The Tiny Tack House Is Kind of a Big Deal

Christopher Tack is a professional photographer; Malissa Tack works in 3D animation and graphic design. They have built themselves a tiny house and put their skills to work; it's not just a house but a real demonstration of their skills as designers, builders, 3D modellers, photographers and last but not least, tiny home entrepreneurs.

The Tacks built it by themselves, with just a little help on the roofing. It's parked in rented land in Snohomish, Washington.

Having those 3D rendering skills really helps get it right. Malissa says " We designed and built the house from plans I built in 3D. I’m a 3D artist, so it was a great way to visually see the house before it’s built."

Having a professional photographer in the house doesn't hurt either; this is one of the most thoroughly documented and beautifully presented tiny house projects I have seen. Chris also has that super wide angle lens that you need to photograph these things. The kitchen and the bathroom are at the end, underneath the sleeping loft.

The kitchen is bright, with two big windows, with a two burner propane range top. There is a 40 gallon tank for the water supply; grey water from the sink goes into a grey water rock well outside. They use natural soaps to limit damage to the environment.

The shower, made from a wine barrel, is lovely and clever. I am not so certain about the toilet, which is a bucket and sawdust. There is a spectrum that runs from this, the most basic toilet, to the high-tech Dryflush that we showed recently; I suspect most people would want something a little more sophisticated than this.

The living area is dramatic and spacious, with that high ceiling. There is a fold-down table under the big monitor.

The dormers make the loft feel a lot bigger, it looks like you can sit up in this one. The two windows on the sides are welcome as well; it can get really hot in these lofts in summer and you need the cross-ventilation.

It has everything you need; a work space, a built-in sofa with storage. It might be bad for your health to work so close to the fridge though.

It's al beautifully put together with healthy materials, like sheep's wool insulation and wood interior. They did all the work themselves, but note the metal plates on the studs where the electrical wires are going through; that's to prevent a nail going through the wiring when the panelling is installed. Most people doing their own wiring wouldn't bother.

Exterior view with table and solar panel.

Chris and Malissa have done a beautiful job here, and appear to be turning it into a business, with plans, books and courses. Chris Tack has certainly demonstrated that he is one of the best photographers of tiny houses I have seen. Nice work all round from Christopher and Malissa Tack of the Tiny Tack House.