Double Wide
Specifications: 693 sq. ft. interior, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, Footprint: 24′ x 36′
Description: Originally designed to go on 12′ x 36′ trailer chassis, this design could also be built on the ground. The main design goal is a compact shape that provides all the basic amenities one would find in a trailer house (which are very popular despite their poor quality and offgassing of noxious fumes). A trailer design is one way to legally circumvent certain building codes. If you’re building this on the ground, one 2×4 center wall can be deleted to save money and free up a little extra space. A deck or porch on the south creates extra living space at low cost. This design is one of my most efficient, having almost no wasted space.
Double Wide East Elevation
I like this one; small but it’s got everything you need.
What kind of roof would it have? A standard truss system with plywood and asphalt shingles?
On the southwest corner (diagonal from the kitchen) is that a computer desk?
Yeah, I really like the double wide in terms of efficiency. The single wide is a bit tight unless you build a wood framed wall on the south.
Almost every plan shown here can have any number of roof styles. Here, I’d go with a simple 4:12 gable roof. I recommend a 12″ raised heel energy truss and no soffits (saves a little work and cuts costs). I love metal roofs. They’re great for collecting roofwater, are long lasting and very quick and easy to install. Asphalt singles are terrible in comparison. They’re not nearly as durable, eventually end up in landfills and add pollutants to roofwater.
You can use plywood or OSB sheathing. I like using wood purlins laid perpendicular to the trusses.
I think you’re referring to the coat closet. It’s immediately to the left of the front door. The computer desk is centered on the south wall.
Also note the option of a cathedral ceiling, which would add a greater sense of spaciousness (always important in a small home). I recommend using a raised heel scissor truss for energy efficiency and to create the cathedral ceiling.
I accidentally stumbled across this building style and instantly fell in love. Can someone clue me in as to how to do interior walls? Are they framed out with 2x4s and sheetrock or are they thick earthbag too? How do they tie to the outside walls? I am just fascinated by these and this is a great floor plan. Thank you so much for posting it.
Earthbag interior walls would take up too much space. Thinner interior walls are more efficient. The easy way is framing interior walls with 2x4s or, for plumbing walls, 2x6s. But there are alternatives that are more sustainable. On some plans I use adobe, recycled brick and stone around wood stoves for thermal mass. You could do slipform straw clay (also called light straw clay). I like this method because it avoids sheetrock and the associated taping and texturing, and allows the continued use of earthen plaster throughout the home. The basic process involves building a recycled wood-framed wall 24″ on center, drilling holes and adding saplings through the center of studs, nailing or screwing 24″ strips of plywood to each side, then stuffing with light straw clay (straw covered with a thin coating of clay slip). Move forms up the wall as each layer dries. Plaster once it is dry. This method also creates some sound proofing between rooms.
All interior walls are tied into exterior earthbag walls for strength and rigidity. There are numerous ways of attachment, but the most common method involves burying wood blocking in the earthbag wall.
Not sure if this would work? Take a look at a straw bale trailer house in Europe that’s already been built: http://www.homegrownhome.co.uk/01_welcome.htm
They took a basic idea and turned it into a money making rental.
I’ll tweak this plan for no extra charge if you’re going to build it on the ground where an extra foot or so is no big deal. I had to stuff things together to get them to fit on a trailer. This plan is getting lots of attention.
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