who we are
DAVID MONTONI-TILLER + HIS TINY HOME Interview by Naomi Allen | Photo by Ellissa Tiller
T
iny homes provide a lower maintenance,
of what I know to my dad and my teacher. They
minimalistic living space as an alternative
both helped me with the process.
to traditional homes. Globally, many people are ditching larger houses and opting for 400-square-
S+B: How do you balance school
foot tiny homes, following a trend known as the
and your project?
“tiny house movement.” David Montoni-Tiller is
DMT: I have a full schedule at PHS this year,
a Palisade High School (PHS) student who has
however I was able to balance schoolwork and
spent the past year building a tiny home. He has
building my house, mainly by only working
done everything from design to construction to
during the evenings and weekends when I
finishing touches. He is in the final stages of his
have free time. Recently, I’ve been able to work
project and plans to finish his home in May 2020.
most days for the entire day. It seems hard at
Spoke+Blossom asked him some questions about
first, maybe even impossible, to balance school,
the process of constructing his home as a full-
hobbies and family life. I too found it difficult
time student:
at first, but it’s not. After almost nine months working on this project, even with full classes
Spoke+Blossom: When and why did you
at school, I have found a balance. At this stage,
start building your tiny home?
everything is relatively stress free. :
David Montoni-Tiller: I started planning my tiny home in April 2019 as a possible full-time residence. I began construction the following month. I wanted to build my own tiny house after seeing many articles and YouTube videos about tiny homes and the “tiny house movement.” S+B: Can you describe your house and the process of building it so far? DMT: My house is 24 feet long by 7 feet wide. I designed it like a regular house. The home has a wood frame and grey vinyl siding with white trim on the outside. I chose a metal roof because it is lighter and cheaper. Currently, the interior is not finished, but it will be blue. I planned it out starting with drawings and prototype models, then I looked at local building regulations and rules. After I made sure I was clear on the rules, I started building. I would especially like to thank Mr. Davidson, the retired carpentry teacher from PHS, for teaching me so much about construction and loaning me tools I didn’t have. I credit a lot
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