Ample was commissioned to design a lovely tiny home for the Australian tourism and events company Visit Victoria. They came up with a charming and quaint house called Stella the Stargazer. The name sounds pretty poetic, and the off-grid dwelling is quite cute too. It has a rather rustic and raw aesthetic, bringing to mind the image of a rural farm shack. But the interior is really quite comfortable, with a bed that can be pulled out to let you sleep under the stars!
It is based on a triple-axle trailer and features a length of 32 feet and a width of 7.8 feet. Old sections of steel were sourced from an abandoned farm shack in rural Penshurst, Victoria and they were used to build the home. Reclaimed corrugated iron and hardwood from the same site were utilized as well, giving the tiny home a shed-like aesthetic.
“To break away from the trailer footprint, we have incorporated fold-up corrugated eaves, large steel framed East-orientated glazing, and an operable gas strut window,” said Ample. “Through this primary aperture, our bed platform rolls out and cantilevers from the trailer base. This treehouse-like element is covered from above by the Kundig-esque window and protected from bugs by a mosquito net hung at points from the window frame.”
What makes the tiny home truly stand out is the wonderful stargazing bed! Visitors can raise the glazed wall, and pull out the bed manually, to create the most comfortable and mesmerizing under-the-stars experience. If the weather isn’t right, they can simply push the bed and stay inside.
As you enter the home through sliding glass doors and a deck area, you are welcomed into the kitchen. The kitchen includes a wood-burning stove that also serves as a hotplate, as well as a propane-powered stove, fridge, sink, and some shelving. Reclaimed hardwood and porthole-style windows were incorporated throughout the home, to add some interesting personality and character.
An operable window offers access to the deck area, allowing you to serve food and drinks. The tiny home also includes a dining table and a living room area with a sofa. A bathroom is placed behind the kitchen, and it also showcases a shed-inspired look. It features burnished steel, copper, and brass plumbing fittings.
The tiny home can run off the grid using a solar panel system and batteries. It also includes a generator that will work when needed. A rainwater collection system has also been integrated, as well as tanks to hold greywater and waste. Stella the Stargazer can be booked for around US$210 and moves around in different locations.
Dubbed the S’Mouse City Model, this modern dwelling adopts the aesthetic of a traditional shepherd’s hut. It is equipped with a compact yet comfortable interior, and is also available with optional off-the-grid updates. Shepherd’s huts are often used in the UK and France as resting spaces for farmers after working in the fields.
They are also often used for home offices, tiny homes, and vacations houses. This dwelling is designed by Texas-based S’Mouse Tiny House Co., and it is supported by a double axle trailer, and features a length of 18 feet. The exterior comprises of white asphalt shingles and cedar shakes, topped by a curving roofline. An exterior storage box is also included.
The interior of the home features a finishing of cork paneling. It is also equipped with a big window that allows natural light to stream in effortlessly. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by the kitchen. The kitchen contains a two-burner electric cooktop, a microwave, fridge/freezer, a coffee machine, sink, and cabinetry. The living room is closely located, and it also functions as the main bedroom. This space includes a sofa bed that can be folded out into a double. It also contains a coffee table, TV, and loads of underfloor storage.
The opposite end of the house includes the bathroom. The bathroom is compact and snug, featuring a shower, sink and bath. Besides the main sleeping area in the living room, this tiny home also accommodates a bedroom above the bathroom. It is a typical tiny house-style loft space with a double bed and low ceiling. This room can be accessed via a removable ladder.
The home is priced at US$84,500, and it is up for rent on Airbnb. An off-the-grid model is also available which is equipped with solar panels, and a composting toilet, and on-board water tanks. The off-the-grid variant is priced at around US$94,500.
Designed by Alabama’s TimberCraft Tiny Homes, the Big Sky is a rustic not-so-tiny tiny home with a spacious interior that can sleep four people. Timbercraft Tiny Homes are known for their luxurious cottage-like models, and the Big Sky lives up to their reputation. It is based on a quaint-axle trailer and features a length of 41.4 feet.
