Tag Archives: tiny homes

Space-Saving Tiny Home Is Perfect For Anyone Kickstarting Their Living-Alone Adventure

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Designed by Piccola Tiny Homes, the Minuet isn’t intended for a family, it is designed for a single professional, and is equipped with a clever storage-packed layout that maximizes available space incredibly. It features a length of 24 feet and is based on a double-axle trailer. It has a finish of cedar tongue, and groove siding, topped with metal accenting and a standing seam metal roof with a skylight. A small storage box is also placed outside.

Designer: Piccola Tiny Homes

The interior of the home measures around 196 sq ft, and it is equipped with premium decor including stone floors, drywall walls and a wooden ceiling. The layout is pretty open and spacious, and everything has been arranged on one floor. The rooms are arranged in a single shared space, creating an ambience that is cozy and quite homely.

The living room includes a sofa with loads of integrated storage, as well as a compact pull-out table for dining. It also contains a TV on a swivel mount, and a little home office amped with shelving and a drop-down desk. The bedroom is adjacent to the living room, and it includes a raised queen-sized bed with more storage!

The home also includes a kitchen which is pretty well-proportioned and designed cleverly. The kitchen is equipped with a combination microwave, air fryer, and a convection oven. It also holds a two-burner induction range and sink, as well as a fridge/freezer and some cabinetry.

You can enter the bathroom through the kitchen with the help of a sliding door. The bathroom features a vanity sink with a medicine cabinet, a washer/dryer, a shower, a flushing toilet, and a big wardrobe. The Minuet may not be the grandest or most extravagant tiny home out there, but it is a compact, comfortable, and well-equipped living space for a bachelor/bachelorette kickstarting their living-alone adventure. The home has a sense of openness to it and a vibe that is warm and organic. It would make a homely home for someone planning to buy their first home.

The post Space-Saving Tiny Home Is Perfect For Anyone Kickstarting Their Living-Alone Adventure first appeared on Yanko Design.

A Wind Turbine Is Repurposed Into A Sustainable Tiny Home Of The Future

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Do you know what a ‘nacelle’ is? It is a streamlined container that sits on top of a wind turbine and holds various components like the generator and gearbox. Wind turbines are known for being pretty huge, but a nacelle is big enough to live in! European energy company Vattenfall teamed with Superuse Studios intending to repurpose decommissioned turbines. They’ve explored these old machines, creating a tiny home inside a nacelle. The tiny home is pretty cute and cozy and is being displayed at the Dutch Design Week 2020 in Eindhoven this month.

Designer: Vattenfall x Superuse Studios

They chose a nacelle from a Vestas V80 2-MW turbine that was running at the Austria Gols wind farm for almost twenty years. It was brought to the ground from its height of 328 ft. The nacelle is 13 ft wide, 32 ft long, and 10 ft high. It includes almost 376 sq ft of living space and is one of the smaller nacelles found today. If they pick a nacelle from a newer turbine, it will be larger, providing more living space. Superuse teamed up with a bunch of partner firms to outfit Nestle with electricity, plumbing, and insulation.

The shell is built from glass fiber-reinforced plastics, which makes it durable but not the most recyclable material, hence repurposing it was a good move. The roof is topped with four solar panels that provide 1,800-W peak power, which is sufficient for the home. The little house also includes a solar-powered water boiler for showering and washing, as well as a heat pump for the AC. A decentralized ventilation system with wall-mounted panels and an EV charging point has been integrated as well.

The interior is warm and wooden, equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, and a combined sleeping and living area. For the Dutch Design Week 2024, the home has been incorporated with second-hand furniture, although it is sustainably produced. A table built from recycled material obtained from an old wind turbine blade is included in the space as well.

Jos de Krieger, partner at Superuse said. “At least ten thousand of this generation of nacelles are available, spread around the world. Most of them have yet to be decommissioned. This offers perspective and a challenge for owners and decommissioners. If such a complex structure as a house is possible, then numerous simpler solutions are also feasible and scalable.”

