Recap of Designs

I've looked at six different designs so far. My criteria for finding the best design are the following:

1. fits on 8' x 20' flat trailer
2. has an interesting and practical roof line
3. has plenty of windows
4. bed on lower level, or accessed by stairs instead of ladder
5. plenty of storage for clothing and other items
6. has an entry on the side
7. some separation between bathroom and kitchen
8. room for a TV, desk, chairs, table, wood  stove, water tank, etc.

I've ruled out designs that don't meet the first three. These are all excellent choices, but none are perfect. All fall short in some area and require changes to meet my criteria.

1) Tiny Living - This one falls short on several criteria, but flexibility and a provided Sketchup file, along with the nice outside appearance keep it in the running. I would have to add a stairway, storage, and move the entry way. I also believe these plans to be very thorough.

2) McG - This one has been ruled out as a whole because it's seven foot width is too narrow. But it provides a stairway that runs along side the loft to a landing about 20" below the loft surface. This feature might be useful to other designs.

3) Moschata - The Moschata provides  a Sketchup file only for the framing, but otherwise these free plans are very complete and would aid in making modification. I would probably do something to separate the kitchen a little, perhaps putting cabinets outside the bathroom, shifting the kitchen down a bit, and putting in storage under a new stairway. The outside appearance isn't as nice as the Tiny Living, and without a complete Sketchup file, I can't document the needed changes.

4) Cider Box - This one probably comes the closest to addressing all the criteria, but perhaps not the best at meeting them. It has a side entry, stairway, and good kitchen bath separation, but still needs some tweaks. Lack of a Sketchup file is a shortcoming, but may be okay. I can't find a complete floor layout for this one, and a no return policy makes this plan purchase a bit risky.

5) Talmage 20 - On the outside, the Talmage 20 looks similar to Tiny Living with the large central dormers. The central bath and kitchen leave room at one end for a stairway and storage to be added. Some sort of fold down table would replace the dining room table in the bay window, and perhaps seating could be added there. The kitchen is small, but could be enhanced. Heating would be difficult since it could not be central. But the plans are cheap and come with a Sketchup file and materials list.

6) Cypress with Arise floor plan - This is another really nice looking house, especially with the dormers. The Arise layout provides good separation between the kitchen and bathroom, although I'm not sure how easy adding a bathroom sink will be. The kitchen takes up a lot of room, and there doesn't seem to be room to add a stairway.

At this point, I want to take a closer look at the Talmage 20 and the Tiny Living.