Tiny house building
Learn to design and build your own tiny house in this hands-on three-day course. Gain practical skills in timber framing, cladding, roofing, and smart storage, while exploring sustainable materials, renewable energy, and essential plumbing and electrical basics.
Course Content
Learn how to build a tiny house structure. This intensive three-day course is designed to inspire you and give you the basic skills required for design and construction. The course covers both stationary such as timber frame, and mobile structures such as a trailer.
You will also learn how to incorporate sustainable materials, renewable energy options, cladding and roofing solutions.
This course provides you with the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the various construction techniques. Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
- Understand the principles of tiny house design
- Construct a basic structure erecting a timber frame, waterproofing and installing the cladding
- Consider smart solutions for tiny house storage
- Understand the various considerations when constructing a tiny house.
- Build a pitched roof, and learn the basics on electric and plumbing systems
Who is the course suitable for?
This course is open to anyone aged 16 or over. It is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those who are familiar with eco-building and want to know more.
This is an intensive practical and theoretical course; expect long days of hands-on work with short theory sessions, but also lots of fun.
Why do we teach Tiny house building?
This course: fosters self-reliance, giving confidence with practical building skills; promotes the use of natural and recycled materials; encourages use of renewables; supports low-impact living; offers a low-cost housing solution.
Course Tutors
Course Tutor: Ian Brown
Ian has been teaching low impact building and sustainable construction for many years, including our Building with Straw Bales course.
Mischa Hewitt
Mischa will be assisting on this course. He is a Sustainability Consultant and Project Manager with a particular interest in affordable low energy buildings from natural materials.
Course reviews & feedback
A three-day course, Friday to Sunday, 9.00am to 5pm in Brighton.
2026 Courses
SEPTEMBER
Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September
Venue
Earthship Brighton
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex)
Brighton
Map and directions
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
Sponsored / Organisation rate
£340
Individual income: more than 25k/yr
£340
Individual income: 18-25k/yr
£285
Individual income: less than 18k/yr
£230
Individual: Concessionary rate
£175
(check eligibility)
Concessionary places are limited.
Our commitment to affordability relies on voluntary support.
ACCOMMODATION
If you intend to book accommodation, please check availability before booking a place, as accommodation in Brighton can be hard to find, especially over the summer months.
Get details of local accommodation and Brighton Permaculture Trust supporters who can provide accommodation in their homes.
BOOKING
Booking is essential, as most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
If you have completed the booking process but you haven’t received a confirmation email from us please contact us to check your booking has gone through.
If you are booking within two weeks of the event, or the event is nearly full, you will not have the option to pay by BACS. Instead, you will need to pay immediately using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
ACCESSIBILITY
Much of this course is hands-on and practical. It is possible to opt out and observe for any elements you are not comfortable with.
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Have questions?
For any enquiries or if you need further information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!