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The 10 Teeniest Tiny Homes of 2023View 60 Photos

The 10 Teeniest Tiny Homes of 2023

Ranging from 143 to 270 square feet per person, these compact dwellings stretch the limits of small-space living.
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As the housing crisis rages on, many people are reexamining where, and how they live—and tiny houses have never been more appealing. From backyard ADUs to compact cabins and micro homes on wheels, the smallest dwellings show that good things really do come in petite packages.

143.5 Square Feet Per Person: This Tiny Backyard House Hides a Kitchen, a Bathroom, and Two Closets Behind Pocket Doors

Masa Arquitectos designed this minimalist house in Montevideo, Uruguay, for a young family on a tight budget who wanted to do most of the carpentry themselves.

Masa Arquitectos designed this minimalist house in Montevideo, Uruguay, for a young family on a tight budget who wanted to do most of the carpentry themselves.

All of the furnishings are by Uruguayan designers. The wooden console and iron-framed sofa are from Estudio Diario, the black metal chairs are from Estudio Claro, and the round dining table is from Samic.

All of the furnishings are by Uruguayan designers. The wooden console and iron-framed sofa are from Estudio Diario, the black metal chairs are from Estudio Claro, and the round dining table is from Samic.

Surrounded by oak trees and lush grasslands, the Field Cabin features a steeply pitched roof and an expansive glass door and decking on the front facade.

Surrounded by oak trees and lush grasslands, the Field Cabin features a steeply pitched roof and an expansive glass door and decking on the front facade.

The interior is outfitted with a birch plywood ceiling and limewashed walls.

The interior is outfitted with a birch plywood ceiling and limewashed walls.

The tiny house and eco resort are set on generations-old family land that’s remote and completely private so guests can unplug and immerse themselves in nature.

The tiny house and eco resort are set on generations-old family land that’s remote and completely private so guests can unplug and immerse themselves in nature.

White oak flooring, cabinetry, shelves, and ceiling beams add texture and warmth while referencing the wooded landscape.

White oak flooring, cabinetry, shelves, and ceiling beams add texture and warmth while referencing the wooded landscape.

The deck is constructed from standard, treated two-by-sixes from the hardware store. The oak tree in the center of the deck provides the family with shade and cooler temperatures through the humid summers, and protects from the rain as well.

The deck is constructed from standard, treated two-by-sixes from the hardware store. The oak tree in the center of the deck provides the family with shade and cooler temperatures through the humid summers, and protects from the rain as well.

Blue Dot stools sit at the custom table. The sofa is from Joybird, and the kitchen lighting is from 143 Lighting.

Blue Dot stools sit at the custom table. The sofa is from Joybird, and the kitchen lighting is from 143 Lighting.

The 323-square foot rentable cabin sluices old logging routes of the Halden Canal, letting visitors bask in the region’s beauty.

The 323-square foot rentable cabin sluices old logging routes of the Halden Canal, letting visitors bask in the region’s beauty.

The 360-degree fireplace is the functional and aesthetic centerpiece, serving as the heart of the home where guests can enjoy an early-morning coffee and a late-night chat.

The 360-degree fireplace is the functional and aesthetic centerpiece, serving as the heart of the home where guests can enjoy an early-morning coffee and a late-night chat.

The home is perched lightly on the site, and the landscape is integrated into the architecture through a form, materiality, and expansive windows. "We long for this untouched nature," says architect Line Solgaard of the site. "It brings us calmness—and maybe even helps us be more in touch with ourselves."

The home is perched lightly on the site, and the landscape is integrated into the architecture through a form, materiality, and expansive windows. "We long for this untouched nature," says architect Line Solgaard of the site. "It brings us calmness—and maybe even helps us be more in touch with ourselves."

The clients wanted a summer home that would allow them to enjoy the landscape indoors and out—although the outdoor spaces needed to be protected from the often windy weather. "That’s why we have the outdoor space to the north of the building, so it’s protected," explains Line Solgaard. The protected deck area gets the evening sun until 10pm in the summer, and views to the water are framed by large windows and a glazed wall.