It is on the larger spectrum. The home is based on the firm’s Denali model, but a few western Montana architecture-inspired changes were made. The exterior of the home features a western cedar finish, and a horizontal metal siding, topped with a metal roof.
The interior occupies 399 sq ft and is equipped with shiplap walls, hardwood floors, and a tongue and groove ceiling. The main entrance leads to an L-shaped kitchen, which includes a breakfast bar for two people, an oven, a propane-powered four-burner stove, a fridge/freezer, a dishwasher, a hammered copper sink, and plenty of cabinetry. The living room is closely located, and is quite spacious owing to a high ceiling and generous glazing. This room contains a sofa, and optional French doors that lead to the outside. A porch area can be installed if needed.
The kitchen in this tiny home leads to a hallway, which in turn connects to a bathroom. The bathroom contains a shower with subway tiles, a vanity sink, a flushing toilet, and a stacked washing machine and dryer. The opposite end of the house includes the master bedroom. Since, it is a downstairs bedroom, it has plenty of headroom to stand upright. It includes a king-size bed with integrated storage space, a spacious closet, and a stained black feature wall.
You can install a second loft bedroom in the home if needed. This can be accessed via a staircase from the hallway that is linked to the master bedroom. The second bedroom is a conventional loft-style room as found in most tiny homes. It features a low ceiling, and can sleep one or two people.
Madeiguincho is a Portuguese woodworking specialist, and they recently created a new model called the Morena. The model is equipped with a stunning timber exterior made utilizing a traditional Japanese charring technique. The tiny home is a fine specimen of the firm’s expertise in woodwork, and it also features an open interior that can accommodate two people with ease.
It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 24 feet and a width of 8.2 feet. The wooden exterior showcases a black aesthetic, on account of being burnt using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban method of charring wood. This method provides protection from insects and rotting.
The tiny house is equipped with two doors. The main entrance is made up of double glass doors, and they are protected by outer wooden doors. These doors connect the interior to the outside. The decor is made up of different types of wood. Plywood is applied on the walls, and CLT on the ceiling. Italian cherry wood is utilized for the countertops and other elements. The main entrance leads you to the living room, which contains a day bed with integrated storage, some shelving, and a huge porthole-style circular window to allow natural light into the home.
The home also includes a compact desk that functions as a home office. A wood-burning stove provides sufficient heat to warm up the entire home. The kitchen is located closely, and it features an electric cooktop, a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry. There must be a fridge/freezer stored away somewhere, although it isn’t visible in the pics. The kitchen is connected to the bathroom, and it is finished in wood. Like other homes by Madeiguincho, this tiny house also includes a second door to enter and exit.
The Morena only includes one bedroom. This bedroom can be accessed via a large storage-integrated staircase that occupies much of the floor space available on the ground floor. The bedroom is like most loft bedrooms found in typical tiny homes. It includes a low ceiling and space for a double bed.
Madeiguincho is a Portuguese woodworking specialist, and they recently created a new model called the Morena. The model is equipped with a stunning timber exterior made utilizing a traditional Japanese charring technique. The tiny home is a fine specimen of the firm’s expertise in woodwork, and it also features an open interior that can accommodate two people with ease.
It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 24 feet and a width of 8.2 feet. The wooden exterior showcases a black aesthetic, on account of being burnt using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban method of charring wood. This method provides protection from insects and rotting.
The tiny house is equipped with two doors. The main entrance is made up of double glass doors, and they are protected by outer wooden doors. These doors connect the interior to the outside. The decor is made up of different types of wood. Plywood is applied on the walls, and CLT on the ceiling. Italian cherry wood is utilized for the countertops and other elements. The main entrance leads you to the living room, which contains a day bed with integrated storage, some shelving, and a huge porthole-style circular window to allow natural light into the home.
The home also includes a compact desk that functions as a home office. A wood-burning stove provides sufficient heat to warm up the entire home. The kitchen is located closely, and it features an electric cooktop, a sink, shelving, and some cabinetry. There must be a fridge/freezer stored away somewhere, although it isn’t visible in the pics. The kitchen is connected to the bathroom, and it is finished in wood. Like other homes by Madeiguincho, this tiny house also includes a second door to enter and exit.
