Happy Summer !

I just returned from Europe visiting old friends. The first week was spent north of the arctic circle past Oslo, Norway. Invited by a German architect/ friend/ colleague, I had a unique opportunity to experience the simplicity of life in the spectacular Norwegian coast, disconnected from technology and appreciating nature as it should be.

In addition to Oslo, I traveled to Stockholm and Cologne. More than ever, I have an appreciation for the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design. I've returned inspired with new ideas, and looking forward to starting new projects and continuing existing ones.

And Tiny House news... so much is happening behind the scenes! Read more below for upcoming Open House events.

Best wishes for the rest of the summer season,

A lot of heart and soul has gone into this project, and we're almost there! As we target to finish construction by the end of October, the Tiny House is focusing its effort as a community project, working with local builders, artists, and craftsmen. I have been extremely fortunate to work with amazing people and grateful for their contribution and collaboration.

For a first peek, the Tiny House will be featured at the following events. Lots of exciting things are planned, guaranteed to inspire and educate with lots of FUN!

SPONSORSHIP: Gain high exposure and visibility, and help support worthwhile causes towards the environment and the arts! If you're a company or private individual, there are many opportunities for sponsorship to the Green Home Tour and Ojai Arts Festival, starting at $100 level. The sooner you become a sponsor, the more advantages you receive. Click HERE and HERE for more details.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013: OVGC Green Home & Building Tour "Small is Beautiful"
This year's theme is "Small is Beautiful", and the Tiny House will debut its first public showing at The MOB Shop, located in the heart of downtown Ojai. Great examples of living small, such as a house made from all reclaimed building materials. Bike tours to the homes, a raffle for a new bike, and educational workshops will be available.

Monday, Nov. 11, 2013: Ojai Film Festival Focus Earth: screening of TINY movie
TINY is a documentary about one couple’s attempt to build a “tiny house” from scratch, and profiles other families who have downsized their homes. The movie will be shown at 11am as part of the Focus Earth screening. Parked in front of the theater, the Tiny House will be available for a real life experience inside these tiny structures.

In addition, OVGC will sponsor a film on Sunday Nov. 10th at 3pm titled "Harmony", as part of the Focus Earth series for the Film Festival. A panel discussion and dinner will follow.

Thurs-Sun., Nov. 7-10, 2013: Ojai Art Festival "Art from Trash"
Coinciding with the Ojai Film Festival's Focus Earth screenings, the Ojai Art Festival is holding a juried show of art created from trash. Their goal is to promote new ways of thinking about art and the environment. Artists from all over the country are invited, and Sol Haus Design is excited to be part of the event. The Tiny House will be parked in a location in downtown Ojai and will feature an art piece from the juried competition for viewing.

For construction photos of the Tiny House, visit Sol Haus Design's Facebook page HERE. LIKE the page if you're so inclined - thanks!

The construction of a year-long project in Ventura's hillside has come to a close. The clients have moved in, and we are all ecstatic about the results. Big thanks to Tenpenny Construction and his team, the project is a success due to great team collaboration.

Enjoy the interior photos, fresh off the press! Exterior photos to come.

On June 30th, my clean water campaign for charity:water came to a close. Thanks to so many of you who contributed, we raised $1,286, which in turn gave 64 people clean water in Ethiopia and Nepal - AMAZING!!! Thank you all so very much.

Special thanks goes to Janie Williamson. Because of her generous donation, she is the winner of one night stay in my Tiny House. Thank you Janie!

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