The Small House Book by Jay Shafer Read Free Book Online Page B

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    always looks as if it had been easy to achieve.
    This sort of streamlining demands a firm understanding of what is neces-
    sary to a home. As stated before, there is no room in an honest dwelling for
    anything apart from what truly makes its occupant(s) happy. Each one of us
    must ultimately decide what this is and is not for ourselves. But, as with all
    good vernacular processes, we should first consider the findings of those
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    who have gone before us. While our domestic needs will differ as much as
    our location and circumstances, a look at what others consider to be impor-
    tant can get us going in the right direction.
    Ideas about what is indispensable to a home can be concise so long as
    they are kept abstract. Consider Cicero’s claim: “If you have a garden and
    a library, you have everything you need.” And William Morris’ sage advice:
    “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe
    to be beautiful.” More pragmatic lists tend to be a bit longer. Small house ad-
    vocate, Ron Konzak, is helpful. In his essay, entitled: “Prohousing,” Konzak
    explains that most every domicile should provide...
    1. Shelter from the elements.
    2. Personal security.
    3. Space for the preparation and consumption of food.
    4. Provision for personal hygiene.
    5. Sanitary facilities for relieving oneself.
    6. Secure storage for one’s possessions.
    In their now-famous book, A Pattern Language , Christopher Alexander and
    his colleagues provide a detailed list of no fewer than 150 items for possible
    inclusion in a home. I have made a similar, albeit far less detailed, list here.
    More asterisks indicate a more universal need for the item they accompany.
    EXTERIOR:
    1. A small parking area out back.
    2. A front door that is easily identified from the street.****
    3. A small awning over the door to keep occupants dry as they dig for keys
    and guests dry as they wait for occupants.**
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    4. A bench next to the front door on which occupants can set things while
    fumbling for keys or sit while putting on/off shoes.
    5. A window in the front door.
    6. A steeply-pitched roof to better deflect the elements.*
    7. Adequate insulation in all doors, windows, walls, the floor and the roof.****
    8. Windows on at least two sides of every room for cross ventilation and dif-
    fuse, natural light.
    9. Windows on the front of the house.**
    10. A structure for bulk storage out back.
    11. A light over the front door.
    12. No less than 10 square feet of window glass for every 300 cubic feet of
    interior space.**
    13. Eaves
    ENTRY:
    14. A light switch right inside the front door.*
    15. A bench just inside the front door on which occupants can set things while
    fumbling for keys or sit while putting on/off shoes.
    16. A closet or hooks near the door for coats, hats and gloves.*
    A PLACE TO SIT:
    17. A chair or floor pillow for each member of the household.****
    18. Some extra chairs or pillows for guests. (In bulk storage?)*
    19. A table for eating, with a light overhead.**
    20. A table for working, with a light overhead.**
    21. Nearby shelves or cabinets for books, eating utensils or anything else
    pertinent to the activity area.
    22. A private place for each member of the household.***
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    23. A phone.
    A PLACE TO LIE DOWN:
    24. A bed.***
    25. A light at or above the head of the bed.
    26. A surface near the head of the bed on which to set a clock, tissue, books,
    etc.
    APPLIANCES AND UTILITIES:
    27. Electricity and a place for the accompanying fuse box.**
    28. A source of water and sufficient room for water pipes.***
    29. A water heater.**
    30. A source of heat.**
    31. A place for an air conditioner.
    32. Ventilation and room for any accompanying ductwork (windows can
    sometimes work to this end).****
    33. An indoor toilet.*
    34. A tub or shower.***
    35. A towel rack near the tub or shower.**
    36. A mirror.**
    37. A home entertainment center.
    38. A washer/dryer.
    A PLACE TO COOK:
    39. An appropriately-sized