, which stays low in the sky. Consider landscaping that will increase the comfort of your home as well as its curb appeal. For example, planting trees and shrubbery to the east and west of the home will give you free added heat protection and shade in the summer months.
