Welcome to the Baldwin
The beauty of being a custom tiny home builder is that we have the honour of helping build dreams as well. As we partner with people we are feeling the distinct privilege it is to walk with them from idea to reality!
Kelsey came to us in 2020 with the desire to partner with Alberta based companies to build her dream – an outdoor adventure company complete with hostels for clients to stay in. As we met with Kelsey over zoom and in person, we fell in love with her passion for the environment and creating nature-inspired experiences. Together we designed a 26’ completely off-grid shell that Kelsey would then complete with a local contractor. With a rustic modern flair, the siding stands out among the Rockies with cedar and deep-water-green siding!
“I’m a river person and a mountain person. Being outdoors is my lifestyle and my career. It’s who I am!” shares Kelsey.
Kelsey’s Caravan, located in the Bow Valley region of Alberta, just outside of Banff National Park, makes white-water rafting and stand up paddle boarding accessible to everyone! Kelsey is an incredible woman with a huge vision to help people connect with adventure and the outdoors.
Being an off-grid home, the first of many for her adventure hostel, this tiny home was thoughtfully designed to have storage for all her outdoor gear and a special dog door for Gypsy (the best outdoor companion)! In floor heating loops on the wall will keep her storage unit nice and warm for all her gear, batteries and propane.
Windows (Duxton Windows) are placed perfectly throughout the shell to bring in the outdoor view that Kelsey loves!
Along with thoughtfully designing and building the exterior envelope (complete with full insulation and utilities), Kelsey asked us to design an integrated eavestrough in order for her to have a rainwater collection system. The eavestroughs were integrated into the tiny home roof so she wouldn’t have to attach and detach if she wants to move the home. She can then use the water for her garden or however she chooses. We loved the sustainable thinking!
“Kevin has taken all of my inspirations and ideas in stride. He really grasps the pieces I wanted to include in the build and ran with them in the most awesome way! It’s been amazing working with such a down to earth couple. You can tell they truly want to invest what you feel in your heart into your home,” said Kelsey.
Being that this home would have to stand up to our harsh Canadian winters, we used Zip R Panels along with the spray foam insulation. This type of sheathing adds an additional 3.6R value to our homes which provides a thermal break between the wall studs and exterior making the home more efficient. Perfect for our Alberta climate!
Though classified as an RV, it’s a home. And we didn’t want trailer lights all over the home, even though you need them for mobility. So as a solution, we use rare earth magnates to secure our trailer lights for transport but then when parked, the lights are removable. This allows the home’s aesthetic to stay, without it being cluttered by lights.
It’s been an honour and so fun to partner with Kelsey in the building science stage of her dream. Kelsey is living proof that if you have an idea, you can gather people and their gifts together to help make it happen! Fritz Tiny Homes has been one small step in the journey of Kelsey’s Caravan and we hope to partner again in the future!