The Morena only includes one bedroom. This bedroom can be accessed via a large storage-integrated staircase that occupies much of the floor space available on the ground floor. The bedroom is like most loft bedrooms found in typical tiny homes. It includes a low ceiling and space for a double bed.
Dubbed the Mo.5 450, this little home features a usable length of 4.5 m, making it great for regular travel! It is equipped with a well-designed space-saving interior, that can happily house four people. It has a compact form which doesn’t make it great for large families, but ideal for smaller ones or solo residents who love spending time on the road. It is based on a double-axle trailer.
Designed by Mooble House UK, the home features a wooden and metal finish, topped with a sloping metal roof. It also includes a storage box outside. The home is pretty compact, especially in comparison to larger North American models, but it is definitely not the smallest tiny house we’ve seen out there.
The interior of the home is pretty snug and compact. It doesn’t include much glazing like typical tiny homes, but it does feature a skylight. The skylight allows natural light to stream in. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a living room. The living room contains an L-shaped sofa bed that can sleep two people and a small table. The kitchen is close, and it includes a two-burner propane-powered stove, a sink, cabinetry, and space for a fridge. The bathroom is on the opposite side of the home, and it includes a shower, sink, and camper-van-style cassette toilet – so it isn’t a full-time residence.
The Mo.5 450 features one bedroom, and it is placed above the bathroom. You can access the bedroom via a ladder, and it includes a raised mezzanine space that can accommodate a double bed. Like typical tiny home bedrooms, this room has limited headroom and isn’t very spacious. It isn’t equipped with solar panels, but it is suitable for an off-the-grid lifestyle. You can give it an upgrade, and add some solar panels yourself. The home is equipped with fresh water and waste water tanks. The tiny home is priced at around US$43,000, which is economical, and on the lower side.
When you’re a tiny home resident, you need to plan your home with a strategic and practical approach to design and functionality. Each item must have multiple functions and should be compact and efficient enough to defend the space it occupies. Today, modern designs serve as creative solutions that maximize space and efficiency without sacrificing style and visual appeal. We’ve curated a collection of ten functional and aesthetically appealing designs that are perfect for tiny homes. They will ensure that you live comfortably and stylishly in your small space.
If you’re living in a micro home, you don’t need to compromise comfort and style. You can adopt innovative and space-saving products that can create a practical yet lovely living environment for you. Whether through multifunctional furniture, clever storage solutions, or compact appliances, these designs ensure that your tiny home is as efficient as it is cozy.
1. Flow Wall Desk
A modern tiny home needs modern space-saving solutions. And the Flow Wall Desk is truly a brilliant solution for small homes. It is an innovative and one-of-a-kind desk that merges functionality with aesthetic appeal. It embodies an eco-friendly and minimalist design philosophy that caters well to modern requirements.
It is a space-saving furniture design that occupies minimum space while providing ample of functionality. It is a wall-mounted design that folds and unfolds to magnify or diminish its utility depending on your need or requirement. If you’re looking for a handy furniture design for your micro home, then you cannot go wrong with the Flow Wall Desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This one-of-a-kind desk adds a whole new dimension to space-saving furniture, as it converts from a wall-mounted art piece into a fully functional desk. When the desk is folded, it looks like a geometric artwork, but when unfolded it can be used as a nifty desk. It is marked by clean lines and geometric shapes.
The desk is a lovely conversation starter, even when not in use. When you unfold the desk, it transforms into a practical workspace, and looks like a “spiraling caterpillar”. It can be used for various activities such as working, reading, or journaling.
What we like
Features a convenient flatpack form
Not just functional, but also a decorative design
What we dislike
Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means you don’t have access to a constant setup
2. CASA Hub Stand
Introducing the CASA Hub Stand Ultra – a winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2024. This unique and innovative accessory will give a complete makeover to the way you work and create. It is equipped with award-winning engineering and a sleek multifunctional design that is hard not to love. If you reside in a tiny home and struggle with creating a comfortable yet not too space-consuming workspace, then this desk setup is the one for you.
