Copper Roofs, Stained Glass, & Dramatic Curves Define These Tiny Homes

Mike Meisner
by Mike Meisner
One of the aspects I like most about the tiny house movement is the freedom to design. When you don't have as much space to work with, costs remain lower and you have the financial flexibility to add an exotic window, cover the roof with copper, and install other details that might otherwise be found in high-end homes built by architects. On a smaller scale though, everyday people like you and me can afford to infuse these little homes with certain design elements and luxuries that add to their character.
Case in point, these tiny towable homes made by Zyl Vardos. At around $30 to $60k, they aren't cheap and you're paying somewhere around $250-300 per square foot. Compare that to the average no frills home which might come in around $85 per square foot. Buyers have many options to choose from when it comes to their design elements, and as he states, they "can craft ANY element of a house. Just try us."
The house shown above is called "The Fortune Cookie" presumably for it's oval shaped awning that extends in an asymmetrical fashion over the end. Below you can see how it looks from the inside. On the other end a circular window is split into four "pies" and each one can open to let in the fresh air.
A small kitchen area, table, and sitting area, and bathroom is just about all this little house can handle. While it may be way too small for some, for others it's just right.
Below you can see the ceiling of another one of Zyl Vardos' designs, dubbed "The Little Bird". I love the colorful stained glass and the way these curves join makes for a dramatic accent inside.
Here you can see the outside view of the Little Bird, with its copper plated roof and skylight that allows natural sunlight to spill inside.
What about sleeping in these little houses? Well in many case we see a loft but in this design there is no upper level, so a queen-sized bed fits on one end, framed by lots of beautiful windows that feature ornate metal work between the panes of glass.
Finally let's take a peek at the "Pinafore" - a more traditional style tiny house that exudes style. Again, a copper plated roof makes a striking statement on this design. Inside you'll find more space than the previous designs, with a large sleeping loft and plenty of storage space (relatively speaking).
There's a bit more kitchen space here as well, with an optional four-burner stove that's powered by liquid propane and a slightly larger toilet.


Check out the full blog post below for more pictures and details about this talented builder.
Mike Meisner
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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  • Barbara Barbara on Mar 01, 2015
    what would you have to spend to get one of these$
    • Abel Zimmerman Zyl Abel Zimmerman Zyl on Mar 02, 2015
      Well, I can build the one with the french doors for about $65k and the Pinafore (one with gables) for about $79k. All parts are handmade in my shop... and the house is built to higher standards than stick-built houses. Either should last the better part of a lifetime if maintained normally.
  • Adele Kurtz Adele Kurtz on Sep 03, 2016
    I love these! Great artistic touches & details. Would love to see more use of skylights to the clouds & stars, to reduce cramped feel.
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