# Recycled Yard Structures Backyard House's Beauty Belies in its Building Material of Discarded Wood By Omar Yusuf | Published 2011-10-28 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backyard-house References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/10/backyard-house-built-recycled-barnboards.php) & [riseoverrun.biz](http://www.riseoverrun.biz/the-backyard-house.html) A product of the innovative mind of Megan Lea, the [Backyard House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/backyard-candles) hopes to challenge modern design paradigms with its non-intrusive, compact design. Lea, a certified sustainable building advisor, conceived this practical backyard outpost in the hopes of minimizing its overall environmental impact -- as far as Mother Nature is concerned, it's not even there! Recycled barnboard composes the frame of the building, while corrugated copper shields the roof. A cozy wood stove keeps the Backyard House operational throughout the year and a tiny loft upstairs, serviced by a steep staircase, acts as a guest house for the main building. The building requires little to no maintenance, uses next to no electricity and is certifiably sustainable. What more could you ask for? A majestic abode without the drawbacks of grid dependency or even costliness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** Opportunity to explore sustainable building materials and designs for a smaller environmental footprint. - **Tiny Homes Movement:** Potential to tap into the growing trend of minimalistic, compact living spaces. - **Off-grid Living:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for self-sufficient homes that minimize reliance on traditional utilities. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction Industry:** Chance to incorporate recycled materials and sustainable practices into building projects. - **Home Improvement Retail:** Opportunity to market eco-friendly building materials and products to consumers. - **Hospitality Industry:** Potential to offer unique and sustainable guest accommodations to eco-conscious travelers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Slender Alley Dwelling Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-house-1.md) - [Recycling-Centric Waterfront Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shor-house.md) - [Compact Sustainable Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cabana.md) - [Compact Modular Forest Cabins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-house.md) - [Sustainable Off-Grid Remote Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daria-sheina.md) - [Salvaged Material-Made Saunas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-sauna.md) - [Dual-Workspace Backyard Sheds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/workshed.md) - [Plant-Based Cabin Constructions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cross-cabin.md) - [Shape‑shifting Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-offgrid-house.md)