$700 mechanical micro-A-frame blends with Montana wilderness

When Alla Ponomareva and her husband Garrett Hohn found Derek "Deek" Diedricksen's plans to build a transforming A-frame cabin for only $1200 they bought the plans and got to work. Three weeks later, they had an 80-square-foot, off-grid, tiny home that cost only $700 (solar panels included) thanks to a lot of reclaimed materials. One entire wall of the cabin made from plastic sheeting can be moved with a pulley system to open up the cabin to the outdoors.
Ponomareva and Hohn spent most of the year teaching English in Korea, but for the two months they spend each summer on their property outside Missoula, Montana, they stay busy building. Their first build was an 8-by-12-foot cabin, also using recycled materials, that cost them $400 (again, with solar panels).
Their latest build is a modified A-frame with unobstructed views of the mountains and valley below. They rent all three structures by the night, mostly during the summer (the cabins aren’t winterized).
Derek "Deek" Diedricksen's A frame plans: relaxshacks.blogspot.com/2017/...
Alla and Garrett’s rentals: www.airbnb.com/users/25367650...
On *faircompanies faircompanies.com/videos/700-...

[@grandmashadowdreamer]

Being able to watch rain and gaze at the stars is absolutely wonderful 🌸

[@apricotblossom2991]

Derick Diedricksen is my hero. He is a tiny house legend

[@Britbabe53]

Nice to see people using Deek’s designs!

[@JayKughan]

Deek was the 1st thing that came to my mind when I saw the thumbnail for this video. Always good to see someone who's been inspired by his efforts. He's a cool cat 🤘

[@Crafting_mom4139]

I love this, love the different cabins you did beautiful job

[@58kathylynn]

totally love you both! I love that you probably use compost potty or catholes and never think about ruining the landscape with something huge and gawdy. Kudos to you, you are living my dream!

[@TourquoiseNight]

Im a 65 yr old woman and I feel like I want the third one you showcased. I LOVE IT!! Knee-high.. I think I could do that. Surprise the young people in my family. I could do that in my back yard.

[@NotedPine]

I stayed here in July 2021, what an amazing place, and the host were so great!! Def returning ❤️

[@TimeIdle]

Thank you Kirsten for continuously bringing these very cool people to us. The ingenuity, the design, the passion... Very inspiring.

[@Marietta30064]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video and content and I want to build the 1st and 3rd structure shown! Fantastic content! Thank you for providing.

[@jsdrury55]

Your video is amazing!! after hundreds of builds myself I can tell you that your outlook on life and your attitude toward your builds is incredible!!!... please don't pay attention to the people that call you out on the "missing" or "small" stuff... you have a gift.... for both of you (as a couple) for choosing the correct "employment" to give you the time to do this as well as the hand skills to allow you both to make these projects come true... if anything I am jealous... ROCK ON!!!. and enjoy your life ... don't deviate from your course!! Cheers ... Droop

[@amandawilcox9638]

This tour is all-around enjoyable. The couple is fun, relaxed in their own space(s!), and they are adventurous. Korea and back, yearly. Build something basic and useful, yearly. The A-frame tinys are perfect for picnics, playhouses and sleepovers for kids or adult friends. Just sweet. Hope they are still well and happy! Ty, Kirsten & Mat. Blessings!

[@leonawilliams6599]

Thank you Kirsten i love these and the tiny movement.

[@richardjones4259]

Good job Kirsten Dirksen, keep up the good work!

[@qm4044]

looking the landscape around micro home convince any1 to live in such tight spaces ......love the view & projects

[@kathleenduval1309]

Thank you. I am a 62 yr old woman, after being widowed, then taking an early retirement, I have for the last 15 years been around and in the refurbishing construction ...learning learning and more learning... I have been looking at property in the Ozarks of AR and MO. {years ago I lived in Anaconda and worked in timeshare at the Hotsprngs, loved MT, but it too is too expensive now} AR & MO... the building codes are quite lax. The hardest part is making the final decision to just go!! I am 5th generation of a California I no longer can afford, nor do I believe in any more! Your presentation has given me options in building while building to remain...thank you

[@CaalamusTube]

"...a California I no longer can afford, nor do I believe in any more!" There are too many of us :[

[@kathleenduval1309]

