After years of building up her garden, Lea was satisfied with her efforts, but it was a small corner within her yard in which she had tried to grow veggies that left her feeling discontent. Given the excess shade in that particular spot, her tomatoes and cucumbers fared poorly. To make better use of the space, Lea, a certified sustainable building advisor, decided to construct a detached home on the 11′ x 14′ patch of ground. Her goal was to create a space that would not only be useful, but beautiful, artful and above all sustainable.
Built from recycled barnboard with copper roofing, the home is inspired by everything from vines, to magazine editorials, to, most notably, Bernard Maybeck’s Mistake House from 1931. Inside, a wood stove keeps the home warm and cozy, and the small space even boasts a second floor loft accessible via a set of swirling stairs. The Backyard House is a year round hangout for family and friends, and gives way to extra space with ease.
Via Treehugger

















a lot of questions, where are the answers?
Would like more information on building these.
Contact me!
Shirley Yi
Practikal Arts Academy
Would like a contact name and email, we are a school that promotes and teaches ongoing courses on building and hands-on skill crafting.
Let\’s build some of these all over the Americas!
this is adorable – exactly what i need for my future backyard studio!
Does anyone know what this thing cost to build?
Comment et av quel genre de peinture le bois a t-il été traité pour donner ce beau fini coloré??
Bravo…
adore this little house. what are the chances that megan lea is willing to sell the floor plans or at least let us know the dimensions? have been looking for so long for plans and this is by far the loveliest little house i have seen.
Totes adorbs
I love this eco friendly house just wish it was a little larger – like have a kitchen and bathroom – enough room for 2 people to live. Do you know of anything like that? Please advise at pameeks@gmail.com