Oregon
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Oregon Tiny Homes
Looking to live tiny in Oregon? Oregon is one of the most popular states for tiny homes. It’s varied in its natural beauty, making perfect backdrops for tiny homes. Mt. Hood, the winding Columbia, and the abundance of state parks, these are just some of the incredible natural offerings of Oregon. From the beautiful coast to the towering mountains, tiny living is an attractive option all across the Beaver State. With nearly everything nature has to offer, Oregon is very welcoming of an adventurous lifestyle, and Wind River builds homes to match.
Temperatures vary widely throughout Oregon due to the coast and different elevations. 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon 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.