The clients wanted a summer home that would allow them to enjoy the landscape indoors and out—although the outdoor spaces needed to be protected from the often windy weather. "That’s why we have the outdoor space to the north of the building, so it’s protected," explains Line Solgaard. The protected deck area gets the evening sun until 10pm in the summer, and views to the water are framed by large windows and a glazed wall.

The tiny home on wheels that Tru Form Tiny designed and built for Judy and Dean Anderson is wrapped in white-painted pine and accented with ebony-stained cedar around the door.

The tiny home on wheels that Tru Form Tiny designed and built for Judy and Dean Anderson is wrapped in white-painted pine and accented with ebony-stained cedar around the door.

The kitchen showcases quartz counters, white-painted cabinetry, open shelves, and a Prestige range with a hickory-covered hood.

The kitchen showcases quartz counters, white-painted cabinetry, open shelves, and a Prestige range with a hickory-covered hood.

200 Square Feet Per Person: An Artist’s Dream Home in Portugal

After months of waiting for approvals to build a house in Sintra, Portugal, artist Chris Saunders decided to pivot, commissioning a custom tiny home on wheels from architecture studio Madeiguincho. 

After months of waiting for approvals to build a house in Sintra, Portugal, artist Chris Saunders decided to pivot, commissioning a custom tiny home on wheels from architecture studio Madeiguincho. 

The 200-square-foot house, with its honey-colored wood cladding and contrasting blond wood interior, suits Chris perfectly. "Since moving here, I’ve simplified not only my way of living, but also my mentality and work ethic," he says.

The 200-square-foot house, with its honey-colored wood cladding and contrasting blond wood interior, suits Chris perfectly. "Since moving here, I’ve simplified not only my way of living, but also my mentality and work ethic," he says.

The home is clad in corrugated iron coated with Zincalume. "We chose the cladding so we could curve the metal sheets and create barrel-vaulted roofs," says architect William Samuels. "The finish gives a natural reflection to the surface of the house, picking up on the colors of the surrounding bush and the changing daylight."

The home is clad in corrugated iron coated with Zincalume. "We chose the cladding so we could curve the metal sheets and create barrel-vaulted roofs," says architect William Samuels. "The finish gives a natural reflection to the surface of the house, picking up on the colors of the surrounding bush and the changing daylight."

The interstitial space between the two modules holds laundry, a wardrobe, and a storage cupboard.

The interstitial space between the two modules holds laundry, a wardrobe, and a storage cupboard.

One of the first Dwell Houses, built by Abodu, was installed at Leslie Scharf’s vineyard home in Healdsburg, California. Norm Architects led the design of the 540-square-foot prefab, which is wrapped in Real Cedar siding.

One of the first Dwell Houses, built by Abodu, was installed at Leslie Scharf’s vineyard home in Healdsburg, California. Norm Architects led the design of the 540-square-foot prefab, which is wrapped in Real Cedar siding.

Abodu managed the build and delivery of the turnkey one-bedroom ADU. "The cost is up-front, transparent, all-inclusive—excluding taxes, fees, and custom site-specific work—and locked in before construction begins," says cofounder Eric McInerney. The kitchen includes a full suite of Bosch appliances.

Abodu managed the build and delivery of the turnkey one-bedroom ADU. "The cost is up-front, transparent, all-inclusive—excluding taxes, fees, and custom site-specific work—and locked in before construction begins," says cofounder Eric McInerney. The kitchen includes a full suite of Bosch appliances.

The Tiniest Homes of 2022

64 Square Feet Per Person: An Australian Tiny Home Built From Recycled Materials Reaches New Heights

The compact house is sheathed in cypress, glass, and copper and features an expandable roof.

The compact house is sheathed in cypress, glass, and copper and features an expandable roof.

Salvaged ironbark floors in the living room step down to the adjacent kitchen and dining space, creating a built-in seating area.

Salvaged ironbark floors in the living room step down to the adjacent kitchen and dining space, creating a built-in seating area.

