To preserve uninterrupted wall space while flooding the interior with natural light, they incorporated an astonishing fourteen windows and two sliding doors. The result is a sense of spaciousness that defies the limited square footage.
The Unique Upstairs Walkway
A standout feature of this tiny house is the ingenious use of space in the upstairs area. A 1.3-meter desk seamlessly accompanies a spacious 2-meter full-size closet, adorned with sustainably sourced and harvested red beech trim. This distinctive arrangement not only offers a cozy upstairs study nook, but also creates the feeling of a walk-in closet just before entering the master bedroom.
Efficient Use of Space
Efficiency is the key when living tiny, and Toby's tiny house is a prime example. Beneath the stairs, two soft-close drawers have been seamlessly integrated, providing convenient storage. This space has been thoughtfully designed for a washing machine and serves as an ideal location for a solar power setup, with pre-wiring already in place.
Multi-Functional Rooms
The layout of the additional room was carefully considered, allowing them to serve as a study, office, rumpus room, or even an extra bedroom with space for single bunk beds. This flexibility ensures that every square meter is utilised to its fullest potential.
Environmental Responsibility
In today's world, minimising our environmental impact is crucial. Toby's tiny home exemplifies responsible waste management. Offcuts of plywood from the build were donated to local schools for birdhouse projects, waste was sorted and recycled, and smaller pieces of timber were provided to locals for DIY projects. The result? Less than 1 cubic meter of rubbish generated during construction.
Entertaining with Ease
Contrary to what one might expect, Toby's tiny house is not lacking in space for entertaining. A dedicated area for a table between the lounge and kitchen, along with a kitchen designed to accommodate a full-size table, ensures that hosting dinner parties is a breeze. The lounge comfortably fits a full-size couch, making it a welcoming space for guests.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
The tiny home also boasts a wrap-around deck and two sliding doors, seamlessly connecting the indoors with the outdoors. This design creates an ideal setting for entertaining while soaking in the stunning views of New Zealand's scenic beauty.
Words of Wisdom
For those contemplating the transition to tiny living, Toby offers sage advice. He emphasizes the importance of choosing a New Zealand-built product constructed by licensed trade professionals with the necessary certifications. Ensuring that your tiny home complies with engineering standards for its location is paramount.
Navigating the legal landscape for tiny homes can be complex due to varying zoning laws and regulations by location. Thus, Toby suggests that prospective tiny homeowners choose a builder who understands and can guide them through the intricacies of these rules.
Toby's tiny home stands as a testament to the potential for innovative design and sustainability in the world of tiny living. It reflects the spirit of ingenuity and environmental responsibility that can transform a tiny house into a cozy and functional haven.