It holds and displays your devices, integrating seamlessly with them to provide you with a smooth and ergonomic working experience. It is also great to video chat or watch some entertainment. The CASA Hub Stand offers improved comfort and helps you work and perform better with less effort.
Why is it noteworthy?
The CASA Hub Stand Ultra showcases a meticulously engineered design, which is the perfect combination of aesthetics and function. It features a perforated aluminum stand plate, which supports effective heat dissipation, ensuring your laptop stays cool during long work sessions. This elevates performance and helps protect your laptop’s life span.
The stand is also equipped with Intelligent Magnetic System (iMS) and will blend perfectly with all your devices – whether it is a MacBook, iPad, or smartphone. It boasts a whole new level of magnetic integration, which delivers a power-packed combo of convenience and functionality to you.
What we like
Equipped with an intelligent magnetic phone mount, which helps maintain a tidy workspace
Equipped with USB-C PD charging, HDMI 4K @60Hz, USB-A, and RJ-45
What we dislike
Not easily portable due to its weight
3. Beat Bookends
Space is at a premium in tiny homes, hence it becomes important to own everyday items that integrate technology. The Beat Bookends is a prime example of such a fusion since it offers more than just a way to organize and store your book. The clever design integrates a wireless speaker system into its form.
You can enjoy premium-quality music without having to purchase and place an additional audio device in your home. This doesn’t waste space unnecessarily and it showcases a growing trend in product design, where multifunctionality is being merged with visual appeal, to create valuable products.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Beat Bookends denote a shift towards seamless technology integration in home furnishings. It merges audio capabilities with a traditional bookend, eliminating the need for a separate speaker. This saves precious space, while the product’s modular design enables users to customize their audio setup.
You can add or remove speakers as needed, ensuring that the sound experience is tailored to the specific environment of a tiny home. This adaptability, combined with high-quality audio performance, makes the product an excellent choice for music lovers who are mindful of their spatial constraints.
What we like
Serves as bookends and a wireless speaker system
It is a space-saving solution that eliminates the need for separate speakers
What we dislike
It may have a limited sound range
4. Iron Frying Plate
Multifunctional and space-saving design must be extended to the kitchens of tiny homes as well. One such clever design is the Iron Frying Plate. It is designed to help you prepare healthy and quick meals without putting the quality or taste of your meal in danger. It functions as a frying pan and a stylish serving plate.
The frying plate features a unique removable handle, which allows it to switch form, enabling it to alternate between a frying plate and a serving platter. It is equipped with a durable iron construction which supports heat distribution and helps you prepare a variety of dishes from stir fries to a healthy breakfast.
Since the plate duals up as two utensils, you can reduce the number of utensils in your tiny kitchen, saving some precious real estate. The Iron Frying Plate facilitates direct-from-the-pan serving, helping you cook something fantastic, and serve that dish in one swift process.
This saves time, and transforms your cooking experience into a smooth and seamless process, allowing you to focus on other tasks as well not simply cooking. The plate is quite visually pleasing too, making for a smart and classy addition to your dinner table at your next party or gathering with loved ones.
What we like
The handle is removable, allowing you to use the pan as a serving plate too
What we dislike
The pan is made from iron, making it a bulky and heavy design, which can be difficult to store away
5. TidyBoard
The TidyBoard is bringing a whole new look and functionality to kitchen organization and efficiency. Kitchens are often small and limited spaces in tiny homes. The TidyBoard better deals with this issue by merging a cutting board with integrated strainers and containers, streamlining your food prep process.
You can use the edges of the countertop or sinks for the board, hence it not only saves space but also reduces the mess caused during cooking. It represents the principles of compact living by offering a tool that enhances functionality without occupying additional space.
Why is it noteworthy?
This innovative product completely rejuvenates how we handle kitchen tasks in small spaces. It features collapsible containers and strainers, which directly drop into the cutting board, cutting down the need for other kitchen tools, and saving up on cleanup time. This product is excellent for tiny homes where counter space is limited.
Since it is made from antibacterial bamboo, it is an eco-friendly and durable design. It can handle the rigors of daily use. It will help you maintain a clean and organized kitchen, while also maximizing efficiency. This tool is a must-have for those living in compact spaces or tiny homes.
