Tiny House Project Resource Use Plans
FYI: The house, seen here (this is the exact house), is already outfitted with basic appliances such as a
fridge/freezer, 2 burner propane stove top, kitchen sink, air conditioner, low-flush toilet, and a propane
heater. It is intended to be hooked up to electricity and sewage in the same manner as a basic RV. If it is
deemed necessary, I am willing to work with the campus to hook up to power. However, I would prefer
to work around the preexisting system and develop off-grid, minimalist resource usage. Here is my plan.
Resource
Solar Electricity
Waste Disposal
Compost Toilet
(note model
and technical
specifications)
Intention/Ideal Situation
Initially, I will just have a small personal solar panel
charging station for a laptop and other small
equipment- I am purchasing a model (see
http://www.spheralsolar.com/products/20-Watt-SolarEnergy-System-with-Power-Station.html) that charges
120V AC devices with a built-in 200 Watt DC to AC
inverter and can power my 12V electronics with a dual
12V DC power socket. It runs about $300. For additional
lighting, I will use several independent lamps with small
solar panels- these can be left out in the sun during the
day and used at night for illumination. I don't have the
funds for a full solar panel system, but will be working
to get a donation or loan in the form of a large plugand-play system, which requires NO professional
instillation. It is simple a full self contained panel and
battery system that can be placed outside the house
and used with an extension cord. This would allow me
to have more consistent lighting and possible usage of
larger appliances, such as a refrigerator. (See
http://www.sol-solutions.com/productsservices/solman-portable-solar-solutions.html)
Overall, I will need to use very little electricity. I will
need to power my laptop, several small lights, and my
cellphone. Beyond that, my needs are virtually nonexistent.
I will be generating very little waste, and will utilize
campus disposal bins for trash and recycling. I will
compost all food waste and will be using a humanure
system, described below. Greywater will be directed
into window box plants for irrigation.
I will be creating my own basic composting toilet 18"
wide and 21" long. Using two boards 3/4"X10"X18" and
two 3/4"X10"X19.5," two hinges, one piece of
3/4"X18"X18" plywood and one 3/4"X3"X18". The two
pieces of plywood will be hinged together. I'll cut a hole
in the larger piece of plywood to fit the top of the 5
gallon toilet receptacle, making sure the hole is only
Backup Plan
I will use the small, solar
lights for illumination, and
will charge my laptop and
other electronics in the
RCC.
I will use a sewage tank for
water waste and dispose off
campus.
If there is an issue with this
minimalist plan, I am willing
to purchase a premade
model that may comply
with regulations.
1.5" back from the front edge of the plywood. I will
outfit the toilet with a standard toilet seat. The waste
will be covered with cedar chips to eliminate odor and
aid the composting process, then composted when
safe. More info:
http://humanurehandbook.com/humanure_toilet.html.
Rain water
collection
Heat
Cooking
Refrigeration
Filtered or boiled rain water to be used for dish and
hand washing. Will also have large rv-style refillable
water tank for cooking and drinking. I hope to create a
simple solar shower when weather improves, using a
basic black bag hung in a tree.
Dual exhaust propane heater is built into house. I will
be using this throughout the winter- it is professionally
installed and designed for maximum ventilation. The
house is well insulated and should not take much to
heat.
Showers to be taken in RCC
or at houses of friends.
House is outfitted with two burner propane stove and
hood. Will cook simple meals on stove, with goal to
eventually use grill outside house in nicer weather.
Will initially have a tightly insulated cooler on my front
porch to utilize winter weather. I plan to keep very little
perishable food in my tiny house, and will rely more on
root vegetables, grains, and canned foods. Should I
obtain a more powerful solar panel system, I will be
able to power the refrigerator built into the house
Will cook in other mods or
purchase food on campus
Not sure about viable, safe
alternatives for heating, but
willing to work with
knowledgeable parties.
Will use refrigerators of
friends for perishable foods