Tumbleweed offers home plans, workshops and guidance for tiny houses -- some as small as 65 sq. ft. Jay Shafer started Tumbleweed in 1997 and has lived in houses smaller than some people’s closets. He called the first of his little hand built houses Tumbleweed. His decision to inhabit just 89 square feet arose from some concerns he had about the impact a larger house would have on the environment, and because I do not want to maintain a lot of unused or unusable space. My houses have met all of my domestic needs without demanding much in return. The simple, slower lifestyle my homes have afforded is a luxury for which I am continually grateful.