The Salsa Box, by Portland, Oregon-based Shelter Wise, offers yet another take on very small-scale living. Completed earlier this year, and available to purchase from US$22,500, this particular tiny house stands out from the growing crowd with a build quality and interior layout that makes living in a 9 sq m (96 sq ft) space seem not only technically possible, but perhaps even appealing.
The Salsa Box was first conceived as a demonstration model to show workshop students what's involved in building a tiny house, and from there evolved into a purchasable product. As standard, the dwelling measures 3.5 x 2.4 m (12 x 8 ft), but there are also larger 4.8 m (16 ft), 5.4 m (18 ft), and 6 m (20 ft) long versions available.
It's built using FSC (or Forest Stewardship Council – an international non-profit organization that promotes responsible forest management) certified wood and sports a metal roof, along with efficient low-emissivity (Low-E) windows, which offer more insulation than standard windows.
Judging from the photos available, the Salsa Box looks finished to a high standard and comes equipped with a queen-sized bed that sleeps two, plus amenities such as an electrical hookup, a flushing toilet, an electric hot water heater, a combined shower and mini-tub, and a kitchenette.
There's a fair amount of storage too – though this has subsequently reduced usable floorspace to an absolute minimum and it's a very tight squeeze. Indeed, as is the case with all similarly-sized homes, living in the Salsa Box full time would require some pretty big lifestyle changes.
Shelter Wise informed Gizmag that the Salsa Box can optionally be rigged to go fully off-grid. The flushing toilet can be swapped out for a composting toilet, solar power can be added, and a water catchment system can be affixed to the roof.
The Salsa Box doesn't need a permit to tow as it can fit on a standard trailer, and if required, it can also be modified to rest on foundations.
Source: Shelter Wise via Treehugger
Northwood makes an Arctic Fox travel trailer that is insulated/all weather and the 23' version (184 sq ft) isn't that much more money than this and is much nicer inside: http://i.imgur.com/Wq73Tgk.jpg
That one has an enclosed/heated underneath so you don't have to add an aftermarket pipe heating system like Ultra Heat. A travel trailer would come with a lot of other things like clear, grey, and black water holding tanks, battery backup, TV, entertainment system, propane tanks, heating/cooling, a kitchen etc. that one is also solar panel and satellite ready.
Compared to some of the travel trailers out there this thing seems like an expensive shoe box. They did put vegetables on the metal roof though which is nice.
Not to mention the wind on the road.
It's a somewhat mobile cabin- not really a "travel trailer".
I have to agree with several comments regarding the availability of commercial towable so that offer lots for the money. Probably not built as well as this but then again neither is my home probably. I would put in a curved shower rod and make the curtain do double duty, offer a little privacy fir the toilet and retain water in the shower.
Who says a queen sleeps two? It will sleep as many as the owner wants unless there's a weight maximum for structural reasons. Personally if it's my queen I will sleep alone...I like my space.
"...an electric hot water heater." ??? Hot water doesn't need heating unless it's not hot enough.
It may be electric but it's just a water heater.
Cheers