The post A Wind Turbine Is Repurposed Into A Sustainable Tiny Home Of The Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

The World’s Smallest Tiny Home Packs A Punch With A Clever Space-Saving Design

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Tiny homes are meant to be tiny, and we’ve seen a whole bunch of truly compact homes over the years, but we’ve finally come across the ‘world’s smallest tiny home’. Designed by Levi Kelly, this super tiny home occupies around 19.4 sq ft. It is based on a single-axle trailer that was picked up from a truck. It is equipped with jacks for support and stability when not on the move. The home is extraordinarily compact and displays a pretty clever space-saving design. The tiny home is made up of a stick frame structure, and a painted cedar exterior, topped with roof shingles.

Designer: Levi Kelly

The interior of the home includes one room, and it is quite snug and comfortable. The entrance leads you to a bench seating area that can hold three people. It is equipped with integrated storage and an air-conditioning heating and cooling unit. The kitchen is quite simple with water tanks for freshwater and greywater, a filter and a pump system, as well as a water heater. It also includes a mini-fridge for drinks or food items. An electric cooktop is accommodated in a drawer when not in use. The sink features a folding tap, and a cutting board insert covers it when not in use. These little details make for excellent space-saving solutions in such a compact home.

The bedroom comprises a fold-down bed which is a bit uncomfortable to access. It is equipped with hooks to hold it up in the ceiling, but the resident will need to step on the kitchen countertop and climb onto the bed, which isn’t the most comfortable feat. The bathroom is divided into two sections – the front-facing wall near the entrance contains the outdoor shower, while the back wall features a storage box with a small camping-style toilet. The box could be taken into the home if privacy was needed.

The world’s smallest tiny home is powered by two roof-based solar panels that are connected to a battery to provide juice through the night. The budget for this tiny home was US$5,000, making it pretty economical. The designer owned the trailer, and did all the work himself, ensuring costs were kept low.

The post The World’s Smallest Tiny Home Packs A Punch With A Clever Space-Saving Design first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Little Timber Home In Rural Portugal Is An Off-The-Grid Forest Escape For A Family Of Four

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In this tiny home-populated world, Portugal’s Madeiguincho has designed something different and unique with its wooden model – the Atlanta. Madeiguincho is known for its wooden tiny homes that showcase the expertise of its experienced carpenters, and Atlanta follows suit with this legacy. The Atlanta tiny home is designed for a family of four, allowing them to move away from the noise of the city, and spend some time in nature. It features a length of 23 feet, with a porch area that extends the living space. The porch area has a ramp for access. The home is equipped with generous glazing and some shutters. Drop-down tables have been incorporated outside the kitchen to allow residents to dine outside under the stars.

Designer: Madeiguincho

As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a space finished with timber and play. The interior is cozy, light-filled, and quite appealing. You enter the living room through double glass doors, and this space includes a sofa, a tiny wood-burning stove for the winter, and a ceiling fan for the summer. The kitchen is located nearby, and it includes a breakfast bar for two, cabinetry, and plenty of shelving. A two-burner propane-powered stove and sink have also been integrated. We cant see a fridge/freezer and an over, but we’re sure they have been incorporated somewhere, as this is intended to be a full-time home for a family.

The kitchen leads to the bathroom which is equipped with a sink, shower, a composting toilet, as well as a glass door that allows access into the home. Curtains have been added for privacy. This second entrance isn’t very usual, but Madeiguincho has installed second entrances in their bathrooms before too. The other end of the home includes the bathroom, and it seems cozy with a double bed and built-in storage.

The Atlantica includes two other loft-style bedrooms. One bedroom is placed above the bathroom and can be entered through a fixed wooden ladder. This bedroom is topped with a skylight and can accommodate a double bed. The second loft-style bedroom is perched above the ground-floor master bedroom and can be accessed through a removable ladder. This space also includes a double bed, but no skylight. Although, both bedrooms are incorporated with porthole-style windows. The lovely little tiny home is tucked away somewhere in rural Portugal, in a pine forest. It is powered by a roof-based solar panel array that is attached to batteries.

