Foremost, weather temperatures can vary widely in Colorado throughout the year—or even throughout the day if you live at higher elevations. Colorado tiny homes need to be insulated from extreme temperatures. Investing in high quality insulation will go a long way. This means you can keep your Colorado tiny home at a comfortable temperature year-round with maximum energy efficiency.

Also, 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 Colorado tiny home is also a great idea. We recommend a ground mounted array for a semi-permanent tiny home setup. Housing the heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding will allow you to make the most of your Colorado tiny homes precious square footage while living a more off-grid lifestyle if you choose.

Another key design element for your Colorado tiny home is a deck. We recommend a combination of sunning space as well as a covered area for hotter Colorado days. The covered portion of your deck can also be screened if you’d like. Your builder should be able to assist with your overall site plan and may even be able to create a set of deck construction documents to be used for building your deck on-site.

Lastly, 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 southern 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.