Small but stylish: How the tiny home became a sustainable style statement

Short on space but big on style, today’s micro home is more than just an exercise in downsizing. Small square meterage demands that every detail and decision is a well-considered one, making these petite pads not only affordable but comfortable, eco-friendly and stylish to boot.

“Going tiny requires careful consideration to ensure every square metre works hard for your unique lifestyle,” says Jane Saunders from Designer Eco Tiny Homes. “Getting that right means you can live a flexible life without the restrictions of a fixed dwelling, while providing a high-quality but low-cost living option.”

Ruby Hangan from Tiny Homes Australia agrees and says limited land availability, waning city space, and unaffordable housing in major cities make the tiny house a resourceful solution.

“Everyone wants to build their dream home with the features and look they love,” she says.

“A tiny home allows them to make this dream a reality on a smaller scale but also at an affordable price, and because they don’t need to spend money on permits, they can build the home of their dreams. Nobody wants to spend $100,000 on something they don’t like.”

Currently classed as a registered trailer or caravan, a tiny home is designed to look like a house but is built on top of a steel chassis with axles, wheels, braking system and tow hitch, allowing it to be moved wherever the owner wishes – be it on a razor-thin lot or in an extremely beautiful location.

“Some Australians live in them full time, others set them up as Airbnbs or offices in their backyard, or as extra bedroom space for teenage kids,” says Hangan.

“Others use them as a holiday home and park them on land they own, but can’t afford to build on.”

Each home is designed and built from scratch, allowing owners to customise according to their requirements. “We build them to the same standards and codes as any regular home, so there is the same number of steps in building a tiny home as a regular home,” she says.

In a small space, natural light and air-flow can provide the biggest challenges and, as such, are of primary concern during the design process.

“We often opt for white walls which make a big difference,” says Hangan.

“Double-glazed windows are great as they keep the temperature inside comfortable for longer, and windows are strategically [placed] in areas where more light is required, like the kitchen or above a study space. We also use angled lighting if needed in particular spaces at night-time.”

Living in a micro space demands every square metre be put to utilitarian use, making considered layout, clever storage solutions and modular living vital decisions.

“When working within a small space, functionality is the biggest factor,” she says. “The layout has to be very practical, then the focus is on style.”

With space tight, all items, from carpentry to appliances, are compact, functional and eco-friendly, which in turn reduces living costs like utilities, cleaning and maintenance.

“In today’s world, the decisions we make on the size and location of our dwelling is vitally important,” says Saunders. “We can’t stop using natural resources, but where possible we can use renewable sources and use the appropriate amount.”

On top of the standard solar system, many tiny home owners opt for a larger solar system that runs off-grid, making them independent of mains power.

“All our tiny homes use the latest LED technology for lighting,” she says. “These lights run solely off a solar panel and a battery storage system. This results in a significant reduction in the need for mains power, which is still largely generated from coal burning power plants.”

Not only is today’s tiny house energy efficient, eco-friendly and affordable, it allows owners to create a home they truly love.

“It’s wonderful to share in their excitement and enthusiasm as they see their home reach different stages and ultimately, completion,” says Saunders.

“Our customers put a lot of thought and time into thinking and dreaming about their tiny home so it’s very personal. To see them thrive in that environment is incredibly satisfying.”