The post This Little Timber Home In Rural Portugal Is An Off-The-Grid Forest Escape For A Family Of Four first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Tiny Homes We’ve Loved In 2024 Up Till Now

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We discovered the beauty and magic of tiny homes a couple of years ago, and we’re happy to see it was an excellent discovery. Since then, tiny homes have gained immense popularity, and been experimented with to create even better, more beautiful, and functional designs. We’ve seen a torrent of ingenious and thoughtfully designed tiny homes in 2024, and we’ve curated some of our favorites for you. These unique tiny homes are space-saving and eco-friendly, reducing the load on Mother Earth, while also managing to look as cute as a button. They will have you swooning!

1. Nestron’s Tiny Homes

These tiny homes by Nestron are designed to be futuristic and sleek, with a customizable and visually appealing prefab design. The collection includes the Cube One (C1), Cube Two (C2), and Cube Two X (C2X) homes that cost from $42.2k to $126.6k. This also depends on the configuration you select at Nestron’s online showroom.

Why is it noteworthy?

The homes are amped with solar electricity, and heating, as well as a fully-equipped bathroom with a smart toilet. The interiors of the home can be customized, and they’re a great fit for sci-fi fans who want their own homes.

What we like

  • The entire process is handled by Nestron
  • Made from recyclable materials

What we dislike

  • The homes aren’t very spacious, not well-suited for big families

2. The eONE XL

The eONE XL tiny home is a spacious, light-filled, and free-flowing tiny home that is based on a double-axle trailer. The home features a Japanese-style charred wood exterior, which offers protection against bugs and decay. It has a length of 30 feet, and a width of 8.6 feet, and it even features an upgraded micro-living experience.

Why is it noteworthy?

The home includes massive windows, which let natural light stream in freely throughout the day. The home is made up of all-electric appliances, and it is also amped with storage space and floor space.

What we like

  • The kitchen is also spacious and well-equipped

What we dislike

  • We are unsure if the home comes with any furniture

3. The Pego

Named Pego, this compact little home will accompany you on your adventures into the wild, supported by a solar panel setup. The home is pretty compact, but you shouldn’t judge it by its size, as it is packed with functionality and utility, making for an excellent micro-living option.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is finished in wood, and the expert craftsmanship is represented in the shutters on the windows, and in the doors of the home. The house is powered by solar panels, irrespective of where it is parked. It also includes a standard RV-style hookup.

What we like

  • It contains a mini wood-burning stove, much like the ones you use while camping in a tent

What we dislike

  • The home is quite small for a European tiny house

4. Crest Guesthouse

Designed by Mork-Ulnes Architects, the Crest Guesthouse is a lovely abode on a steep hillside plot in California. The home has a simple yet intriguing layout, one which resembles a Swiss Army knife. This maximizes the features of an otherwise compact, and not too spacious home. It represents how smart downsizing ideas can build a comfy home for a small family.

Why is it noteworthy?

The house measures around 400 square feet and is located in a forest. Since wildfires are common, the exterior is built using a fire-resistant cement board, which is pretty easy to maintain. A small deck was also incorporated to form a more usable outdoor space.

What we like

  • Since the bed is essentially a Murphy bed installed into a wall, this forms a lot of free floor space

What we dislike

  • Location makes wildfires a major concern

5. Fujitsubo

Designed by the Japanese construction startup Serendix – the Fujitsubo is a small home priced at around 5.5 million yen, or around $37,600. The home takes about 44.5 hours to print and assemble and serves as a functional tiny home for those who are looking for 3D-printed micro-living options.

Why is it noteworthy?

Fujitsubo translates to “the barnacle”, and it occupies a space of only 538 square feet. This is pretty small in comparison to an average American home, which is five times bigger. The 3D-printed home includes one bedroom, and bathroom, as well as an open living room that is connected to the kitchen.

What we like

  • Priced as much as a car while offering essential amenities and features

What we dislike

  • It’s still in the conceptual phase, so we’re not sure how the final structure will turn out to be

6. Monocoque Cabin

Named the Monocoque Cabin, this intriguing tiny home is inspired by a World War II airplane. It is a truly extraordinary home with a visually appealing curving exterior, and it comes along with a bunch of options – ranging from an interior layout, and the ability to run off-grid.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tiny cabin is inspired by the WWII de Havilland Mosquito monocoque structure. The fighter plane’s monocoque structure was used as the source of inspiration. The home is made from timber materials, building a lovely connection with the surrounding rural settings.