@@justgivemethetruth First. My privacy is ultimate! The need for city services, ie: police would be nil... The trade off to have conveniences such as stores, medical,etc.. would be minimal as lI have and continue to be healthy... for peace of mind, emotionally & Financially is worth more to me in the long run... have been tossing this move off & on for better of the last 15+ years... I get the initial apprehension of what "locals" abhor when they come to find out you hail from 'Kalifornia'..However, once realized....thru hardworking, respecting the privacy and quiet dilligence... Things become as should be... American period.. I'm coming closer to the resolve..it could be the last big adventure and looking forward ..:) ps. And always hope for a Big miracle of California...:)

[@ladymcbeath]

We're in the same boat. Moving to Texas where there are no building codes! I can see these as a little airbnb campground in one corner of the property. Guest houses for when the family visits. Once you find your land you could build one to live in and one to rent. Oh, the possibilities when you think outside the mortgage box!

[@ladymcbeath]

@@justgivemethetruth They hate Californians in Texas, too. They're afraid we're going to bring our stupid politics into their state. So, let's not do that and they'll get used to us eventually!

[@kathleenduval1309]

@@ladymcbeath how very true thank you for your input..

[@smallfootprint2961]

Love being out in the woods like that. So wonderful. I actually live where you go to bed when it gets dark and wake up when it gets light, anyway, so don't need electricity, and if I don't have to go to a store, I'm a happy girl. Thanks for these great examples of lovely living.

[@janiceparks7742]

One mice deterrent is to make sure you clear the space of mice and then surround the place with mint plants and put peppermint oil on cotton balls throughout the interior. In some places mint really takes off which might help in their situation.

[@PH1M0]

I love the operable nature of the house and their work ethic 👏

[@blueman5924]

Good ol” A” frame cabins. There are some on our local ski hill that have been inhabited since the 60’s, they are affectionately known as “the bird houses”. Thanks for sharing your piece of heaven.

[@ladymcbeath]

The Bird Houses, I love that! Our farm is called Blue Bird Farm. I'm going to steal that when we build them!

[@ConscientiousOmnivore]

I love their can do attitude! That's the spirit you need for getting things done. Thanks for another great video Kirsten!

[@waterdamagerestoration9323]

Absolutely brilliant...nice spot too

[@barrybr1]

Wow, I've never heard so many negative comments. It's small, simple, cheap and fun. I love the property and the cabins! Thanks.

[@amandawilcox9638]

I know...it's like one negative comment, and they all come out of the woodwork to support it. So to speak, of course!

[@OMGIGILY]

And when they have to clean the beds cause of the dust and dirt or their dishes they just pop it over to the other property on the land. its very convenient and cute, love how simple it is!

[@greatboniwanker]

I think this would be really great for a spare room, or an instant green house. Definitely potential!

[@marionwilliams1321]

Grow plants only

[@LeslieDugger]

Making one as a backyard bar

[@TurdfurgisinHD]

There is a high pitched ringing that is killing me

[@AdventureCola]

same it's piercing my brain

[@tamiweber7118]

Go get checked for tinnitis🤔

[@tamiweber7118]

Adventure Cola Go get checked for tinnitus 😳

[@carolbailey2857]

Andrew Biggs t

[@allisonsherman7231]

Great idea to have a property with tiny sustainable homes to Airbnb. This is super!!

[@contactjoy4140]

The pulley is Simplistic genius!

[@marybrewer2203]

What peaceful views. Lovely. I can almost smell the air.

[@rebeccacarlson9166]

This is gorgeous land!!! Love the manual mechanics! If I was ever in Missoula, this would be my Air B&B choice!

[@arghjayem]

Interesting a frame.... There is an amazing house in Normandy FR you should check out, designed by an architect called Jean-Baptiste Barache. It’s also an a frame design but much bigger, yet the cost of the build was surprisingly low relatively speaking. You’ll understand why if you research or see it.

[@cleoharper1842]

This video came out on my birthday a couple years back but I just had to watch it again. It's not so much about the developing of tiny spaces as it is the outstanding attitude this couple has! The thought behind the spaces they live in, the resources they use and working with the weather is exactly where we all need to be right now. And Deek's plans, of course! I really love this kind of video, thanks again Kirsten & Co. I wonder if this couple would be willing to film a video on these principals while living in Korea? It's such a great place as well.

[@amandawilcox9638]

Cleo- I came here from the relaxshack site, 5/26/21, hoping the thumbnail was this specific vid. Watching it again had to be a belated birthday present! The couple is charming, wise & practical, a rarity, imo. I agree with your entire comment. Be well. 🙋‍♀️ from Ore, USA

[@cleoharper1842]

@@amandawilcox9638 I'm not good at emojis but I'm waving back from Fla! Love Oregon beautiful state!

