Jay Osborne
@freefarmhouse.com
I create open-source architectural designs. You can download them for free at FreeFarmhouse.com.
Reposted by Jay Osborne
One thing that could help Ontario's housing crisis is BUILDING SMALLER HOMES that evolve over time with a family's needs. These blueprints from @freefarmhouse.com are exactly that.
Cheaper to build + highly adaptable. Oh and they wont "ruin the neighborhood character" 😉
kck.st/3REyhVP
Cheaper to build + highly adaptable. Oh and they wont "ruin the neighborhood character" 😉
kck.st/3REyhVP
Build a Home That Grows: Starter Farmhouse Blueprints
Architectural plans for timeless starter homes— designed for life, not lifelong debt.
kck.st
April 8, 2025 at 9:38 PM
One thing that could help Ontario's housing crisis is BUILDING SMALLER HOMES that evolve over time with a family's needs. These blueprints from @freefarmhouse.com are exactly that.
Cheaper to build + highly adaptable. Oh and they wont "ruin the neighborhood character" 😉
kck.st/3REyhVP
Cheaper to build + highly adaptable. Oh and they wont "ruin the neighborhood character" 😉
kck.st/3REyhVP
Reposted by Jay Osborne
Built in 1870, this triple-decker is among the earliest of its kind in the region.
It would be illegal to build based on today’s highly restrictive zoning;
❌min lot size
❌setback reqs
❌min frontage
❌min parking reqs
❌min lot size per unit
❌min lot width, etc
📍Salem, MA
It would be illegal to build based on today’s highly restrictive zoning;
❌min lot size
❌setback reqs
❌min frontage
❌min parking reqs
❌min lot size per unit
❌min lot width, etc
📍Salem, MA
March 18, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Built in 1870, this triple-decker is among the earliest of its kind in the region.
It would be illegal to build based on today’s highly restrictive zoning;
❌min lot size
❌setback reqs
❌min frontage
❌min parking reqs
❌min lot size per unit
❌min lot width, etc
📍Salem, MA
It would be illegal to build based on today’s highly restrictive zoning;
❌min lot size
❌setback reqs
❌min frontage
❌min parking reqs
❌min lot size per unit
❌min lot width, etc
📍Salem, MA
Reposted by Jay Osborne
"A Sample of Minimum Parking Rules"
October 25, 2024 at 6:50 PM
"A Sample of Minimum Parking Rules"
The Gold Country Garage, in 3 sizes. I’m creating many garages for my village of open-source house plans.
Garage locations and orientations are highly site-specific. So these can be freestanding. Or attached to a house using a hyphen (doesn’t block as many windows).
Designed to grow with time.
Garage locations and orientations are highly site-specific. So these can be freestanding. Or attached to a house using a hyphen (doesn’t block as many windows).
Designed to grow with time.
February 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
The Gold Country Garage, in 3 sizes. I’m creating many garages for my village of open-source house plans.
Garage locations and orientations are highly site-specific. So these can be freestanding. Or attached to a house using a hyphen (doesn’t block as many windows).
Designed to grow with time.
Garage locations and orientations are highly site-specific. So these can be freestanding. Or attached to a house using a hyphen (doesn’t block as many windows).
Designed to grow with time.
Currently reading: “On the Housing Crisis”, by @jerusalem.bsky.social
Investors are actively hampering the supply of housing. The author paints them somewhat favorably— mostly just reactionary and opportunistic. But business-government alliances always cause artificial scarcity to boost profits.
Investors are actively hampering the supply of housing. The author paints them somewhat favorably— mostly just reactionary and opportunistic. But business-government alliances always cause artificial scarcity to boost profits.
February 14, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Currently reading: “On the Housing Crisis”, by @jerusalem.bsky.social
Investors are actively hampering the supply of housing. The author paints them somewhat favorably— mostly just reactionary and opportunistic. But business-government alliances always cause artificial scarcity to boost profits.
