Pine Ridge Tiny House
The idea of "living tiny" is a relatively new concept, and for this project, the owners wanted to create a space that embodied the natural world around them without feeling, well, tiny. The goal was to design an environment that harmonized with its surroundings, inside and out. This 300-square-foot home sits on a 28-foot trailer and was built to be both on- and off-grid, with thoughtful touches like UV-blocking windows, bamboo shades, a composting toilet, and a 100-gallon water reserve tank. Every inch was maximized, from custom sage cabinetry to peel-and-stick marble backsplash, with earthy tones and textures grounding the light, airy palette.
But the story didn’t end there.
As an extension of the original scope, the owners purchased three acres of unimproved land and relocated the tiny house to its new home (don’t worry, it’s on wheels!). Before the house could settle in, a driveway had to be carved out, followed by the less glamorous but essential work: hauling rock, trenching for future utilities, and installing electrical. (For more on the shed build, check out the “Pine Ridge Shed” portfolio entry.)
Once the infrastructure was in place, the fun began. A firepit with egg swing chairs was added to enhance the view, the ground was re-leveled and seeded, and a shed was built to store landscaping tools. Then came the deck - comprised of locally sourced materials, 14 hand-dug concrete footings, along with a composite system chosen for durability and low maintenance. The columns and slat wall will eventually be stained to match the cedar siding once the wood cures.
Landscaping followed, with six tons of limestone rock shoveled by hand and bordered with linear limestone. Native prairie grasses and pines were planted to root the home in its natural surroundings. Finally, the finishing touches: a mudroom nook with a weatherproof bench, a hammock, a sectional with a fire table, solar lanterns, dimmable deck lights, and a swivel-mounted TV for cozy movie nights. And the cherry on top? A hot tub tucked under the stars, perfect for crisp mornings or late-night unwinding.
Though small in footprint, the Pine Ridge Tiny House became a deeply layered project - one that reflects the owners’ values, the land’s character, and the joy of building something truly personal.
