This Builder Is Making Tiny Homes With Hemp, Cork, and Wood. And They’ll Show You How to Do It

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Project Details:

Designer: Common Knowledge / @common_k_

Systems Design: Gregoire Durrans

Carpentry: Nico Bigatti

Off-Grid Architecture: Spider Hickman

Photographer: Shantanu Starick / @shantanustarick

From the Architect: "Common Knowledge is a non-profit social enterprise based outside Ennistymon on Ireland’s beautiful West Coast. Our mission is to empower people with the skills for an affordable, sustainable and happy home, and we do this through hands-on learning programs, community projects and the research and development of sustainable and ecological materials and processes. We believe that everyone should have access to a life that is both sustainable and affordable, whilst fulfilling their human need for nourishment, community connection, and access to nature. 

"Many people in Ireland are currently impacted by the country’s severe housing crisis, and tiny homes can provide an affordable and sustainable solution, since they’re highly adaptable, easy to move, and require a relatively small amount of energy to build and operate.

"The idea to create a limited number of tiny homes combines many of our interests, from teaching both individuals and communities how to build, to providing an affordable, sustainable housing option with no strings attached. We will soon offer plans and a materials lists for Tigín Tiny Homes  for free so that anyone can build their own.

"They tiny homes feature sustainable cork insulation, natural rubber linoleum floor tiles, and natural hemp cladding grown and manufactured in the U.K. These efforts are meant to reduce the structure’s carbon footprint.

"The home is fitted with a compost toilet for an eco-conscious way to dispose of waste. Tigín’s minimalist design and layout also encourages a mindful approach to consumption of material goods overall.

"The tiny home is easy and affordable to heat and cool. Large, double-glazed windows allow for natural solar gain and excellent heat retention, and the house can be easily repositioned to allow for maximum sun exposure throughout all seasons.

"In the spirit of living with less, and inspired by the need to create a better overall understanding of how our houses are built, the majority of the structural materials are exposed, allowing its inhabitants to truly understand their structure, inside and out. Not only does this reduce the weight of the structure, it also allows for easy installation, adaptation, and maintenance of services."