[@tinlizzy39]

Alla and Garrett great job!😯👍🏼👏🏼like that 3d design! Thanks for the interview.

[@fluffylee]

We have a polycarbonate roof on our front porch and it finally collapsed after our gutters failed do to a hail storm. But 30+ years can’t complain.

[@sarahvegangarden4822]

A great quote to close the video on: "The trades! The trades! Do it!" Bless you for being so encouraging and inspiring. :)

[@johnthorpe1349]

Just like a modern T.P. very cool 😎 Migwech ✌️🍁

[@keithwood9709]

Especially loved the encouragement at the end. Love hearing positive people cheering on others to success. Your content is remarkable; the SOUND, scene capture, along with the philosophies of those being interviewed completely grip my attention. Thank you for sharing your captivating work with us!

[@sherrydee7880]

I really liked the 1st a frame until I saw the other one with the knee wall! Gives me an idea for a build in the back corner of the property which is on a slope & I can incorporate a deck for outdoor living. It's going to be part potting shed, part art studio & part chillaxin place!

[@ladymcbeath]

You're right, all that light would make for a fabulous art studio!

[@anybodyoutthere3208]

Kristen, Once again a stunning video. The sounds, the picture quality and drone shots....just amazing. This was really an inspiring video. The views of Montana make my heart soar. Much happiness to Alla and Garrett~

[@72Dexter72Manley72]

This would be great as an off grid cabin. Upgrade it as you like. Add screens for bugs. Shade. Outdoor potty. Bring a solar cooler for water and food. Enjoy the simple life.

[@ladymcbeath]

Water catchment so you don't have to haul water, composting toilet outhouse, outdoor shower, bug screens & shade cloth above that plexiglass. Lot of potential for Airbnb rentals. I just bought the plans.

[@72Dexter72Manley72]

@@ladymcbeath Yes good luck and enjoy.

[@amandawilcox9638]

@@ladymcbeath Have you been able do anything yet with those A-frame plans? (I so need incentive! Lol )

[@jennifermanning2761]

I just knew this was close to Missoula before you ever said it. Congratulations on such a wonderful project. Well done. You’ve got my wheels turning!

[@funmaster4632]

If you connect mosquito netting that falls from the raised wall to the deck, might help in some places. But it is really nice, I might have to copy your design

[@claystone7729]

Thank you, Kirsten, for Posting.

[@FunnFoto]

Love this post. I am torn on A-Frame or Yurt for some land I own and have been thinking of doing two as just cabin but also for possible Airbnb. Keep posting these A-frames 👍🏼

[@bonilla2022]

EXCELLENT! The People , the style , the videography ! BRAVO!!! :-)

[@s.j.sparber6946]

I guess the next challenge is to do it for others less fortunate who can also learn to do it for others!

[@77Tadams]

They just need to buy the instructions for 30 dollars and get a job and save their money. He said it was around 400 dollars to do it! :)

[@chezmoi42]

@@77Tadams $700, but yeah. It would cost more like the $1200 Deek cited unless you could recycle as much as he did.

[@Marimilitarybrat]

This must be a good couple because they build things together. It's like marriage therapy. Like every house that you made.

[@VintageTexas59]

Nice cabins, I really like how simple and great they all look and work.

[@seancbrophy]

Three epic little structures! Wow.

[@lavondacarter7228]

Love, its simple, not over the top expensive, sure its open to improvements , but its great !

[@jiyounghan601]

Looks so nice! The cozy house and lovely couple!!

[@alancalvitti]

always great stuff

[@Samanthanewmexico]

I love all aspects of this!

[@kandiwolfe1125]

Very nice!!Thank you for sharing these with us! Peace!!;)

[@ladylena1918]

I love them both! I want to build one of them now

[@heathb2015]

Love this!

[@panamafred1]

Rustic Chic. Love it. Very homey. My wife and I call our Panama shipping container house Natural Industrial Bling.

[@paveljofre765]

Is amazing, very inspiring how simple you can live! and enjoy life

[@LindaB651]

I like the first A-frame very much, but question the longevity of the stumps that support the platform. Having unsealed end-grain exposed to the weather, I'd give it 5 years max. Shore it up and put in some cement or stone footings. Absolutely LOVE the counter top in the second tiny house. Like the openness of third tiny house, but think both A-frames might benefit from judicious use of insect screening! I know it's all a work in progress, what you have done is impressive, and I thank you for posting!

