I have an obsession with tiny homes. Despite not living in one myself, I feel overjoyed that there is a movement that celebrates simplicity, and goes against the grain of everything modern day culture pushes for. Rather than bigger being better, tiny homes exemplify the idea that less is more.
“Frugality is one of the most beautiful and joyful words in the English language, and yet one that we are culturally cut off from understanding and enjoying. The consumption society has made us feel that happiness lies in having things, and has failed to teach us the happiness of not having things.”
This quote by Elise Boulding puts two very important words together: happiness and frugality. We are so often taught that happiness and ‘things’ go hand-in-hand, but if we strip away the need for more, what are we left with but ourselves? We are left to get to the truth of our own happiness.
Of course, tiny homes are, in their own right, still a possession, and for those of us with a knack for design, it is really pleasing to see how two worlds can collide: small and rich.
The following tiny homes show just how visually appealing it could be to give up your ‘McMansion’ and opt for the freedom and efficiency of tiny homes whilst not giving up the inspiring essence of design.
Jill Fehrenbacher and Yuka Yoneda of Inhabitat assembled a gorgeous bunch of tiny homes to show you just how cool small spaces can be.
1. The Bunkie
This tiny home resembles a full-size house with its classic structure.
The affordable 108 square foot prefab home fits two comfortably.
2. Tetris-Like Micro House
While it may resemble Tetris, this is an efficient micro home offering a unique design concept.
The modules can even be stacked on top of one another to produce larger dwellings.
3. Rustic Backyard Micro House
Combining a modern concept with a rustic feel, this adorable abode is only 154 square feet!
The Backyard House was built using recycled barnboard.
4. Diogene Cabin
Architect Renzo Piano named this tiny home after an ascetic Greek philosopher who was known for sleeping in a giant ceramic jar.
At 80 square feet, this home has enough room for just a bed, a chair, and a small table.
5. The Miner’s Shelter
This dwelling was designed and built by Dave Frazee, who is a gifted student at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
You can only squeeze in a bed to this 80 square foot abode, but it’s perfect for a cozy sleep.
6. The LoftCube
This house is 420 square feet, and can be planted pretty much anywhere you please.
This specific LoftCube resides at a 19th century castle in Belgium.
7. Tiny River House
Want to live on the water? This tiny house takes the concept to a whole new level.
Sitting atop a rock in the middle of the Drina River in Serbia, it’s held its ground despite the potential risks of Mother Nature.
8. IcosaPods
These homes were built to temporarily house people during emergencies.
The 108 square foot pods cost $2000, and can be packed up or assembled in mere minutes.
9. Micro-Compact Home
This tiny home is only 77 square feet!
The creators of this home are students from the Technical University of Munich and the Tokyo Institute of Technology who were inspired by the efficiency of traditional Japanese teahouses.
10. Chamfer Home
This dwelling is a tiny green home that is completely independent from the grid.
At only 27 square meters, it can be set up almost anywhere.
All Images Courtesy Of: Inhabitat