Why this epic backyard tiny home could be the future of affordable living

An epic backyard tiny home in British Columbia, Canada, is gaining attention as the Wobbly Hobbit Studio.

Built by Brent, this 300-square-foot pentagonal retreat combines natural and modern building techniques, featuring a green roof, a masonry wood stove, and handcrafted wine barrel furniture.

Over six years, Brent worked alongside friends and experts, including engineer Tim Krahn and builder Pat Amos, to bring the project to life.

The vision behind an epic backyard tiny home

Brent’s dream of building an epic backyard tiny home led to the creation of the Wobbly Hobbit Studio in British Columbia, Canada.

He aimed to design a peaceful, eco-friendly space that blended seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

“My vision was to have an unobtrusive structure in the backyard that wouldn’t annoy my neighbors,” he explained.

Beyond that, he wanted to inspire others to take on similar projects.

“I wanted to be able to share the process with people, to show others, you know, if you have access to land and don’t mind a little elbow grease, this is what you can do.”

With little construction experience, Brent embraced the challenge, viewing it as an opportunity to learn.

The project took six and a half years to complete and was built primarily on weekends and during vacation time.

He credits a team of friends and experts for helping bring his vision to life.

“Tons of people were involved. They know who they are, and they know they’re appreciated for what they’ve done in making this thing a reality.”

Building the epic backyard tiny home: A unique design

The Wobbly Hobbit Studio stands out with its distinctive pentagonal shape, which provides structural stability.

A third of the home is built into a hillside, helping to regulate indoor temperatures naturally.

“About a third of it is underground here, so it’s an earth-and-bermed building, technically, is what it’s called,” Brent said.

This approach also enhances the home’s ability to blend into its surroundings, aligning with its original vision.

A mix of building techniques and materials was used throughout the construction.

The foundation required concrete due to permitting rules, but insulated concrete forms (ICF) reinforced the below-grade walls to withstand soil pressure.

Above ground, Brent opted for a stick-frame construction filled with light clay infill—a combination of clay and wood fiber that provides strong insulation.

The 12-inch-thick walls were finished with breathable clay plaster, allowing natural humidity control without vapor barriers.

Sustainable living in an epic backyard tiny home

Designed for both comfort and sustainability, the 300-square-foot studio uses every inch efficiently.

“Three hundred square feet, and believe me, we’ve used every square inch of that,” Brent said.

Inside, a multi-purpose space includes a lounge, desk, and games area, with mobile furniture that can be rearranged.

Large windows and a skylight allow natural light to fill the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The home’s heating system relies on a traditional masonry stove built by Pat. This high-efficiency system channels hot gases through a cob bench, which retains and slowly releases heat for up to 18 hours.

“This is a specialty—building these—and it’s an ancient, ancient method of generating heat,” Brent explained.

Sustainability played a significant role in the design. A green roof covered in native plants helps regulate indoor temperatures while providing a habitat for wildlife.

Rainwater collected from the roof flows through custom-built gutters, reducing reliance on municipal water.

A separate bathhouse with a shower and composting toilet enhances the home’s off-grid capabilities.

Overcoming challenges and inspiring others

Building this epic backyard tiny home came with its fair share of obstacles.

Transporting materials, excavating bedrock for utilities, and working with the unconventional pentagonal shape required problem-solving and persistence.

“Lots of challenges, yeah. Moving the material back here was a challenge—1,000 wheelbarrow loads later,” Brent recalled.

Despite the challenges, the results have been rewarding. The total cost, including appliances and materials, was about 50,000 Canadian dollars.

While Brent provided his own labor for free, he hired experts like Tim and Pat to assist with specialized aspects of the build.

He believes this kind of project could be a model for future housing solutions, blending affordability with sustainability.

Brent documented the entire process on his website to share his journey, offering step-by-step guides and photos.

He hopes his story will encourage others to pursue their tiny home dreams.

“This kind of a project is a lot of physical work, but more than half the fun was getting here, and I mean that sincerely—it’s very rewarding,” he said.

Here’s a virtual tour of Brent’s epic backyard tiny home:

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Know more about Brent and The Wobbly Hobbit Studio on his website.