[@lancenetworkv5938]

i was thinking the same thing. when i got the plans there was no mention of foundation blocks in the parts list, and i liked the stump idea they implemented, but would have sealed it for sure.

[@amandawilcox9638]

Linda, it depends a lot on the wood. My father used rounds of creosote- coated telephone poles as piers for a 16 × 20 lofted horse barn. It was sound for 20 years, ok for storage for several more. Dad regretted he didn't put anything down for a pad; it could still be standing!

[@TumeloMotsoeneng]

Great idea, i would use it for my daughter and her friends as a play shed with toys, couch, tv and Nintendo switch for them when i get a big yard

[@zanesutherland406]

Awesome! They live a about 2 hrs away from me. I’ve saving up building materials to make a shed and/or little cabin.

[@vickievictorious7003]

That's the best triangle I've ever seen 🔺

[@bludmakesgrassgrow]

It's better than a tent, for sure.

[@therealtashiro]

Great Video! Great inspiration! Keep it up! 👍🏻

[@kenjboyd6233]

So excellent, thanks!

[@listenup1711]

You did a great job, you live in a beautiful area, and you have a beautiful wife. You are a lucky man. I would never want to go to town either.

[@taosaparang7098]

you can use Irish Spring soaps to control mices

[@jacobwilliamson7222]

I just love these so much

[@randym5515]

There is a high pitch noise during some parts. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@Flojoe6274]

I knew it was Deek's!

[@dogcatparty7371]

August 2019 Deek (Diedreksen?) is funny (ignore his locker room humor) it probably keeps him going interviewing so many people and attending so many workshops and conventions about Tiny House living. His channel is 'relaxshacks,' or a similar name. His best interview is of an older cancer survivor, who had had her drawings displayed in elite museums. She is using her Tiny House as an education tool.

[@livingitup9647]

Very inspiring, indeed! Even for those who don't feel confident of their building skills. To hear them describe their step by step journey, really puts these possibilities into perspective. P.S. We must remember, though, that such minimalism is only possible if we can rely on others-- who are NOT minimalists-- for the tools, or materials, needed to create and support these little spaces. These are not truly independent, self-sustaining living environments. Just little oases, for short term enjoyment. Without access to regular replenishment of water, misc. power sources, food, tools, reliable transportation, etc., such places can't provide much to their occupants. Notice there was no mention of toileting or bathing functions; or if the water is accessible from the big barn on the property, or from one of the other dwellings on the family compound. There is much that we need to make our modern lives work (albeit less than most of us can admit), and I continue to observe how seldom it is discussed that, in order to live minimally, we must have access to civilization that can provide our 'just-in-time' needs very quickly, so we don't have to stock up and be prepared for shortages, or catastrophic changes that interfere with easy access to those needed supplies. So, I think it's an important part of the analysis: what are the risks and the trade offs to each lifestyle choice we make? And what emergency plans do we have in place?

[@archenema6792]

Lots of sunny spots around the structure. With a little work, they wouldn't have to walk more than 40 feet for most meals.

[@grandmashadowdreamer]

I'd have both sides opening up with bug screen all the way around so it makes the space even bigger during super weather

[@sailmonkeyflying8641]

3rd one is Amazing.

[@Andrew-dg7qm]

Love this, thank you

[@syedzubayerhossain126]

Awesome idea

[@r.b.l.5841]

very fun and great that you did it together. Having lived in the country my whole life, i can tell you one thing - lose the locks; locks are for City folks; in the country if someone comes by in need of shelter they just walk right in, and when they depart, they leave you something - even if just a note.

[@i.f.haddock527]

Looks great!

[@ntorrente]

Thank you Kirsten for Sharing this magnificent video. I'm planning (dream) to build a tree house on a coffee plantation mountain in Nicaragua. The rat race is everywhere, and our connection with Nature is no longer a readily available option. Greetings from the highly density Washington suburbs.

[@antonpimnev]

Thnx! Great motivation video)) Cool people

[@MyDestinyOfficial]

I definitely love ur videos ❤️❤️❤️

[@pugglebiscuit9600]

A little disappointed that there's no mention of a restroom or bathing area, no place to wash clothes, nor mention of how they were even able to get a piece of property to build on or if there were any regulations to follow; plus the constant mention of pests like mice. The lady was right when she said its basically "glamping" since there's no long term way to live there comfortably. I don't consider this a tiny house, but some glorified camping's alright.

