Yes. The build is a retrofit. The “toilet” is a mobility-disabled-accessible porta potty from PolyJohn, measuring roughly 7 feet wide by 8 feet across—plenty of space for a twin bed and lots of folding, modular accouterments. The unit itself was brand new from the factory, modified by our team of professionals.

No, that’s gross! Manufacturers removed all toilet functions from the porta home's interior. And it locks from the inside and outside, in case anyone... mistakes its intended use.

A separate bathroom structure. If you haven't already seen, both will be installed on a trailer with a working indoor/outdoor kitchen and soft, retractable walls. All the features of a standard home, just configured uniquely. The restroom will be a separate, contained area. Part of this project is to experiment with the best ways to deal with issues like sewage and water, so our team will be testing livability as the project continues.

That's right. In fact, it's been going on for a while now. As of 2021, our Founder, TK Devine, has spent over a year of residency in the home. This project gives the team a chance to troubleshoot functionality in all seasons to produce an improved product for OBH's backyard housing program.

We thought you’d never ask! Our porta-home, as constructed, showcased, and tested through the Tiny (Toilet) Home Project, is the pilot program designed to answer questions surrounding housing mobile micro living units on residential urban land. Functionally speaking, it's the Our Backyard Homes prototype. Future models will be employed within a charity scholarship program to provide functionally similar micro-homes to qualifying students.

No. Though we are not ruling out the use of porta potty shells in future design models, they are inherently difficult to build within and not particularly suited for permitting and certification through official housing agencies. That said, if anyone ever wants to build porta potty homes again, OBH is the unanimous go-to organization! 

Yes, we do have plans to produce commercial models with a portion of the proceeds supporting the OBH scholarship housing program. As of Summer 2020, we do not have the capacity to run a substantial production line but you can CONTACT US if you're interested in discussing a customized build. Just note that custom builds are inherently pricier than production models, as they require individualized attention and materials.

For our scholarship housing program recipients, that's a no brainer. These homes will provide a defined period of secure, stable, and dignified housing. 

The bigger picture for urban, portable micro-housing like ours is just as promising. Folks need housing options they can afford, close to their centers of livelihood. Considering commercially sold homes are owned by the resident, equity in one’s living space and the ability to sell it when ready to make the jump to a traditional home significantly more realistic. 

There are so many! From financial incentives to symbiotic benefits to altruistic rewards, hosting an OBH micro-home in a backyard can substantially change someone's life for the better.

Siting our homes on a property provides a landowner rental income without lifting a finger. No tenants in their home. No additions to the home. No pricey upgrades to the property. Our homes are entirely self-sufficient. The landowner just needs to let us know where to send the monthly rent check!

We are constantly upgrading our systems as better, cheaper products reach the market. In short, we employ sophisticated methods of water, power, and waste management, toeing the line between innovation and expense to bring our homes affordably off the production line. Our Tiny (Toilet) Home Project is proving that living off-grid is possible. We're just working to make it affordable and accessible to all. 

Yes and no!

In late 2019, the City of Los Angeles passed an ordinance declaring "moveable tiny homes" as legal dwellings for single-family home backyards provided they meet a series of definitions. Essentially, LA is allowing homes like ours as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). But there are still significant restrictions.

While OBH's team is working behind the scenes to relax some of those restrictions to win more rights for mobile micro-housing like ours, we're pretty excited for the potential for tiny living in the big city. 

We would never! You’re actually right on! There have been two such major stories in recent years. But neither of those were after the above ordinance passed, and even if they were the ordinance wouldn't have protected what those folks were trying to achieve.

The first was in San Pedro, where folks were parking tiny homes on wheeled trailers on public roads. The second was about a man who built very inexpensive, shack-like structures for the homeless. These were housed on public sidewalks and confiscated because they were blocking a public thoroughfare.
Both were different from OBH because we plan to park on residential property. 

It’s cool. There are a lot of misconceptions about tiny home living in the city. That’s why we've been out trying to spread the word and break the stigma!

Because the porta potty is the perfect symbol for a seemingly undesirable--or downright impossible!--living situation that, when examined, can actually be pretty inviting. And now increasingly legal.

The porta potty is the perfect symbol for fighting the misunderstanding about tiny living in a big city. And it’s a great way to get publicity for affordable housing solutions. Plus, there’s no evidence of anyone retrofitting a porta potty into a proper home. Which means OBH can claim the world's first-ever tiny (toilet) home! 

Thanks! Our Founder, TK Devine, was filming a pilot for a show about ordinary folks downsizing in extraordinary ways. On a set in Austin, he walked into a nearby porta potty. A huge one. An ADA-compliant, 7’x8’ super-sized porta potty. He thought, “Someone could live in this!” As Devine started meeting with early team members, they realized the porta potty would be the perfect tool to promote tiny living and establish OBH's housing program.

You can learn a little about him on Our Team Bio Page. Or follow him on Instagram or visit his personal projects website. 

Help us find land and funding!

Save for some fabrication contractors, our team is volunteers. Donations fund materials, permits, and website and camera costs associated with building and running this project and the upcoming housing program. Please visit the donation page.

Already donated and still want to help? Visit our Get Involved page! Share our online content! Talk about us to your friends! Our team is grateful for support, whether from individuals, local businesses, corporate sponsors, or foundation partners. Thank you so much for your support!