What we like

  • The materials used to build the home will age gracefully, creating a prettier structure with time

What we dislike

  • The unique aesthetics may not be to some people’s tastes
  • Isn’t equipped with wheels, so doesnt support an on-the-go lifestyle

7. Elevate Tiny Home

Named the Elevate tiny home, this house by Acorn Tiny Homes is equipped with a nifty interior layout and an elevating bed. This creates a flexible room that serves as a bedroom, and a light-filled study area. It can be tough to fit comfortable and practical interiors into tiny homes, but Acorn Tiny Homes has done it well.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Elevate is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, and the interior is amped with an ample amount of storage space. The floor space includes an open and light-filled study space, as well as a desk and chair. By pushing a button, a double bed is lowered down, and it can be stowed away near the ceiling when you’re done using it.

What we like

  • The living area transforms into a bedroom with the simple push of a button

What we dislike

  • All the rooms seem to be located on one floor, which can be limiting

8. Câpsula

Called Câpsula, this tiny home concept is designed by the architecture studio i29. It was unveiled at the Dutche Design Week 2023, and the cabins and homes have been inspired by design-led thinking, and they are quite simple yet highly functional.

Why is it noteworthy?

The project is pretty small-scale but the plans and ambitions for it are quite large. The goal and intention behind the project is to promote slow living and create the ideal cabin architecture with a couple of amazing options.

What we like

  • Inspired by minimal architecture
  • Features top-notch amenities

What we dislike

  • The home may be considered too compact and small by some

9. Sakura Tiny House

Named the Sakura tiny house, this home by Canada-based Acorn Tiny Homes is a complete game-changer in comparison to typical tiny homes on the market. The house doesn’t include wheels and features an innovative space-saving interior which contains a transforming bedroom and kitchen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sakura tiny home is breaking ground in the tiny home arena, by taking this popular housing style to a whole new and upgraded version. It is inspired by popular Japanese design trends, which can be even witnessed in its name.

What we like

  • Wholly inspired by Japanese design philosophy
  • A flexible multi-purpose space

What we dislike

  • Can only fit two residents and two guests, making it a tight fit

10. Browny

Named Browny, this cute tiny home is pretty versatile, and it can function as a home office, exercise area, or guest bedroom. All of these have been fit snugly into a length of 6 meters, but it is still quite comfortable.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tiny home is supported by a double-axle trailer and features a finishing of red cedar, which is further accentuated by aluminum accenting and a roof. This tiny home is equipped with a generous amount of glazing, ensuring there is maximum natural light within the home.

What we like

  • Accommodates multiple amenities in a small space
  • Features integrated storage space

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t feature a proper kitchen and bathroom, which can be inconvenient for users

The post 10 Best Tiny Homes We’ve Loved In 2024 Up Till Now first appeared on Yanko Design.

Downsizing 101: How to Declutter Your Life Before Moving Into a Tiny Home

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Moving into a tiny home represents more than just a change in living space; it’s a lifestyle transformation. The idea of downsizing can be both thrilling and daunting. For design enthusiasts and those committed to creative living, this process provides a unique opportunity to curate a space that’s both functional and beautiful. Drawing from experience and expertise, this guide delves into practical, design-forward strategies to help you declutter effectively and thoughtfully.

01. Start with Intention

Downsizing requires a mindful approach, especially when transitioning to a tiny home. Begin by envisioning how you want your new space to function and feel. Prioritize elements that serve dual purposes and contribute to your desired ambiance. This step sets a clear direction and makes the decluttering process more manageable.

For instance, consider the role of each item in your home. Does it serve a functional purpose? Does it add aesthetic value? Items that meet both criteria should be prioritized. This intentionality helps in creating a space that’s not just smaller but more curated and harmonious. An intentional design mindset ensures that every piece in your tiny home adds to the overall quality of life, making your new living environment both efficient and inspiring.

