David Montoni-Tiller + His Tiny Home

Photo by Ellissa Tiller

Tiny homes provide a lower maintenance, minimalistic living space as an alternative to traditional homes. Globally, many people are ditching larger houses and opting for 400-square- foot tiny homes, following a trend known as the “tiny house movement.” David Montoni-Tiller is a Palisade High School (PHS) student who has spent the past year building a tiny home. He has done everything from design to construction to finishing touches. He is in the final stages of his project and plans to finish his home in May 2020. Spoke+Blossom asked him some questions about the process of constructing his home as a full- time student:

Spoke+Blossom: When and why did you start building your tiny home?

David Montoni-Tiller: I started planning my tiny home in April 2019 as a possible full-time residence. I began construction the following month. I wanted to build my own tiny house after seeing many articles and YouTube videos about tiny homes and the “tiny house movement.”

S+B: Can you describe your house and the process of building it so far?

DMT: My house is 24 feet long by 7 feet wide. I designed it like a regular house. The home has a wood frame and grey vinyl siding with white trim on the outside. I chose a metal roof because it is lighter and cheaper. Currently, the interior is not finished, but it will be blue. I planned it out starting with drawings and prototype models, then I looked at local building regulations and rules. After I made sure I was clear on the rules, I started building. I would especially like to thank Mr. Davidson, the retired carpentry teacher from PHS, for teaching me so much about construction and loaning me tools I didn’t have. I credit a lot of what I know to my dad and my teacher. They both helped me with the process.

S+B: How do you balance school and your project?

DMT: I have a full schedule at PHS this year, however I was able to balance schoolwork and building my house, mainly by only working during the evenings and weekends when I have free time. Recently, I’ve been able to work most days for the entire day. It seems hard at first, maybe even impossible, to balance school, hobbies and family life. I too found it difficult at first, but it’s not. After almost nine months working on this project, even with full classes at school, I have found a balance. At this stage, everything is relatively stress free. 

Originally published in the Summer 2020 issue of SPOKE+BLOSSOM