Simple Solar Homesteading

Jon Filius- Micro House

The entire cabin occupies a 14’ x 24’ footprint, with 212 square feet of interior main floor living space and a 100 square foot loft. The interior and exterior of the main living space is clad in blonde beetle kill pine. Contrasting the pine is the charcoal grey standing seam metal that encases the main mass and the connected exterior spaces. The living area houses a small work area, couch, wood stove and a combination bookcase/ladder to the loft. The bathroom, accessed by a 30” pocket door in the kitchen, contains a full shower, small vanity and composting toilet. The kitchen utilizes RV appliances and a retractable table to save space. The loft above the kitchen and bathroom contains built in dresser and closet with enough space for a queen size bed.

Solar panels on the roof provide power to the cabin along with a propane backup system. Rainwater is collected and filtered in two 55 gallon drums at the rear of the cabin. A propane on-demand system heats water for the kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Low energy LED lighting is used throughout the cabin with solar light tubes in the in the living area and loft to provide light during daylight hours. The water collection, solar electric system, propane tanks and firewood are sheltered off the rear of the cabin.