02. Embrace Multi-Functional Furniture

In a tiny home, every piece of furniture must work hard. Multi-functional furniture is key to maximizing limited space without sacrificing comfort or style. Look for pieces that offer multiple uses, such as a sofa bed, a fold-out desk, or a dining table with built-in storage.

A great example is the use of a Murphy bed, which folds up against the wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Similarly, ottomans with hidden storage compartments can serve as seating, storage, and even a coffee table. These smart solutions allow you to maintain a clean, uncluttered space while still having all the functionality you need.

The beauty of multi-functional furniture lies in its ability to adapt to your needs. By investing in these versatile pieces, you create a dynamic living environment where each item plays a crucial role in enhancing your space’s usability and aesthetic appeal.

03. Incorporate Built-In Storage

Built-in storage solutions are a tiny home’s best friend. They help keep the space organized and clutter-free, ensuring that everything has its place. Custom built-ins can be integrated into walls, stairs, and even furniture, providing seamless storage options that don’t intrude on your living area.

Consider installing built-in shelves in nooks and crannies that would otherwise go unused. Staircases can double as drawers, and benches can hide compartments underneath their seats. These built-in solutions not only save space but also add a touch of custom craftsmanship to your home.

The key to effective built-in storage is customization. Tailor these solutions to fit your specific needs and the unique dimensions of your tiny home. This personalized approach ensures maximum efficiency and adds a bespoke element to your living space, making it uniquely yours.

04. Maximize Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, think vertically. Maximizing vertical space is essential in a tiny home, and it can be achieved through creative shelving, hanging storage, and lofted areas. This approach helps keep your belongings accessible while maintaining an open and airy feel.

Vertical storage can take many forms. Floating shelves, pegboards, and hanging baskets are excellent for storing kitchen utensils, tools, and even plants. Lofted areas can serve as additional sleeping quarters or cozy reading nooks. By utilizing the full height of your space, you expand your storage capacity without crowding your living area.

An often-overlooked aspect of vertical storage is the aesthetic element. Vertical arrangements draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a taller, more spacious room. This visual trick can make your tiny home feel much larger than it is, enhancing both functionality and design.

05. Adopt a Minimalist Aesthetic

A minimalist aesthetic is perfectly suited for tiny homes. It focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and a restrained color palette, creating a serene and uncluttered environment. This design approach not only makes your space feel larger but also promotes a sense of calm and order.

Start by decluttering ruthlessly. Keep only the essentials and items that bring you joy. Choose furniture with sleek designs and avoid ornate details that can overwhelm a small space. Neutral colors and natural materials, such as wood and stone, enhance the minimalist look and add warmth to your home.

Minimalism doesn’t mean your space has to be devoid of personality. Instead, it encourages you to be selective about what you include. Each piece should have a purpose and contribute to the overall aesthetic. This thoughtful curation creates a cohesive and inviting environment, making your tiny home a stylish sanctuary. Remember, minimalism isn’t for everyone. If you can find ways to creatively (and aesthetically) store your belongings, then maximalism may just be your style!

The Transformer Table seats anywhere from 2 to 12 people thanks to a clever expanding design

06. Select Timeless and Versatile Pieces

In a tiny home, every piece of furniture and decor must earn its place. Opt for timeless and versatile items that can adapt to various functions and styles. This approach ensures that your space remains relevant and functional as your needs and tastes evolve.

Consider investing in classic furniture designs that never go out of style. Pieces like a well-crafted wooden dining table or a sleek mid-century modern chair can anchor your space and provide long-term value. Versatile items, such as nesting tables or stackable chairs, offer flexibility and can be easily reconfigured to suit different occasions.

Choosing timeless and versatile pieces also reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. This focus on quality over quantity aligns with the principles of minimalism and enhances the longevity of your space.

07. Implement Creative Storage Hacks

Innovative storage solutions are essential in a tiny home. Creative hacks can help you organize your belongings efficiently and keep your space clutter-free. These solutions often involve repurposing everyday items or thinking outside the box to find new uses for existing spaces.

Magnetic strips, for example, can be used to store metal kitchen utensils or tools, freeing up drawer space. Pegboards offer customizable storage options for everything from craft supplies to office equipment. Hidden compartments in furniture or behind walls provide discreet storage for valuables.

