Small structures are heralded as the new minimalist way of living. They have, however, always existed, reflecting the necessity for a simple space that was built for a particular function. In Nova Scotia, our history, culture, and landscape is reflected in the small spaces that can be found in every region of the province.

Jessie Hannah is fascinated by compact spaces — rural and urban, residential and commercial, historic and contemporary. Who built them, and why? What purpose do they serve? How were they constructed? This photographic collection documents her journey to discover the answers to these questions and more. Through interviews, research, and a bit of intrepid bushwhacking, Jessie Hannah shares the stories of some of Nova Scotia’s small structures, and shows how their tales tie together community, industry, craft, and culture