What we like
It streamlines and organizes food prep and cleanup
It is made from antibacterial bamboo, making it a sustainable and durable product
What we dislike
Suitable for small food prep tasks only
Users may take some time to adjust to the multifunctional features
6. Hurdle Hanger
Named the Hurdle Hanger, this design maximizes closet space which is often a common issue in tiny homes. It is an innovative hanger design that improves and upgrades the way you store clothes, by hanging them higher, and in turn, creating additional storage space underneath.
The Hurdle Hanger is. clever design that makes the most of limited storage space, offering a simple yet ingenious solution to the issue of closet organization. It reimagines a household staple, creating a design that supports space saving and efficiently uses vertical space in small homes.
Why is it noteworthy?
This product transforms how we utilize closet space, a crucial consideration in tiny homes where every inch counts. It is crafted from durable, recyclable ABS plastic, and these hangers are designed to last, providing a sustainable option for organizing clothing.
The hanger allows you to hang clothes higher, thereby freeing up valuable space below which can be utilized for additional storage or other purposes. This method maximizes vertical space which is quite important in micro-living environments. Such innovative storage solutions improve the overall functionality of tidiness of your home.
What we like
It increases the available storage space by hanging clothes higher
Organize your closet, and make it a simpler process
What we dislike
It may not be compatible with all closet types or rod heights
7. Jewelvase Mirror Stand
Dubbed the Jewelvase Mirror Stand, this stunning piece is not just an ordinary home decor item. It provides both style and utility. It is a minimal mirror that doubles up as an accessory stand or vase, making it a functional and versatile addition to your dresser. It features an elegant and subtle style which adds some personality to your dresser.
The sophisticated piece helps you get ready for the day while ensuring your loved trinkets and accessories are well-organized and secure. It is a multi-functional product that would make a wonderful addition to a tiny home, where space is always a constraint.
The mirror stand is an impressive piece with dual functionality as it serves as both a mirror and an accessory stand or vase. It is made from a bioplastic material that uses rice husks, and it represents a sincere commitment to sustainability while maintaining a chic appeal.
The Jewelvase Mirror Stand isn’t just a practical accessory but also a lovely decorative piece that will uplift the visual appeal of your bedroom or living space. It functions as a stylish yet useful accent, that can seamlessly merge with different decor styles.
What we like
Versatile design that can function as a mirror, vase, and accessory stand
Made using sustainable materials
What we dislike
It cannot be folded and minimized, nor easily stored away which can be an issue in tiny homes
8. Origami Bottle
Meet the Origami Bottle – a collapsible water bottle that can be folded down to a fraction of its original size, making it a great fit for tiny homes and those who maintain active lifestyles. It features a compact design that not only conserves space but also reduces the impact on the environment.
It is the perfect blend of sustainability and portability, both of which are important features to consider in micro-homes. This bottle is a must-have for those who always want to stay hydrated, whether they’re at home or on the go, but also don’t want their water bottle taking up too much space.
Why is it noteworthy?
This unique bottle merges sustainability with convenience. It is built from food-safe, non-toxic TPE, which is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to typical plastic bottles. Since it features a collapsible design, it can shrink down to 20% of its original size, making it easy to store in your tiny home.
It eliminates the need for disposable bottles, hence helping the environment. It serves as a practical and innovative solution for tiny home residents who want to maximize their living space, without sacrificing the functionality and utility of a product.
What we like
Can be easily stored away in small spaces when collapsed
Great for travel, outdoor, and everyday use
What we dislike
Frequent folding might affect the durability of the bottle
9. Transformer Table
Say hello to the Transformer Table – the perfect culmination of versatility and modern design. It provides a unique solution for tiny homes that need adaptable furniture. This extendable table can be transformed from a small console into a full dining table that can hold up to 12 people.
In tiny homes, space is extremely limited, and a furniture design like the Transformer Table is a total godsend. It can be adjusted to different needs, and it is not simply functional but also visually pleasing. It would make an excellent centerpiece in a home that needs both form and functionality.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Transformer Table is the true definition of an excellent multifunctional design. It is great for small spaces, as its telescopic sliding mechanism supports easy adjustment, so you can customize various seating options, and not have to deal with a huge permanent table.
