COLORADO SPRINGS - Going small is getting really big. A gathering of tiny house enthusiasts in Colorado Springs this weekend drew in a crowd of close to 40,000 people, organizers said.
Those living in the very small homes, those interested in building them and those who were just curious showed up in droves. Organizers say attendees were from all 50 states and 10 countries.
Cars were lined up on streets surrounding the venue and the five shuttles transporting attendees from surrounding parking lots couldn't keep up with the crowds. Needless to say, it was a very popular event.
The Tiny House Jamboree was a free three-day gathering meant to celebrate the the tiny house movement, a recent phenomenon that has a growing segment of people moving into 100-400 square foot, generally mobile, houses. It was the first official gathering of its kind.
The festival over the weekend featured a display area where 22 professional tiny house builders showcased their tiny models for those who are interested in tiny house living or just curious to see what the movement is all about. Lines to tour the homes extended long past the entrances as people crowded into the spaces only really meant to accommodate 2-3 at a time.
Speakers including HGTV host Derek Diedricksen and tiny house pioneer Jay Shafer were also at the event, as well as food from local food trucks, exhibits, and live music.
What is the tiny house movement?
In a nutshell, "going tiny" is about living simply. The movement is about a growing population that is moving out of their large homes, selling many of their possessions and building homes that allow them to move freely, live inexpensively and help the environment along the way.
Lane Van Horn, a tiny house builder with Stoke Collective said the industry has exploded in the last couple of years.
"In the last couple of years there has been a big uptick in the idea of just being free... there's been really big shift to just smaller, more simple living," he said.
The culture is gaining notoriety through appearances by advocates on shows like Oprah and CNN, the new HGTV shows Tiny House Builders and Tiny House Hunters, and tiny homes builders beginning to showcase their designs during home parades and festivals around the country.
Many who have chosen to move into the smaller spaces do so for financial reasons, but even more choose to live tiny because of the lesser environmental impact these homes have. Advocates for tiny living argue the homes require significantly less heating, cooling, and electricity, use fewer construction materials and some homes even take sustainability a level farther by using composting toilets.
Van Horn also pointed out the mindset of those who come to him to build a tiny house. He said they often put less value on material possessions.
"It's not as easy as just shifting spaces. It's a whole lifestyle shift. It's the whole idea of choosing what you do need and what you don't need to survive," Van Horn said.
Although the segment of the population adopting the idea is growing, many acknowledge that it isn't an idea that fits everyone's lifestyle.
"I don't believe that it is for everybody, but I think that it can be a really, really cool way to live your life," Van Horn said.
Who lives tiny?
The tiny house community is a large and diverse group that is constantly growing and evolving.
Here are profiles of a few people who are either already living in a small space or who are exploring the idea, and why they chose to "go tiny."
Brent Murdock is currently renting a tiny home with his wife and step-daughter and they are considering building one of their own.
Buck and Penny Bowhall are currently planning their tiny home and think they will have one in about a year.
Genevieve and Terry Behal are in the process of building their first tiny home. They will live there with their daughter.
Resources for those interested in tiny living
The Tiny Life - Blog about the movement and tiny living by an advocate living in a tiny house
Tiny House Blog - Resources about tiny living from a tiny home builder
TINY a story about living small - Documentary about the tiny house movement
Tiny House Magazine - Magazine for those who live in tiny homes or those interested in the movement
Tiny House Jamboree - Official website of the Jamboree
(© 2015 KUSA)
