At Tru Form Tiny, we love to build tiny homes that originate from more than simply a set of plans. A Tru Form Tiny custom (accessory dwelling unit) ADU tiny home from 2026, Terrapin Station is one of those builds. This 12-by-36-foot “teeny house” now sits nestled within the forest of Douglas fir on the Oregon coast.
Clients Tara and Brian found this beautiful property and came to realize that no existing build would fit between their property trees. That decision led them to the path of tiny homes. The result? Terrapin Station: Recently visited by the talented world-faring team at Tiny Home Tours. Our designer Malia worked closely with the couple to root the design in intention, everyday comfort, and nature.
Terrapin Station: A Modern Farmhouse ADU Hidden in the Oregon Forest
We love to build tiny homes that originate from more than simply a set of plans. A Tru Form Tiny custom (accessory dwelling unit) ADU tiny home from 2026, Terrapin Station is one of those builds. This 12-by-36-foot “teeny house” now sits nestled within the forest of Douglas fir on the Oregon coast. Clients Tara and Brian found this beautiful property and came to realize that no existing build would fit between their property trees. That decision led them to the path of tiny homes. The result? Terrapin Station: Recently visited by the talented world-faring team at Tiny Home Tours. Our designer Malia worked closely with the couple to root the design in intention, everyday comfort, and nature.
A Space-Saving Tiny Home Layout That Feels Complete
Terrapin Station may be small, but it feels full. From the kitchen to the living room, bedroom, and bath, the layout flows naturally. When Tru Form Tiny designed the home, the build focused on critical sightlines, storage, and movement. Every space connects. Nothing feels cut off. As soon as you walk in, you can see the kitchen, the living area with a fireplace, the bedroom, and the bathroom beyond. That visual openness makes the home feel larger than what you’d think its footprint capable of.
A Tiny House Kitchen Designed for Real Cooking
The kitchen was designed for real life. Not just looks. Tara and Brian cook every day, so counter space really mattered. The island design and placement gives them just the right amount of room to prep. The two-burner cooktop also fits their lifestyle. Daily meals and baking is done with ease in the oven. At first, storage was a big concern. But now, they actually have extra cupboards. Everything stays within arm’s reach. That’s the power of good tiny house design. It supports the way people actually live.
They don’t have a dishwasher. Instead, as they like to say – they are the dishwashers. And they love it. During the tour, you will see how the couple explains the farm-style sink doesn’t change how you cook. They go on to explain how it simply “just looks amazing”. We love that clients acknowledge and understand the importance of beauty in your daily surroundings. While it might not change how, exactly, you might do something – it changes how you feel about doing it. And that to us, is priceless.
A Living Room Built for Rest, Storage, and Connection.
The living room is the heart of this home. CUSTOM ALERT: We built the sectional couch in-house. It looks soft because it is. It also hides three large storage drawers underneath. That’s distinctive of Tru Form Tiny design science. Every piece does more than one job.
In this space they’re able to meet, talk, watch TV, and wind down. The electric fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, especially at night when the forest goes dark. On the Oregon coast, it stays cool most of the year. So the HVAC system handles heating and cooling. The fireplace adds comfort. The space heater helps when they return to a cold house. Tiny homes heat up fast, and that can be one of the best parts.
Why Tara and Brian Chose Tiny Living
Before this, Tara and Brian lived in a converted Suburban. They called it the Boss Hog. It worked for a while. But they wanted something stationary. Something grounded. When they found this forest property, they dreamed of building treehouses. At the time, the city said no. Local zoning regulations stipulated they would need a foundation first. That’s when the tiny home idea clicked.
A tiny ADU fit between the trees. Also, and maybe most importantly, it didn’t require removing the trees at all. Instead, a tiny home ADU allowed for future expansion. Also, it matched the lifestyle they wanted and had experience in. With lower costs, a smaller footprint, and way more intention.
When Brian first started looking for inspiration, he found Tru Form Tiny online. Luckily, Tru Form Tiny headquarters in Eugene, Oregon were just an hour away.
At Tru Form Tiny, we love a challenge. This was our first official Tru Form Tiny ADU on a foundation. As a team, we worked to navigate insurance. Then we navigated working with the city. Doughnuts were involved. Tru Form Tiny built at our headquarters and moved it to the site – where it was met with natural chaos but worked ultimately. And today? Terrapin Station, our beloved first ADU, stands exactly where it belongs.
Monthly Costs and Tiny Home Utilities
Why do so many people think about going tiny? Because one of the main benefits? Cost. Tara and Brian bought this forest property for thirty thousand dollars. Their monthly expenses for power, water, and internet average around one hundred dollars. That’s not a typo. Compared to their old homes, the savings are massive. Power alone used to cost more than their entire utility bill now. Now, with a smaller space, they are able to use smarter systems. The result? Lower stress. Simple living, done beautifully.
A Luxury Tiny House Bathroom with a Forest View
The bathroom is one of their favorite rooms. As you can see below, it’s easy to understand why. The soaking tub is large. Bigger than any tub they’ve owned before. It sits under a window that looks straight into the trees. Tara opens the window, hears the birds, and reads in the bath.
The vanity has plenty of storage. The round sink adds softness. The darker wall tones make the room feel like a sanctuary. The washer and dryer live here too. They blend in. They stay out of sight. And they work perfectly for tiny living.
A Main-Floor Bedroom with Skylight and Storage
The bedroom might be the most peaceful room in the house. It sits under the Douglas firs. It has windows everywhere. It even has a skylight. Instead of seeing stars, they see treetops.
The bed is queen-sized. It lifts up for storage. Cabinets line the walls. Shelves surround the headboard. This room holds more storage than any other space in the home. Yet it still feels open. Soft light. Clean lines. A true retreat.
Exterior Design and Off-Grid-Friendly Systems
The exterior took inspiration from the Grateful Dead album Terrapin Station and from mossy forest cabins. Brian wanted cedar shakes. We warned him. But the look won. The siding uses a Japanese wood-burning technique called Shou Sugi Ban. It seals the wood without chemicals. It holds up beautifully in coastal weather.
The deck wraps around a tree and connects to outdoor spaces like a shower, hammock, hot tub, fire pit, and hangout area. The water system uses a 2,500-gallon tank that lasts about six months. The septic is buried. The electrical is grid-tied because the trees block sun and wind. Everything is efficient. Everything is intentional.
Final Thoughts: The Beauty In Simple Living Is Easy With Tiny Homes
At Tru Form Tiny, we believe tiny living isn’t about less. It’s about better. Terrapin Station shows that clearly. This home helped Tara and Brian slow down. Get closer. Get outside. Get connected.
Spiritually. Emotionally. Physically.
This build reflects what we care about most. Thoughtful design. Real function. Deep connection to place. When people tell us their tiny home changed their life, we listen. And then we build the next one with even more intention.
