Here are my FarinHaus goals:

• Enjoy the process of building a tiny house.  Set a deadline of having it usable by fall 2013.  Don’t turn construction into a ‘death march’.
• Share what we’ve learned with others through this blog.
• Purchase a piece of recreational property that is close to a river suitable for kayaking that is no more than a 90 mile ride from our home.
• Place FarinHaus on the piece of land as a semi-permanent structure.  Move it back home in the fall/winter.
• Design it so it can be used for off-grid dry camping, with a minimal carbon footprint.
• Minimize electrical draw so solar and battery storage can be used to meet all electrical needs.
• Use propane for cook top, refrigerator, water heater and furnace.
• Make it available to the kids and grandkids when they are inclined to use it.
• Incorporate an esthetically pleasing design based on the arts and crafts movement.
• Design it so water collection systems can be used to collect water.  Grey water output can be used in watering plants.  Eliminate black water output with a composting toilet.
• Plants should be those requiring minimal maintenance – fruit trees, berry bearing bushes, etc.
• Design it so the total package is within the towing capacity of the Avalanche so a specialized towing vehicle does not need to be purchased.
• Design it so it makes extremely efficient use of space.
• KISS – Avoid complexity so construction is well within our capabilities.
• Use recycled or surplus materials when it makes sense to do so.  Possibilities are exterior siding, roof cover, finish flooring, surplus materials at the Farin house, cabinets, interior siding, etc.
• Incorporate at least one unique architectural feature in the design.
• Minimize weight while maintaining a structurally sound design, capable of handling the Wisconsin environment including snow loads, hot humid summer days, etc.