This 195-square-foot, shingled studio includes a library, reading nook, and workstation—and it’s totally DIY. Creative couple Michael and Christina Hara built the retreat just steps away from their back door, in order to carve out "space for creativity and respite from our chaotic, toddler-filled house," as Michael explains. The project, called the Fish Scale Studio, took eight months to complete, with Haras doing all of the design and construction themselves—for just $18,275.
This house has an exterior of black panels and clear-grain cedar tongue-and-groove siding, and a rooftop deck that lets its owners enjoy the outdoors.
With the average tiny home measuring under 500 square feet, these mini abodes often have to be designed radically different from larger traditional houses. We take a look at seven of the biggest lessons one can learn from tiny home design. No matter if you plan to call a tiny house "home" or not, these key tips are relevant to just about any space, large or small.
Owners and tenants of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) share key insights about how to navigate the unique living experience.
AbleNook is a Florida-based prefabricated, flat-pack home kit made from aircraft-grade aluminum framing and structural insulated panels (SIPs). Although it started out as an architecture school project, it was later patented through the University of South Florida and makes for an affordable ADU starting at $75,000. Use it as a main residence, eco-friendly second home, or Airbnb. They’re also designed to be potential disaster relief, as they’re ready for just about any terrain or weather conditions, including Florida’s hurricane winds. It’s also expandable to accommodate a range of sizes.
The eco-friendly escape is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine—and it even includes a full bath.
A connected dining area and kitchen allows for an open, airy feeling.
Garcia clad the ADU’s exterior with a local Texas limestone, similar in color and texture to the main house, “just to tie the two together visually,” says the architect.
To make the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath dwelling look and feel as large as possible, Sundius and Ichiki maintained sightlines from one end to the other. "We didn’t want to disrupt the flow of the stepped ceiling as it runs the length of the building,
A young couple, their son, and two rescue beagles model a grounded lifestyle from their Venice, California tiny home.
To avoid excavating the land, Pang and Boyle designed a structural platform to keep the cabin level.
Cornuelle, who’s from Hawaii, chose both older and contemporary Hawaiian art for the walls.
A nighttime view reveals the glow of the pink interior and the entrance open to the backyard.
Assembled in just two weeks, this cedar-wrapped passive house near Woodstock, New York, designed by BriggsKnowles A+D, realized a couple's dream of rural living.
In the living room, oval-framed, oak wood display shelves and low-lying cabinetry match the large storage cabinet at the entrance. A Holden sofa by Verzelloni sits adjacent to Alison lounge chairs by Flexform. The table lamp is by Marset, and the reading lamp is by Vibia.
“What often happens in our relationship is I come to Funn with an idea and he makes it into something livable.” —Vincent Kartheiser
A large metal floating mirror from Restoration Hardware seemingly doubles the 675 square feet of the Schmidt-Friedlander apartment in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. The family of three dines at an oak table from Canvas Home, with Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner. Decorators White paint by Benjamin Moore and oiled Hakwood European oak flooring are used throughout.
One of the houses being used by a landscape designer friend is filled with plants, capturing the many exposures of its open kitchen and living area.
The 753-square-foot retreat has two bedrooms and a bath, and takes advantage of its rocky site.
After living ten years in another house he designed in Yokahama, Hosaka and his wife decided to move to Tokyo for an easier commute.
The living room, where a large industrial-style window facilitates plenty of sunlight.
The Shift House, by Portland–based firm Root Design Build, is among the first residences in the United States to be designed according to Passive House standard. The project got its name from the "shifted" placement of the front and rear sections of the house. The configuration eliminates hallways and maximizes room space.
The home doesn't hide its extensive renovations: with all-new windows, installed to maximize both views and solar exposure, it is quite visible where old meets new.
The fixed-gear bicycle hanging above the couch serves as an art piece; Chen no longer rides the bike. Le Corbusier Projecteur 165 pendant lights hang in the corner.
RF Residence takes inspiration from the work of Donald Judd, says JSa Arquitectura. An expansive patio allows residents to soak in the views while dining alfresco.
Large sliding glass doors open onto a backyard retreat complete with a fire pit and swimming pool.
The distinctive facade references a traditional thatched English cottage.