Modern Shed Launches a Go-Anywhere, Do-Anything Tiny House That Starts at $129K

The 220-square-foot DW can not only go off-grid— it’s eminently customizable for every live/work arrangement.

Modern Shed Launches a Go-Anywhere, Do-Anything Tiny House That Starts at $129K

The 220-square-foot DW can not only go off-grid— it’s eminently customizable for every live/work arrangement.

A custom ironwood staircase also extends the deck to the ground when parked.

After nearly two decades of building custom studios, Seattle-based Modern Shed founder Ryan Smith finally embarked on an idea he’d been tinkering with for years—a beautiful, off-grid dwelling that packs a surprising amount of functionality in a small and portable package.

Dubbed The Dwelling on Wheels—or The DW for short—the 220-square-foot tiny house features a classic gable form that makes the structure look at home almost anywhere it's placed. 

The portable DW unit, which measures 8.5 feet by 26 feet, and sits on a custom trailer by Tumbleweed.

The portable DW unit, which measures 8.5 feet by 26 feet, and sits on a custom trailer by Tumbleweed.

Dominic Bonucelli

The DW can be towed on a trailer or installed on-site. The structure also comes in widths of 10, 12, or 16 feet.

The DW can be towed on a trailer or installed on-site. The structure also comes in widths of 10, 12, or 16 feet.

Dominic Bonucelli

"The DW doesn’t attempt to fit an entire house into a small footprint," says Smith. "Instead, the project works with the unique opportunities that building small affords, conquering the challenge to create a space that feels right-sized. 

"As a result, the DW can do a lot—it’s great for enjoying nature short-term, for off-grid living, or as a second, remote home. Adjusting the floor plan even a little makes it a great home office that can move with people as their priorities move. I also think it’s a great ADU for someone looking to move closer to home, providing a way to have family close by."

The DW is built with steel-tube, welded-rib-frame construction sandwiched between timber with R-24 spray foam insulation in the walls and ceilings. ZIP System sheathing weatherproofs the unit and bumps up the insulation to R-27.

The DW is built with steel-tube, welded-rib-frame construction sandwiched between timber with R-24 spray foam insulation in the walls and ceilings. ZIP System sheathing weatherproofs the unit and bumps up the insulation to R-27.

Dominic Bonucelli

See the full story on Dwell.com: Modern Shed Launches a Go-Anywhere, Do-Anything Tiny House That Starts at $129K
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