It is built from high-quality hardwood, which provides durability and longevity, making it a worthwhile investment for any tiny home. Available in various styles, it can seamlessly blend with any decor, providing both practicality and elegance. This table is a perfect example of how innovative design can enhance the livability of compact spaces by offering flexibility and style.
What we like
Can be adjusted to various sizes to suit different needs
It expands only when needed, hence saving space
What we dislike
It can be bulky and heavy to move around when fully expanded
10. Space-Saving Sideboard
This space-saving sideboard is another must-have for tiny homes. It is a multifunctional design that is a boon for small spaces. It starts as a stylish sideboard which is great for storage and display, and it can then be converted into a dining table complete with some seating.
The design is flexible and excellent for hosting guests, or simply expanding the utility of your living room. It features an innovative design that not only saves space but also adds an element of modern elegance to your home. Such a transforming and space-saving furniture design can do wonders to maximize and save space in compact homes.
Why is it noteworthy?
This clever piece of furniture can easily adapt to the dynamic needs of tiny home living. It features an anthropomorphic design, adding an elegant and playful touch to your home decor. It serves as an exciting conversation starter, whether in the form of a sideboard or a dining table.
It is backed up by clever engineering and a transformation mechanism that enables it to smoothly shift between different roles, making it perfect for hosting dinner parties, without purchasing a heavy and permanent dining setup. This dual functionality is quite important in small living spaces, where every piece of furniture must serve multiple functionalities to earn its spot.
What we like
Functions as a storage and dining area
Features a functional and decorative design
What we dislike
Some effort and time will be required to transform it from a sideboard to a table
In the world of diverse architectural styles available today, some homebuyers are fascinated by unique trends like repurposing shipping containers into residential spaces. Shipping container homes are gaining popularity for their affordability and sustainability. This innovative approach appeals to those seeking homes that match their functional needs, style preferences, and budget constraints. With the right tools and guidance, one can construct a shipping container home but before starting the project it is important to research the building codes, regulations, and permits required for such construction.
One must collaborate with architects and engineers to validate the structural integrity of the container house floor plan. However, before the construction begins, it is important to connect with professionals experienced in container construction to navigate its unique challenges and determine the number of containers needed based on the size and layout of the proposed house. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you going.
1. Purchase the Container. After obtaining the necessary building permissions, one can proceed to acquire the shipping containers, choosing the size based on your floor plans. Typically, containers are around 40 feet long and 8 feet wide, ideal for accommodating one bedroom, one bathroom, and a generous kitchen with a living area.
2. Prepare the Site. Before beginning construction, ensure the building site is secure for a stable foundation. Clear debris, and confirm level ground resistance to flooding. The foundation type should be based on the existing ground conditions. Level uneven ground with a shovel and lay the foundation using high-quality materials like concrete or metal girders Steel plates should be used for direct welding to the foundation.
3. Install the Containers. After completing the foundation, the process of installing the shipping containers begins. The most efficient methods for placing containers on the foundation involve a crane or delivery truck, offering ease, speed, and safety. If there is more than one container then join the containers either by welding or using a specialized joining system. Ensure secure connections without gaps if welding, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation with a joining system.
4. Build the Roof. After positioning and connecting the containers, proceed to construct the roof. Opt for either traditional roofing materials or a metal roofing system, ensuring resilience to weather conditions.
5. Complete the Interiors. The last step includes the installation of the shipping container home with doors, windows, and flooring, using steel studs for framing and ensuring a thermal break to prevent heat transfer. Plan for wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and consider solar panels for electricity. Insulate the interior or exterior, and customize the surroundings with decking and landscaping.
What are the advantages of living in container homes?
• Affordable: Container homes offer greater affordability when compared to traditional homes due to their utilization of recycled materials and reduced labor costs.
