Tiny Home

GRATON, Calif.--In an era of mini-mansions and underwater mortgages, one group of people has largely avoided both while managing to be as green as possible: residents of Tiny Houses.

Started by Jay Shafer, who began living in a 75-square-foot house in 1997, Tumbleweed Tiny Houses specializes in designing homes that are both functional and highly efficient. Sized between 65 and 837 square feet, the homes are meant to be affordable while emphasizing the need for organization and minimalism.

Seen here is the XS-House, Tiny Houses' smallest home, which can be bought built-to-order for $39,000, or can be built by customers themselves for about $16,000.