Another effective hack is the use of hooks and racks. Install them on doors, walls, or even the ceiling to hang items like bikes, bags, and coats. These small changes can significantly increase your storage capacity without compromising on style or space.

08. Use Natural Light to Your Advantage

Natural light is a powerful tool in making a small space feel larger and more inviting. Designing your tiny home to maximize natural light can transform your living environment, making it brighter and more cheerful.

Large windows, skylights, and glass doors are excellent ways to bring in more light. Reflective surfaces, such as mirrors and glossy finishes, can help bounce light around the room, enhancing its brightness. Light-colored walls and furnishings also contribute to a more open and airy feel.

To make the most of natural light, keep window treatments minimal. Sheer curtains or blinds that can be easily pulled back allow maximum light to enter while providing privacy when needed. This approach not only brightens your space but also connects the indoors with the outdoors, creating a sense of expansiveness.

09. Personalize with Art and Textiles

Even in a minimalist tiny home, there’s room for personal touches. Art and textiles are excellent ways to add warmth, color, and personality to your space without overwhelming it. Carefully selected pieces can reflect your unique style and make your home feel truly yours.

Opt for artwork that resonates with you and complements your overall design. A few well-chosen pieces can make a significant impact. Similarly, textiles like rugs, cushions, and throws add texture and comfort. Choose natural materials and patterns that enhance your minimalist aesthetic.

When selecting art and textiles, think about their placement and scale. In a small space, it’s crucial to strike a balance between adding interest and maintaining an open feel. Grouping smaller pieces together or opting for one large statement piece can create a cohesive look.

10. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choices

Downsizing offers an excellent opportunity to adopt more eco-friendly and sustainable living practices. By choosing sustainable materials and products, you contribute to a healthier environment and create a more responsible living space.

Opt for furniture made from reclaimed wood or other sustainable materials. Incorporate energy-efficient appliances and fixtures to reduce your carbon footprint, rely on solar energy to help save costs while utilizing renewable energy. Efficient LED lighting, low-flow faucets, and energy-saving kitchen appliances are all excellent choices. Additionally, consider incorporating green elements like plants, which improve air quality and add a touch of nature to your home.

Moving into a tiny home requires thoughtful planning and intentional design choices. As you downsize, focus on quality over quantity that will enrich your life while allowing you to turn your home into an extension of your personality.

In the end, downsizing to a tiny home isn’t just about reducing your physical footprint—it’s about simplifying your life and creating a space that reflects your values and supports your lifestyle. With these tips and a little creativity, you can make your tiny home a haven of comfort, style, and efficiency.

Also Read: Ten Things They Don’t Tell You About Tiny Homes

The post Downsizing 101: How to Declutter Your Life Before Moving Into a Tiny Home first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Tiny Home In A 17-Foot Wide Lot In Toronto Is Redefining Urban Living

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In major cities worldwide, the ever-increasing cost of living and space crunch have become common challenges. Toronto, one of Canada’s prominent cities, is no exception. To address this issue, it’s crucial to optimize every available space. In the contemporary era of interior design, the focus has shifted towards planning and adapting to small spaces, mobile housing, multi-use spaces and furniture. As more people yearn to experience city life, it’s imperative to make even the smallest spaces comfortable. The Symington Laneway Suite, situated in Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, is a quintessential example of innovative space utilization and modern interior design.

Designer: Lanescape Architecture

In the heart of Toronto’s Junction neighborhood, on a narrow 17-foot wide lot, stands a beacon of modern living: the Symington Laneway Suite. This 1,000 square foot (92sqm), 2-storey home is a testament to ingenuity, offering a 1-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom residence conveniently close to parks, transit, and community amenities. The exterior is built using black corrugated metal, while horizontal planks add texture to the ground floor, making it feasible to construct.

Don’t be fooled by its size, this suite is packed with features. As you approach, the bright yellow entry door immediately catches the eye. Behind it lies a den/study, complete with a desk, a cozy sitting area, and a built-in shelving niche – perfect for work-from-home needs or simply completing tasks during the day.

