1. Scope

This standard covers the uniform planning, design, fabrication, and building processes and components to construct a universal tiny house structure that could be used, but not limited to, with the following applications for placement: 1) tiny houses on wheels, 2) tiny houses on a foundation, 3) tiny houses on skids, 4) tiny houses built as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), 5) tiny houses built to age in place, 6) tiny houses that are ADA compliant, and 7) tiny houses that could add additional modules in the future.

This standard covers all aspects of the design, planning and construction of a tiny house structure, including, but not limited to: fabrication; assembly of building components and building materials, framing, wall systems, sheathing, roofing; the building envelope; building systems integration, such as, MEP, HVAC; openings and aspects related to it, such as, size; energy conservation, the u-factor; placement and sitework preparation.

This standard will address all life, health and fire safety related aspects for consumer protection.

Keywords

building; small dwelling; micro house; secondary dwelling; DADU; MIL; cottage house

Rationale

There is a global housing crisis and tiny houses are being sought out as a worldwide solution to address this ever increasing issue.

There is now a trend to increase density in housing with more houses allowed on the lots, and a decrease in the square footage requirement and is often termed as smart density which means a well connected and thoughtful development that promotes sustainable, resilient, and comfortable living that promote walkability to essential services, smart transportation, and open spaces balanced with nature and community support.

In many cultures, multi-generational residential units, combined with tiny houses built as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) are standard and can become a great solution to strengthen families and increase suburban density.

A tiny house built as an ADU as a backyard cottage or granny flat is a global trend and is a way to keep an aging senior close to their family that is still mobile and is an alternative to an expensive assisted living facility and could save thousands of dollars a month. Each household has their own autonomy and privacy, with mutual support as needed.

Constructing a tiny house built for all seasons of life, and to age in place adapts the homeowner to changes in lifestyle needs, especially in health, and could even prevent future falls and accidents, could be ADA compliant, and constructed to be adaptable for additional modules in the future.

The result of this specification standard for the tiny house structure will aid in streamlining the permit process and create uniformity for the manufacturer, the consumer, the 3rd party agencies, the building officials, and legislators.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.