Northwestern University's Tiny House features The Original Rainwater Pillow. Harvesting Rainwater for potable use.

Northwestern University uses The Original Rainwater Pillow in The Tiny House Project

Positioning Pillow under Trailer

Pre-Filter

The Tiny House movement has introduced the idea of space as a resource to the forefront of the sustainability debate. The movement focuses on reducing the size of living spaces in order to reduce carbon footprint.

Designed to be fully independent and operate off the grid, the Tiny House will have everything a person needs to live comfortably in 128 sq ft : a living room, kitchen, bathroom, sleeping loft, storage area, an awning for shade and even a fireplace. The very tiny, zero net-energy house -- with a toilet in the shower -- will produce its own electricity using solar panels and also collect all of its water.

"I think the most interesting aspect of our house really is our systems, both electrical and plumbing. The rainwater system is the most interesting to me because it is not used as often as photovoltaics (solar panels), but is just as easy to implement. Especially our "water pillow" because it can be designed to fit any space needed. Since our home is so small, it was designed to fit underneath the trailer but still will be able to hold the amount of water we need. It can hold up to 400 gallons" says Kaycee Overcash, a recent graduate of Northwestern University who is the co-project manager of the project.

A four-stage filtration process cleans the rain water. The system includes a sediment pre-filter, granular activated carbon pre-filter, carbon block pre-filter, and a UV light disinfection chamber. The pillow and all accessories are placed in an insulated box to prevent freezing and damage to pumps and pipes. During travel, the pillow is drained and taken out of an insulated compartment. The pillow is disconnected from the pipes and folds up for travel.