Design

Digital Exclusives From the “Downsize” Special Issues

Browse this collection of articles, videos, and photo galleries to find inspiration for building a small but comfortable home.

By Fine Homebuilding Editors

Fall 2019 Downsize magazine

Features from the Fall 2019 Downsize magazine issue:

HOUSES by Design
Our HOUSES by Design blog delves into project-specific design/build challenges and solutions.

Podcast 62: Who Really Lives in Tiny Homes?
The Fine Homebuilding editors debate whether or not houses smaller than 500 sq. ft. are relevant to the average builder or homeowner.

Award-Winning Homes
Take a look at the winners in all six categories of Fine Homebuilding’s annual HOUSES design awards: Best New Home, Best Remodel, Best Small Home, Best Energy-Smart Home, Best Traditional Home, and Editor’s Choice.

Bonus features from the Winter 2019 Downsize magazine issue:

Five homes demonstrate the ingenuity involved in designing and building for a minimal footprint

1) Tiny House Basics

2) A Tiny House Inspires a New Occupation

3) New Frontier Tiny Homes

4) Tiny House, Giant Journey

5) The Tiny Project

For more photos of the Magnificent Mountain Cabin take a look at this slideshow:
A Luxury Lean-To: A challenging site and complex design give way to easy outdoor living

For more photos of the Remarkable Home Remodel take a look at this slideshow:
Updating the Lodge: A first-rate team of builder, architect, and landscape designer remodel an oddly built stone cabin

Bonus features from the Winter 2018 Downsize magazine issue:

Here are five videos linked with articles

1) How to Live Well With Less, by Anne Callender — Best Small Home 2014
Click Here For The Video Extra.

2) Carriage-House Comeback, by Matt Hutchins — Best Small Home 2012
Click Here For The Video Extra.

3) Compact and Comfortable, by Rob Yagid — Editor’s Choice 2016
Click Here For The Video Extra.

4) Stress-Free in South Texas, by Jon Nystrom — Best Retirement Home 2013
Click Here For The Video Extra.

5) A House For All Ages, by Duncan McPherson — Best Retirement Home 2012
Click Here For The Video Extra.

Here is a slideshow for the article Universal Appeal, by Debra Judge Silber.
Click Here For The Slideshow.

Here are floor plans associated with the article, Redefining Retirement, by Sarah Susanka.
Click Here For Floor Plans And More Information.

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science

Allison Bailes is great at explaining complex building science topics in simple terms that anyone can understand. If your goal is a new house or remodel that embodies the best practices that building scientists have to offer, buy this book right away.

Buy at Amazon

Code Check 10th Edition: An Illustrated Guide to Building a Safe House

It would be great if this book didn’t need to exist, but it's definitely a must-have. It's a one-size-fits-all code book that's easy to understand and will help you sail through your inspections.

Buy at Amazon

Not So Big House

This book earned author Sarah Susanka a reputation as a small house guru, yet, that wasn’t exactly her goal. This book isn’t about building a small house, it’s about building a smart house, one that matches how we live, and prioritizing beauty and comfort over size.

Buy at Amazon

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Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Control Condensation With Exterior Insulation

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast team chats about how to prevent roof sheathing from rotting.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

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Digital Exclusives From the “Downsize” Special Issues

Browse this collection of articles, videos, and photo galleries to find inspiration for building a small but comfortable home.

Features from the Fall 2019 Downsize magazine issue:

Bonus features from the Winter 2019 Downsize magazine issue:

Bonus features from the Winter 2018 Downsize magazine issue:

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next