Tiny Shores - Make It Home 2025

Texas is facing a growing housing crisis driven by population increases, limited supply, and rising costs, making affordable living solutions more urgent than ever. By using the seawater desalination and rainwater harvesting into miniature homes—especially in coastal areas like Corpus Christi—residents can benefit from self-sufficient water systems that reduce municipal strain and support sustainable living. This eco-friendly approach not only lowers expenses but also promotes resilient communities aligned with the state’s sustainability goals.

(Fun Fact - Texas led U.S. domestic migration 2020–23; ~133,000 net gains in 2023.)

I used pencils, paper, ruler, eraser, computer, AUTOCAD Program, color pencils

(Total Square Ft: 7,135 Square Feet; testing if desalination, harvesters work in Corpus Christi.)

1. Flour Bluff inland coastal location makes it a strategic choice for miniature home development, offering access to solar energy with reduced risk from hurricanes and flooding compared to exposed shoreline areas.
2. The community supports sustainable living: with nearby amenities and infrastructure that align with eco-conscious goals—creating a balanced blend of safety, affordability, and neighborhood integration.

1) Initial Sketches

I sketched out rough ideas based on what I know about miniature homes, focusing on how to fit multiple rooms while keeping the space open. Some designs included ladders or staircases for a second floor and aimed to balance a homey feel with a sense of community.

2) Floor Plan inspiration

When looking at a couple of floor plans, they each were able to optimizes limited space through multifunctional areas and smart storage solutions. Despite the proximity of public areas, thoughtful layouts maintain privacy in the personal spaces through strategic room placement and separation techniques.

3) Exterior Inspiration

I liked these exteriors because they have a relaxed, beachy vibe with light colors and open decks. This style fits well with Corpus Christi’s location near the Gulf of Mexico. The design also encourages community by using shared spaces that bring people together.

Floor Plan Explanation Points:

(There are already doors and windows included onto the floor plan)

(A) Extra Wall: I added an extra wall to protect privacy and prevent the door from hitting anyone when opened.

(B) Back Door: I added an extra door so residents can easily access the water declinator in case of any issues.

(C) Porch: I added a feature to create a homey feel and connect with the community.

(D) Grouping the Kitchen and Living Area Together: Placing these areas together helps keep public and private spaces separate.

(E) Location of Water Appliances: Water appliances are grouped in the right corner to minimize plumbing and reduce how far the declinator needs to pump water.

(Elevation and Floor Plan AUTCAD File Below)

3D Printing Housing:

3D printing offers significant advantages over traditional construction by drastically reducing build time, cutting labor costs, and minimizing material waste. It also enables energy-efficient, climate-resilient designs using sustainable materials, making it a breakthrough solution for affordable, durable housing.

1. Storm-Ready Durability: 3D-printed homes withstand 200+ mph winds and cut flood damage risk by 80%—ideal for hurricane zones.
2. Cost-Effective Construction:3D-printed homes reduce construction costs by 30–60% through lower labor and material waste.

Rain Harvester & Water Desolator:

Adding a rain harvester or water declinator to a 3D-printed tiny home in Corpus Christi ensures a self-sustaining, eco-friendly water supply that’s ideal for coastal living and resilience against drought and climate change.

Rain Harvester-

1. Total Saving: Using filtered rainwater can cut water bills by 30–50%, saving up to $600–$1,000 a year.
2. Abundant Local Rainfall: A small roof collects 10,000+ gallons yearly, reducing city water use.

Water Desolator -

1. Unlimited Local Water Supply: Desalination lets Corpus Christi homes stay water-independent using the nearby Gulf during shortages.
2. Compact Integration: A compact 25 sq ft desalination with solar power ensures efficient, low-impact tiny living.

Solar Panels:

Installing solar panels on a 3D-printed tiny home provides a reliable, renewable energy source that lowers electricity costs and reduces the home's environmental impact

1. Total Savings: ~$1,200-2,500 per a Year
2. Additional benefits: Reduced outage risk, property value boost, and lower HVAC costs via passive cooling

Annual Saving Amount: $18,000 - 25,000

Drawing out the form of the tiny home

Figure out the dimensions and depths of certain sections of the house such as the Porch and Gable Roofing.

Placing where widows, porch railings, doors, and steps.

Final sketch and where potential shading differences throughout the tiny home.

Cleaned up sketch

Finalized rendering with added color and shading