Tall House Plans

At Tall Architects, we’ve created a set of small house plans designed to help communities rebuild after disasters like the California fires and Hurricane Helene. These plans, offered free of charge, include three versions of one versatile design. They can serve as a starter home, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or the first step toward a larger primary residence.

Our goal is to provide a practical resource for those navigating recovery—something flexible, thoughtful, and easy to build. Download the plans below and reach out to us at hello@tallarch.com.

Original

Featuring two separate pods- one for living and one for sleeping- this 480 square foot (conditioned space) design offers a central, open air deck for relaxing and entertaining. The living pod contains a living room, kitchen, dining area and laundry. The sleeping pod contains two bedrooms (or one bedroom and an office/workout room/studio) and a bath.

The materials for the Small House are simple and mostly off the shelf. Corrugated metal on the exterior is easy to maintain and install, while the interior has durable painted wood floors and clever built-ins.

micro

Love the Small House aesthetic but drawn to the charm of tiny house living? Here’s your answer: 240 square feet of thoughtful, modern design. This single pod seamlessly integrates living, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom/living room into one efficient space.

Versatile and full of possibilities, this design is ideal as a tiny home, a backyard ADU for guests or rental income, or a short-term rental (hello, side hustle!). It’s also perfect as a cozy coffee shop, charming indie bookstore, or curated boutique. This 240-square-foot gem delivers maximum style and functionality in a minimal footprint.

dogtrot

Love The Original 480 square foot plan but prefer a covered deck? This is the option for you! “The Dogtrot” is a traditional architectural style primarily found in the southern US, especially in regions with hot and humid climates. It is characterized by a central open breezeway that divides the house into two separate living areas, typically under a single roof.

Fun Fact: The term dogtrot is said to come from the fact that dogs would often trot through the open breezeway of these houses, enjoying the cool breeze as they moved from one side the other!