Tiny Houses

Tiny house serves as mobile research base for biologists

Tiny house serves as mobile research base for biologists
The aptly-named Big Whale Tiny House measures 8 x 20 ft (2.5 x 6 m) and comprises a total floorspace of 160 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
The aptly-named Big Whale Tiny House measures 8 x 20 ft (2.5 x 6 m) and comprises a total floorspace of 160 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
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Wildlife biologists Katy Gavrilchuk and David Gaspard recently embarked on a research expedition to study whale and dolphin species off the east coast of Canada
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Wildlife biologists Katy Gavrilchuk and David Gaspard recently embarked on a research expedition to study whale and dolphin species off the east coast of Canada
So far they have seen over 100 minke whales and 3 humpback whale calves, in addition to a humpback whale first photographed back in 1980
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So far they have seen over 100 minke whales and 3 humpback whale calves, in addition to a humpback whale first photographed back in 1980
Since Gavrilchuk and Gaspard are sponsored by the Atlas Roofing Company, they turned to the firm's Energy Shield Pro foam insulation
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Since Gavrilchuk and Gaspard are sponsored by the Atlas Roofing Company, they turned to the firm's Energy Shield Pro foam insulation
The build took around five months, though is still not fully complete, and work continues on the interior
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The build took around five months, though is still not fully complete, and work continues on the interior
Structurally, the tiny house consists of a trailer and regular wooden frame, with pine siding and is topped by a metal roof
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Structurally, the tiny house consists of a trailer and regular wooden frame, with pine siding and is topped by a metal roof
A 250 L (66 US Gallon) water tank ensures water is available off-the-grid and a detachable roof-based solar power array and RV hookup provides electricity
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A 250 L (66 US Gallon) water tank ensures water is available off-the-grid and a detachable roof-based solar power array and RV hookup provides electricity
The metal roof sports a large skylight to boost natural light inside
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The metal roof sports a large skylight to boost natural light inside
Wildlife biologists Katy Gavrilchuk and David Gaspard recently embarked on a research expedition to study whale and dolphin species off the east coast of Canada
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Wildlife biologists Katy Gavrilchuk and David Gaspard recently embarked on a research expedition to study whale and dolphin species off the east coast of Canada
The pair hit the road in June
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The pair hit the road in June
Structurally, the tiny house consists of a trailer and regular wooden frame, with pine siding and is topped by a metal roof
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Structurally, the tiny house consists of a trailer and regular wooden frame, with pine siding and is topped by a metal roof
The aptly-named Big Whale Tiny House measures 8 x 20 ft (2.5 x 6 m) and comprises a total floorspace of 160 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
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The aptly-named Big Whale Tiny House measures 8 x 20 ft (2.5 x 6 m) and comprises a total floorspace of 160 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
The 670-mile (1,078 km) expedition started in early June and is still ongoing, involving stops in Québec City, Tadoussac, Baie Comeau, and Sept-Îles
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The 670-mile (1,078 km) expedition started in early June and is still ongoing, involving stops in Québec City, Tadoussac, Baie Comeau, and Sept-Îles
View gallery - 12 images

Wildlife biologists Katy Gavrilchuk and David Gaspard recently embarked on a research expedition to study whale and dolphin species off the east coast of Canada. The pair built themselves an off-grid tiny house to serve as a mobile research base throughout their working adventure.

The aptly-named Big Whale Tiny House measures 8 x 20 ft (2.5 x 6 m) and comprises a total floorspace of 160 sq ft (14.5 sq m).

The build took around five months, though is still not fully complete, and work continues on the interior when Gavrilchuk and Gaspard manage to find some time in their 12-hour work days.

So far, the pair have fitted a kitchenette with fridge, sink, and propane oven. The bathroom includes a composting toilet and shower. A large sleeping loft takes up around half the length of the home, while a smaller second loft is used for storage.

A 250 L (66 US Gallon) water tank satisfies water needs while the tiny house is off-the-grid, and a detachable roof-based solar power array and RV hookup provides electricity. A small wood-burning stove offers heat. If it's too warm, they simply open the windows.

The build took around five months, though is still not fully complete, and work continues on the interior
The build took around five months, though is still not fully complete, and work continues on the interior

Structurally, the Big Whale Tiny House consists of a double-axle trailer and wooden frame, with pine siding. It's topped by a metal roof and sports a large skylight to boost natural light inside.

Since Gavrilchuk and Gaspard are sponsored by the Atlas Roofing Corporation, they turned to the firm's Energy Shield Pro foam insulation. This is fitted in between the walls and roof and rated at an R-value of 6.5 per inch.

The 670-mile (1,078 km) expedition started in early June and is still ongoing, involving stops in Québec City, Tadoussac, Baie Comeau, and Sept-Îles. So far they have seen over 100 minke whales and 3 humpback whale calves, in addition to a humpback whale first photographed back in 1980. You can follow their updates (in French) on their Facebook page.

Source: Big Whale Tiny House

View gallery - 12 images
3 comments
3 comments
Bob
Tiny houses are cute but very wasteful in utilizing their small interiors. The designs of travel trailers are light years ahead in functional living space and storage. When I finally see a tiny house with the efficient design of a travel trailer, I will be impressed.
Fairly Reasoner
Breaking news. Somebody brought a trailer along.
GlassHalfEmpty
Can the tiny house fad be over, please, hipsters? Long overdue.
What's wrong with trace trailers that needs improvement? Other than cool factor? Nothing.
A tiny house with interior size comparable to a small travel trailer requires a big truck, trailer brakes and even weight distributor, while travel trailer can be towed by a sedan.
I haven't seen one on the road yet, and hope not to. Money talks, people don't want to pay for stupid stuff.