Cargo, a tiny home by Madeiguincho in Portugal, creatively repurposes a standard shipping container into an inviting dwelling. Featuring a rooftop terrace and efficient interior layout, this wooden-finished abode offers insulation, operable windows, and a minimalist aesthetic. With a compact kitchen, cozy seating area, and small bathroom, Cargo provides all the essentials for simple living, making it an ideal short-term rental in the picturesque Algarve region.
• Efficiency: Container homes can be installed and erected with remarkable speed as constructing a traditional home takes more than a year but container homes can be constructed within a few months.
Located amidst a former paddy field in Thailand, the Container Cabin is a unique retreat crafted from stacked shipping containers. Architect Tung Jai Ork Baab’s innovative design, part of the OOST Campville project, offers a serene getaway in Nakhon Nayok province. With an A-frame roof and steel plate louvres, the cabin blends modern aesthetics with natural surroundings. Prefabricated containers provide ease of assembly, while a small reservoir elevates the cabin to mitigate flooding risks. The interior features minimalist white tones and repurposed container doors for privacy. Offering ample space for relaxation, the cabin includes bedrooms, living areas, and a pool overlooking the deck.
• Highly Durable: Container homes are quite durable as they are constructed from steel and exhibit high resilience against harsh weather conditions.
Tucked away on the expansive Desert Rose Ranch in Texas, this Airbnb shipping container home offers a cozy retreat between Fredericksburg and Austin. Featuring a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, its standout feature is the rooftop deck with a hot tub and hammock. Designed by Bob’s Containers, this 40-foot x 8-foot container boasts a garage-style door for natural light and modern amenities inside. The rooftop terrace, accessed by a spiral staircase, provides panoramic views and a serene escape. Surrounded by nature, the cabin also offers a front yard fireplace for cozy evenings. With its compact size, it comfortably accommodates two people, making it an ideal getaway for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility in the Texas wilderness.
• Sustainable: Container homes are eco-friendly as they are constructed from recycled materials.
This cozy woodland cabin, crafted from a repurposed shipping container, embodies modern architecture’s adaptability. Named Shiship Cabin by Repère Boréal, it’s nestled in Quebec, Canada, offering a contemporary take on wilderness living. Measuring 31 feet by 8 feet, it integrates custom space-saving furniture and smart features. Clad in cedar wood planks, its exterior exudes both durability and natural charm. Inside, an open-concept layout integrates kitchen, bed, bathroom, and living areas seamlessly.
What are the disadvantages of living in container homes?
• Climate Control: During summer, container homes lack insulation, causing them to heat up, and in winter, they conduct heat and become excessively cold. Temperature differences between the inside and outside cause condensation on steel walls, leading to mold growth and poorer air quality.
• Susceptible to Corrosion: Despite being manufactured for marine conditions; containers are prone to rust and corrosion. Despite protective coatings, they remain susceptible to rust, particularly in coastal areas due to the salt-laden air.
This shipping container has been transformed into a seaside retreat! Located by the Tbilisi Sea in Georgia, this MUA cabin serves as a rejuvenating space where design meets functionality. Measuring 40 feet in length, the cabin features a linear layout with rest areas, bathrooms, and storage at the ends, while the middle section houses a kitchen, work desk, and living room. Large sliding doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a panoramic sea view.
• Structural Challenges: Converting shipping containers into living spaces often requires modifications that compromise their structural integrity, like cutting openings for doors and windows, necessitating additional supports such as steel beams or wooden framing.
Estúdio Lapinha, a vibrant tiny home in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, creatively combines two unused shipping containers, designed by Plano Livre. This modular marvel features one container for infrastructure and the other for living space, boasting colorful interiors and exteriors painted in subtle lime green. Inside, the bright walls, tiled floors, and natural wooden accents create a welcoming atmosphere, complemented by steel shelving units for storage. Expansive French doors and a matching green ceiling seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living.
• Poor Acoustics: The steel construction of container homes can amplify internal and external noises, particularly in noisy urban settings, necessitating effective but costly sound insulation like dense foam or specialized panels, which can reduce interior space.
While building a shipping container home can be manageable and efficient, providing a sustainable, budget-friendly housing option, it’s crucial to consider the pros and cons to determine if living in container homes is suitable for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