[@pugglebiscuit9600]

@e causey Yea, but that doesn't really answer much, like is there any legislature around tiny houses there, rules to follow for building, complications with the county etc. cuz some places are really picky and its what most people have problems with when building a tiny house. Also kinda tired of ppl just using their parents property, like I'm not against it by any means I would too if i had one, but I am much more interested in those who can live in a tiny house on their own property in this day and age.

[@tinlizzy39]

@@pugglebiscuit9600 he said" when they were able to purchase the land"so I assume they bought it. Also it's about the tiny houses not the property but maybe they have contact info if ppl are really interested? Ppl using these are probably using short term so washing clothes at a laundry mat maybe? There's also portable small washers that are operated manually, or solar powered even. Check amazon... potty is a cathole or compost toilet maybe? There's so much neat camping stuff out there now like portable power stations that can be charged in your car, by reg outlets and solar. Portable showers and many feasible ideas on KZbin. they're trying to keep it simple tho I think. This is not going to be for everyone...

[@pugglebiscuit9600]

@@tinlizzy39 Yea its obvious its short term cuz they mentioned only living in it for a month or two out of the year so these ppl wouldn't need as much, and yea i agree there's tons of cool camping stuff and i love it but when this is called a tiny "house" its feels a little... idk fibby? A house is where you're supposed to be able live long term so I was expecting something more house-like than tent-like. I guess I'm just disappointed because I've seen blanket domes, shacks, and truck beds Id consider more of a house than this :/ this is a wooden tent with a mattress to me not an actual home

[@pugglebiscuit9600]

@e causey Oof dude your comment is hard to read... All I'm saying is that the video is lacking vital information when it comes to tiny house ownership. I dont want every specific rule about the tiny houses, itd honestly just be nice if they mentioned it AT ALL.

[@susanmathis1682]

Didn't they show a big barn above the property and say a couple sentence about it. Rewatch the video and look for it

[@tmadden4951]

Kristin you rock

[@maryannknox7158]

Amazing

[@miken7629]

I would make that into a modified A frame. That lifting wall should become a roof and add 3 walls to support it. Would add a lot of Sq feet to the design so they could have a bathroom.

[@CarmenBIGPRESSURECaBoom]

This is NICE! I like it!

[@dootu]

Put a retractable awning on the 2 horizontal beams if you want it cooler.

[@inventorindoarchitect]

wowwww.. awesome...i like design...

[@rsoubiea]

Ok bed check, coffee? bathroom? it’s a perfect guest quarters. 💙💚💛🧡💜

[@EShopHero]

Cute summer house...

[@kathybowen3725]

Love your HONEY COMB HIDEOUTS! Only thing missing is a Wal Mart in the distance. Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.

[@AbuSous2000PR]

It would be nice to publish bill of materials and a manual how to construct the 1st micro-A-Frame you have shown. my friends in Syria... are in need for mass production of such a great idea to help displaced refugees. During the Winter they suffer a lot. Thx guys

[@enriquecabrera2137]

For some money id do it.

[@tinlizzy39]

I believe the 1st owned by Diek Derrickson from Tiny homes, you'd have to purchase from him if I'm understanding u correctly

[@chezmoi42]

@@tinlizzy39 Yes, the plans can be purchased, as she said, for $30.

[@leidaibarra3272]

Muyyy buenoooo a buscar lugar para hacerme una cabañita muyyyy linda felicitaciones por ayudarnos a tener ideas funcionales yyyy económicas

[@hectorllaneza4070]

Estupenda a pesar de las críticas👍👍👍👍

[@jhonnyneedcash2245]

One of the coolest house

[@77Tadams]

Great Concept...I think I would try to mice proof it though and add a screen to keep the bugs out!

[@tmseh]

I need to do this. I think I can get the land. Material sources are all around me, I keep seeing potential things and just stuff. This design is great for a single guy and some friends. Thank you for sharing.

[@complyvoluntarily]

just started the vid but looks like a relaxshack from Deek.

[@kirstendirksen]

It's his design, built by Alla and Garrett with only slight modifications (and their choice of recycled materials).

[@chezmoi42]

@@kirstendirksen It's instantly recognizable, all right. Thanks for featuring it - it's a delight to see how his designs are interpreted by others.

[@vans.8435]

"The trades. The trades. Do it."