Investors are actively hampering the supply of housing. The author paints them somewhat favorably— mostly just reactionary and opportunistic. But business-government alliances always cause artificial scarcity to boost profits.
Working on the Gold Country Garage— a simple design that comes in 3 sizes.
I usually don’t include garages with my house plans. They’re best detached— oriented and placed based on a site’s layout.
However, this garage can be attached (using a mudroom hyphen) to any of my designs.
I usually don’t include garages with my house plans. They’re best detached— oriented and placed based on a site’s layout.
However, this garage can be attached (using a mudroom hyphen) to any of my designs.
February 11, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Working on the Gold Country Garage— a simple design that comes in 3 sizes.
I usually don’t include garages with my house plans. They’re best detached— oriented and placed based on a site’s layout.
However, this garage can be attached (using a mudroom hyphen) to any of my designs.
I usually don’t include garages with my house plans. They’re best detached— oriented and placed based on a site’s layout.
However, this garage can be attached (using a mudroom hyphen) to any of my designs.
Reposted by Jay Osborne
Built in 1832, this beautiful duplex could never be built under modern zoning.
❌15,000sf min lot size (3,300sf)
❌7,500sf min lot area per unit
❌100’ of frontage (45’)
❌35% maximum lot coverage
❌15’ front yard setback
❌3 off street parking spaces (0)
📍 Salem, MA
❌15,000sf min lot size (3,300sf)
❌7,500sf min lot area per unit
❌100’ of frontage (45’)
❌35% maximum lot coverage
❌15’ front yard setback
❌3 off street parking spaces (0)
📍 Salem, MA
February 9, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Built in 1832, this beautiful duplex could never be built under modern zoning.
❌15,000sf min lot size (3,300sf)
❌7,500sf min lot area per unit
❌100’ of frontage (45’)
❌35% maximum lot coverage
❌15’ front yard setback
❌3 off street parking spaces (0)
📍 Salem, MA
❌15,000sf min lot size (3,300sf)
❌7,500sf min lot area per unit
❌100’ of frontage (45’)
❌35% maximum lot coverage
❌15’ front yard setback
❌3 off street parking spaces (0)
📍 Salem, MA
Floor plan perspectives of my two Shotgun House designs.
Their simple layout lets the living room become a second private bedroom at night (using a sofa bed).
Narrow enough to be trucked to new locations, these houses can follow the demand. This way they won’t be demolished when land values rise.
Their simple layout lets the living room become a second private bedroom at night (using a sofa bed).
Narrow enough to be trucked to new locations, these houses can follow the demand. This way they won’t be demolished when land values rise.
February 9, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Floor plan perspectives of my two Shotgun House designs.
Their simple layout lets the living room become a second private bedroom at night (using a sofa bed).
Narrow enough to be trucked to new locations, these houses can follow the demand. This way they won’t be demolished when land values rise.
Their simple layout lets the living room become a second private bedroom at night (using a sofa bed).
Narrow enough to be trucked to new locations, these houses can follow the demand. This way they won’t be demolished when land values rise.
Next month, I’ll focus on finalizing my Shotgun House designs. For those (and 2 more variations), I'll make detailed construction models and a Bill of Materials.
Small, narrow, one-story houses can be especially useful during this housing crisis. They might also serve as disaster relief housing.
Small, narrow, one-story houses can be especially useful during this housing crisis. They might also serve as disaster relief housing.
February 8, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Next month, I’ll focus on finalizing my Shotgun House designs. For those (and 2 more variations), I'll make detailed construction models and a Bill of Materials.
Small, narrow, one-story houses can be especially useful during this housing crisis. They might also serve as disaster relief housing.
Small, narrow, one-story houses can be especially useful during this housing crisis. They might also serve as disaster relief housing.
A look inside the Canadian Farmhouse.
It’s like a larger version of my Backyard Farmhouse— with more bedrooms and bathrooms, and a spacious living room. The hall and staircase focus on the center chimney. The upstairs rooms are cozy, with tentlike seating areas.