Moving through the space, towards the rear of the laneway house, you’ll find the dining area and kitchen. The dining area boasts banquette seating, while the kitchen is adorned with under-cabinet lighting, adding to its ambiance. A sliding door seamlessly extends this open-plan space to a small patio, offering a delightful outdoor escape.

Step onto the patio and take in the ingenious architectural design. The second floor of the laneway house cantilevers outward, providing an additional 3 feet of livable space inside. Stairs between the den and the dining area/kitchen lead to the upper level of the home. Here, a glass partition and railing allow natural light to travel throughout the interior. Upstairs, the small living room, featuring a fireplace, overlooks the laneway with a more private view towards West Toronto. The bedroom and bathroom are located at the rear of the house, facing the yard. Both rooms boast a neutral color palette with added interest in the form of artwork and wallpaper.

The secret to the spacious feel lies in the open floor plan, with not many walls, and large windows that allow light to flow through the space, making it seem open and airy, rather than claustrophobic. The use of a light color palette also makes the space look bigger and airy, making it feel larger than it is. Moreover, the addition of plants brings life to the space, enhancing its overall ambiance.

The post This Tiny Home In A 17-Foot Wide Lot In Toronto Is Redefining Urban Living first appeared on Yanko Design.

Digital nomads can live and work in self-sufficient mobile home

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One of the advantages of people who can work remotely (digital marketers, writers, virtual assistants, etc) is that they can work from literally anywhere. As long as there’s internet and a power source for when their devices run out of juice eventually, these digital nomads have the freedom to set up shop wherever they are and to live in things like mobile homes. We’re seeing a lot of products and concepts targeting this segment and I for one am very interested to see these come to life.

Designer: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)

The Mobile Catalyst, nicknamed MOCA, was developed by masteral students from IAAC. Not only is it a perfect space for those that want to work while staying anywhere with a view but it is also an experiment into sustainable and self-sufficient habitat with a digital twist. It is basically a 5.4 meter long, 2.4 meter wide, and 3.6 meter high minimalist space that gives you the basic necessities of living. Its interior is made from dowel-laminated timber produced at the IAAC itself but sustainably harvested of course.

The front part of this mobile home has the basic amenities you would need to live in it like a kitchen, toilet and shower, and electric and water systems. In the middle and the back part is the space that can be turned into an office, a meeting area, a library, a recreation room, or even a space for small events. If you need privacy or partitions and also protection from different weather conditions, there are glass doors and a water-resistant cotton fabric that slides or folds with a pulley. There are also two beds on its “mezzanine” floor and you can reach it through a movable ladder.

And of course since MOCA is designed to be sustainable, you have three light-flexible mono-crystalline solar panels on the roof and LED strips as an interior lining. The house can run on its own for around 24 hours before it needs recharging. Water is also self-sufficient as the system stores, filters, and returns the shower water into reusable water. The entire mobile home is built with digital nomads in mind so they can live, work, and play anywhere they want, as long as the trailer can move and fit in that area.

The post Digital nomads can live and work in self-sufficient mobile home first appeared on Yanko Design.

You can buy a DIY Prefab Tiny House on Amazon and it’s cheaper than you think

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I don’t mean to be controversial, but having a roof over your head shouldn’t cost you your life savings multiple times over. A new report shows that million-dollar homes have now become the norm, with cities being the most affected by rising house rates. It’s a political issue, but the consequences ripple across all fields, especially the design field. We’ve seen a rise in micro-living and tiny homes over the past couple of years, as young people embrace the idea of less-is-more and accept living in cosier spaces as opposed to larger homes.

Prefab houses have easily become the hottest architectural trend over the last decade, and here’s what we love about them – they’re compact, easy to construct (almost like putting a massive puzzle together), often come with a fixed layout so you can choose exactly the kind of house you want up-front, and here’s the kicker, you can even buy them on Amazon! This 2-storey prefab home can be bought online and will deliver right to your address. It comes with a multipurpose lobby, a living room, a quaint bedroom on the first floor with ample natural lighting, an attached balcony, and a tiny parking space underneath. From the looks of it, there’s no bathroom integrated into the layout, but that’s where you have the freedom to play with spaces and add a small loo of your own wherever you please. The entire home costs about as much as 3-4 months of average New York rent, which is practically a fraction of what a brick-and-mortar home would cost in today’s market. There are, however, some minor caveats.

