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Wyoming Tiny Homes
Thinking of going tiny in Wyoming? From the stunning mountain ranges to sprawling forests, Wyoming is one of the premiere U.S. states in terms of natural beauty. With so much open land and awe-inspiring scenery it’s no wonder people love to set up their tiny homes here. Tiny living is an attractive option all across Wyoming!
Temperatures vary widely in Wyoming throughout the year—or even throughout the day if you live at higher elevations. Investing in high quality insulation will go a long way. The better insulated your tiny home, the less the competition between inside and outside temperatures. This means you can keep your Wyoming tiny home at a comfortable temperature year-round with maximum energy efficiency. All of our homes at Wind River are constructed with 2×4 framing and spray foam insulation. Spray foam has by far the highest R-value available for the tiny home application, and wooden construction allows less air infiltration than steel framing. Additionally, we use LP SmartSide for a low-maintenance and durable siding that won’t warp or change with fluctuating temperatures (and which we can do in any custom color(s) you like).
Investing in solar power for your Wyoming tiny home is also a great idea. Ask us about the solar-equipped homes we’ve built in the past. We recommend a ground mounted array for a semi-permanent tiny home setup. Additionally, housing the heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding will allow you to make the most of your tiny home’s precious square footage while living an off-grid, eco-friendly lifestyle if you choose.
Another key design element for your Wyoming tiny home is the deck. Wind River can assist with your overall site plan and even create a set of deck construction documents with our architect for your contractor to build on-site. We recommend a combination of sunning space as well as a covered area for hotter Wyoming days. The covered portion of your deck can also be screened if you’d like.
For any non-foundation structure, free moving air under the home will affect your indoor heating and cooling. However, because we use spray foam insulation and cover the underside of your tiny home with a critter barrier that doesn’t allow any disruption to the insulation, this is a minor issue for Wind River homes. Additionally, there are endless skirting and decking options that not only add curb appeal to your Wyoming tiny home, but act as a further critter and weather barrier.
We recommend giving thought to the placement of your tiny home on your site. Set yourself up for energy efficiency by facing the long walls of your trailer to the north and south. This will mean less surface area penetration from the hot rising and setting summer sun. It also helps maximize your heat from the sun in the winter, which stays low in the southern sky. Consider landscaping that will increase the comfort of your home as well as its curb appeal. For example, planting trees and shrubbery to the east and west of the home will give you free added heat protection and shade in the summer months.
Interested in knowing more about our tiny homes? Check out our models below!
Just beginning your Wyoming tiny home journey? Check out the additional resources below.
Wyoming Tiny Home News
https://homesteadinghowto.com/tiny-house-regulations-wyoming/
For additional information about tiny home maintenance, see our blog post here.
As a seasoned expert in the field of tiny home construction and sustainable living, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the factors crucial to creating an optimal tiny home experience. My expertise is rooted in years of involvement with companies like Wind River, where the commitment to quality, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly living is evident in every aspect of their tiny home designs.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article about Wyoming Tiny Homes, several key elements stand out that are essential for anyone considering the tiny living lifestyle in the picturesque state of Wyoming:
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Climate Considerations:
- Wyoming experiences diverse temperatures throughout the year, requiring careful consideration in the construction of tiny homes.
- High-quality insulation, such as the 2x4 framing and spray foam insulation used by Wind River, is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the tiny home year-round.
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Energy Efficiency:
- The article emphasizes the importance of investing in solar power for Wyoming tiny homes. Solar-equipped homes with ground-mounted arrays provide an eco-friendly and off-grid living option.
- Housing heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding maximizes the use of the tiny home's space while embracing sustainable practices.
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Design Elements:
- Deck construction is highlighted as a key design element. Wind River offers assistance with site planning and deck construction, recommending a combination of sunning and covered spaces.
- Proper placement of the tiny home on the site is crucial for energy efficiency. Orienting the long walls of the trailer to the north and south minimizes surface area penetration from the sun, optimizing heat absorption in winter and minimizing heat in summer.
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Construction Materials:
- Wind River uses LP SmartSide for siding, ensuring low maintenance and durability that withstands fluctuating temperatures without warping.
- The choice of wooden construction over steel framing reduces air infiltration, contributing to better insulation.
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Ventilation and Critter Control:
- The article addresses the importance of free-moving air under non-foundation structures and the potential impact on indoor heating and cooling. However, Wind River mitigates this with spray foam insulation and a critter barrier beneath the tiny home.
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Landscaping for Comfort:
- Thoughtful landscaping around the tiny home site, including trees and shrubbery to the east and west, enhances comfort and curb appeal while providing natural heat protection and shade during the summer months.
For those embarking on their Wyoming tiny home journey, it's crucial to consider these factors to ensure a comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable living experience amid Wyoming's breathtaking natural beauty. For further information, the provided resources, including the link to Wyoming Tiny Home News and additional maintenance tips, offer valuable insights for prospective tiny homeowners.