#canadianfarmhouse #newoldhouse
It’s like a larger version of my Backyard Farmhouse— with more bedrooms and bathrooms, and a spacious living room. The hall and staircase focus on the center chimney. The upstairs rooms are cozy, with tentlike seating areas.
#canadianfarmhouse #newoldhouse
February 7, 2025 at 9:38 PM
A look inside the Canadian Farmhouse.
It’s like a larger version of my Backyard Farmhouse— with more bedrooms and bathrooms, and a spacious living room. The hall and staircase focus on the center chimney. The upstairs rooms are cozy, with tentlike seating areas.
#canadianfarmhouse #newoldhouse
It’s like a larger version of my Backyard Farmhouse— with more bedrooms and bathrooms, and a spacious living room. The hall and staircase focus on the center chimney. The upstairs rooms are cozy, with tentlike seating areas.
#canadianfarmhouse #newoldhouse
Floor plan perspectives for the Canadian Farmhouse.
At the rear, it’s easy to connect a garage or a bedroom suite (possibly a future addition). The rear hyphen (with mudroom, half bath, and laundry) protects daylighting and cross breezes of the main house.
At the rear, it’s easy to connect a garage or a bedroom suite (possibly a future addition). The rear hyphen (with mudroom, half bath, and laundry) protects daylighting and cross breezes of the main house.
February 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Floor plan perspectives for the Canadian Farmhouse.
At the rear, it’s easy to connect a garage or a bedroom suite (possibly a future addition). The rear hyphen (with mudroom, half bath, and laundry) protects daylighting and cross breezes of the main house.
At the rear, it’s easy to connect a garage or a bedroom suite (possibly a future addition). The rear hyphen (with mudroom, half bath, and laundry) protects daylighting and cross breezes of the main house.
The Canadian Farmhouse.
February 4, 2025 at 4:04 AM
The Canadian Farmhouse.
More detailed plan renderings for the Bicycle Townhouse.
The most private spaces (bedroom and bathroom) are raised highest above the sidewalk, on the 3rd floor.
On the 2nd floor, a living room and kitchenette.
On the 1st, storage, laundry, a possible workspace, and the entry.
The most private spaces (bedroom and bathroom) are raised highest above the sidewalk, on the 3rd floor.
On the 2nd floor, a living room and kitchenette.
On the 1st, storage, laundry, a possible workspace, and the entry.
February 1, 2025 at 3:07 PM
More detailed plan renderings for the Bicycle Townhouse.
The most private spaces (bedroom and bathroom) are raised highest above the sidewalk, on the 3rd floor.
On the 2nd floor, a living room and kitchenette.
On the 1st, storage, laundry, a possible workspace, and the entry.
The most private spaces (bedroom and bathroom) are raised highest above the sidewalk, on the 3rd floor.
On the 2nd floor, a living room and kitchenette.
On the 1st, storage, laundry, a possible workspace, and the entry.
A size comparison of the Bicycle Townhouse and the Lone Star Farmhouse, both of which I designed in 2024.
These are the tiniest 3-story and the tiniest 2-story house. At least, practically speaking (you can always stick an unnecessary tower on a house). I wanted to push the limits of reason.
These are the tiniest 3-story and the tiniest 2-story house. At least, practically speaking (you can always stick an unnecessary tower on a house). I wanted to push the limits of reason.
January 30, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A size comparison of the Bicycle Townhouse and the Lone Star Farmhouse, both of which I designed in 2024.
These are the tiniest 3-story and the tiniest 2-story house. At least, practically speaking (you can always stick an unnecessary tower on a house). I wanted to push the limits of reason.
These are the tiniest 3-story and the tiniest 2-story house. At least, practically speaking (you can always stick an unnecessary tower on a house). I wanted to push the limits of reason.