Designer: Anovoal

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It’s easy to add a house to your cart on Amazon, but what you get is still just a glorified IKEA version of a house. Prefab homes need a LOT of work, they need land which you’ll probably have to own or lease out (although it’s a lot cheaper than an entire house), they need to be constructed (although prefab homes are much easier to put together over a period of a few hours or days), they need to have utilities like electricity and water (and Wi-fi), and they need to be furnished. The good part, however, is that all of this can sometimes still be cheaper than actually owning a house that’s roughly the same square footage.

Unlike most matchbox apartments you’d get in urban spaces for this price, the Anovoal 40Ft. Modern Home is quite quaint. The two-story house gives you 2-and-a-half rooms that you can divide and segregate as you please, with an airy balcony for plants, a small jacuzzi tub, or anything that grabs your fancy. Large windows and skylights mean you get loads of sunlight during the day, practically negating the need for any lights before sunset. Place the house anywhere and you can pretty much treat yourself to any sort of view – whether you want your bedroom facing the sunrise or sunset is entirely up to you. The house uses strong and sturdy construction materials to come together, with a reinforced steel frame, panel walls and floors, and secure doors and windows. Setting the house up is less energy-intensive, making it much more viable than actual concrete construction, and the best part, the house is designed to be disassembled too, so you could shift locations after a year or two.

The best part about the Anovoal prefab home is that it can be treated as a module, allowing you to join multiple homes together to create an even larger one. The homes can stack up in any direction, giving you the layout you choose while also allowing you to have multiple bedrooms, a bigger living room, a workspace, and probably an open kitchen too.

Currently, the Anovoal tiny home is one of many on the e-retail platform with a price of just under 12 grand for one 2-story unit. Each unit comes with a 1-year warranty, along with online after-sales services just in case you need help with the house. The house can be styled/upgraded/moduled in a variety of ways, giving you the freedom that you probably wouldn’t get with other apartment homes. You can turn your tiny home into a smart one using IoT devices, probably transform one of those cabins into a garage or shed, and heck, even add an elevator if you want.

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The post You can buy a DIY Prefab Tiny House on Amazon and it’s cheaper than you think first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Element Tiny Home Is Cozy To Live In & Easy On The Pocket With A US$23,500 Price Tag

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Dragon Tiny Homes are known for their tiny homes that truly embody the micro-living movement. They bring back the small movement’s humble and modest roots with their tiny home called the Element. The Element features a compact frame and a simple yet well-equipped interior. The home is currently up for sale for an economical price tag of US$23,500. Let’s deep dive into the nitty gritties of the home!

Designer: Dragon Tiny Homes

The Element tiny home is quite similar to Dragon’s 16’TWOH With Loft but with a smaller price tag. The tiny home is founded on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 16 feet. In comparison to popular European tiny homes, like the ones from Baluchon, this one is truly quite compact. It is finished in smart siding-engineered wood and weighs around 7000 lb. Since the price point is quite comfy, it is a given that the home isn’t extremely spacious, and you won’t be hosting a lot of parties. And it does lack some of the pristine features you may find in larger tiny homes. The interior is compact and cozy, and clad in rough plywood.

The home is unfurnished, but it does contain a basic kitchen unit with a sink and cabinetry. The main room can also double up as the living area, and besides this space, the only other room downstairs is the bathroom. The bathroom is quite snug and compact too, and it features a toilet and a shower.

The Element features one loft bedroom which can be accessed via a ladder. The bedroom is like most bedrooms found in typical tiny homes, it is loft-style with a low ceiling and has sufficient space for a double bed. Although currently the Element is priced at US$23,500, it can be upgraded with better features and finishes at an additional cost. So if you’re in the mood to splurge a bit, you can elevate the basic Element and get something more to your taste and liking.

The post The Element Tiny Home Is Cozy To Live In & Easy On The Pocket With A US$23,500 Price Tag first appeared on Yanko Design.