Couple Builds Tiny Expandable Cabin for $700 in Montana

When photographers Alla Ponomareva and her husband Garrett wanted a new guesthouse for their home in Montana, they decided to build it themselves. They selected an 80-square-foot A-frame design they found online, constructed by a company using plans from Derek “Deek” Diedricksen, a pioneer of the tiny house revolution.

Alla was captivated by the design’s transformative element, which increased its square footage and added undeniable character.

tiny-a-frame-cabin-40 The cabin’s roof opens up and its legs drop down to transform one end into a porch, expanding the area from 80 square feet to 110 square feet.

tiny-a-frame-cabin-41 The couple was fortunate to have many used windows, boards, nails, and roofing materials left over from other projects, keeping their expenses to about $700 (the original company had spent around $1,200). The solar panel was the most significant expense, although its cost has significantly decreased over the past few years.

tiny-a-frame-cabin-21 Choosing the interior presented a minor challenge, but they ultimately opted for a lovely coral and mint motif.

The little guest house lacks running water and a toilet, but there is an outdoor toilet and a portable solar shower nearby.

The couple deviated from the original design by not building a loft. Instead, they installed two 18-inch shelves above the window and the door for backpacks or extra storage.

The tiny cabin took nearly three weeks of daily work to complete, but Alla and Garrett are immensely proud of the result and look forward to giving friends and family the opportunity to enjoy stargazing from inside the cabin at night while sipping some of Garrett’s homemade brew. I wouldn’t mind an invite either.

Photo: Alla Ponomareva

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