Reposted by Jay Osborne
On any given Main Street or town square, the most-photographed building is likely to be the thinnest one. The Teddy Bear Principle described years ago why it's the baby/puppy/kitten proportions nature designed to endear them to us. originalgreen.org/blog/the-ted...
January 30, 2025 at 12:45 AM
On any given Main Street or town square, the most-photographed building is likely to be the thinnest one. The Teddy Bear Principle described years ago why it's the baby/puppy/kitten proportions nature designed to endear them to us. originalgreen.org/blog/the-ted...
The Bicycle Townhouse comes in two variations: “Bookend” and “Bounded” units. The Bounded unit (apparently, a term I needed to invent) is flanked by solid walls on both sides.
The Bounded unit also pushes the limits of code requirements. For instance, it has the minimum allowable room areas.
The Bounded unit also pushes the limits of code requirements. For instance, it has the minimum allowable room areas.
January 29, 2025 at 8:32 PM
The Bicycle Townhouse comes in two variations: “Bookend” and “Bounded” units. The Bounded unit (apparently, a term I needed to invent) is flanked by solid walls on both sides.
The Bounded unit also pushes the limits of code requirements. For instance, it has the minimum allowable room areas.
The Bounded unit also pushes the limits of code requirements. For instance, it has the minimum allowable room areas.
The Bicycle Townhouse works well in groups of 2-6 units. Especially due to its potential for modular, offsite manufacturing. Here I show ways they all can fit on a small lot.
I’m always thinking about how to create the building blocks for walkable communities.
#bicycle #biketown #architecture
I’m always thinking about how to create the building blocks for walkable communities.
#bicycle #biketown #architecture
January 29, 2025 at 3:37 PM
The Bicycle Townhouse works well in groups of 2-6 units. Especially due to its potential for modular, offsite manufacturing. Here I show ways they all can fit on a small lot.
I’m always thinking about how to create the building blocks for walkable communities.
#bicycle #biketown #architecture
I’m always thinking about how to create the building blocks for walkable communities.
#bicycle #biketown #architecture
What if I posted my messy design process on Bluesky? Here’s a first look at the Canadian Farmhouse, my design for this month.
January 29, 2025 at 2:26 AM
What if I posted my messy design process on Bluesky? Here’s a first look at the Canadian Farmhouse, my design for this month.
A lineup of my designs from 2024, arranged from smallest to largest. Every month, I create the blueprints of another house.
The largest houses are cut off (because of the 1 minute video limit). I’m still learning how Bluesky works. I also need to learn how to write succinctly.
#house #sketchup
The largest houses are cut off (because of the 1 minute video limit). I’m still learning how Bluesky works. I also need to learn how to write succinctly.
#house #sketchup
January 28, 2025 at 11:10 PM
I designed the Bicycle Townhouse to fit on the space of a single parking spot.
It follows safety requirements (building codes) but challenges land-use zoning (which prioritizes cars over people, and made it impossible to recreate places we love and need most).
#bicycle #townhouse #architecture
It follows safety requirements (building codes) but challenges land-use zoning (which prioritizes cars over people, and made it impossible to recreate places we love and need most).
#bicycle #townhouse #architecture
January 28, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I designed the Bicycle Townhouse to fit on the space of a single parking spot.
It follows safety requirements (building codes) but challenges land-use zoning (which prioritizes cars over people, and made it impossible to recreate places we love and need most).
#bicycle #townhouse #architecture
It follows safety requirements (building codes) but challenges land-use zoning (which prioritizes cars over people, and made it impossible to recreate places we love and need most).
#bicycle #townhouse #architecture
The Oregon Farmhouse. My most recent design. #starterhome
January 28, 2025 at 3:35 AM
The Oregon Farmhouse. My most recent design. #starterhome
The Halfstory House -- one of my favorite designs that I made last year.
January 28, 2025 at 2:53 AM
The Halfstory House -- one of my favorite designs that I made last year.
Just getting started on Bluesky.
January 28, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Just getting started on Bluesky.