The wood-wrapped tiny home features a deck pierced by a tree trunk.

The wood-wrapped tiny home features a deck pierced by a tree trunk.

Inside, a built-in bed features large storage drawers and cubbies.

Inside, a built-in bed features large storage drawers and cubbies.

Llabb Architettura created an experimental retreat made entirely of plywood in the mountain town of Tartago.

Llabb Architettura created an experimental retreat made entirely of plywood in the mountain town of Tartago.

"It’s simple, yet it’s expressive," architect Luca Scardulla says. "We don’t like excess. We don’t like when you enter a space, and everything is immediately declared, everything is clear. We like discovery and complexity."

"It’s simple, yet it’s expressive," architect Luca Scardulla says. "We don’t like excess. We don’t like when you enter a space, and everything is immediately declared, everything is clear. We like discovery and complexity."

Elizabeth and Matt Impola of Handcrafted Movement designed and built a 264-square-foot tiny house on a lush property in Battle Ground, Washington, where towering trees, a large pasture, and abundant wildlife create a cinematic scene.

Elizabeth and Matt Impola of Handcrafted Movement designed and built a 264-square-foot tiny house on a lush property in Battle Ground, Washington, where towering trees, a large pasture, and abundant wildlife create a cinematic scene.

A floor-to-ceiling white ceramic brick fireplace sections off the living room from the main-floor bedroom. Mint-green pocket doors slide up or down, providing both privacy and openness.

A floor-to-ceiling white ceramic brick fireplace sections off the living room from the main-floor bedroom. Mint-green pocket doors slide up or down, providing both privacy and openness.

The micro apartment in Paris that Miogui Architecture designed for a couple as an office/pied-à-terre lives much larger than its 137 square feet.

The micro apartment in Paris that Miogui Architecture designed for a couple as an office/pied-à-terre lives much larger than its 137 square feet.

The architects removed layers of finishes from the walls, exposing rough concrete columns and beams that lend texture and a historic note.

The architects removed layers of finishes from the walls, exposing rough concrete columns and beams that lend texture and a historic note.

Upon relocating to the Methow Valley, a family found their compact cabin to be a little too cozy—so they roll up their sleeves and break ground.

Upon relocating to the Methow Valley, a family found their compact cabin to be a little too cozy—so they roll up their sleeves and break ground.

Cast Architecture provided plans for the compact dwellings, and the family of four constructed them with the help of family and friends.  

Cast Architecture provided plans for the compact dwellings, and the family of four constructed them with the help of family and friends.  

The wood-clad tiny home opens in the rear and connects to nature.

The wood-clad tiny home opens in the rear and connects to nature.

The glass double doors can be propped open or closed for privacy.

The glass double doors can be propped open or closed for privacy.

The cabin is clad in corrugated metal panels. The rectangular window is positioned over the kitchen to let in light and air.

The cabin is clad in corrugated metal panels. The rectangular window is positioned over the kitchen to let in light and air.

The barn-style front doors stay open during warmer months, giving a view of Eugenia’s garden. A floating desk, Hay Design coffee table, and separate couch offer additional seating in the downstairs area.

The barn-style front doors stay open during warmer months, giving a view of Eugenia’s garden. A floating desk, Hay Design coffee table, and separate couch offer additional seating in the downstairs area.

The tree house features a rooftop deck and a steel slide beside the entrance staircase.

The tree house features a rooftop deck and a steel slide beside the entrance staircase.

The kitchen showcases birch plywood cabinetry and counters.

The kitchen showcases birch plywood cabinetry and counters.

Furniture designer Ash Dipert transformed three disused structures behind his parent’s craftsman home in Bakersfield, California, into a fun and functional ADU.

Furniture designer Ash Dipert transformed three disused structures behind his parent’s craftsman home in Bakersfield, California, into a fun and functional ADU.

The main living space was previously two separate volumes with different floor and ceiling heights. To make the queen-size Murphy bed clear the kitchen cabinets, Ash had to cut a curve into the corner of the mattress.

The main living space was previously two separate volumes with different floor and ceiling heights. To make the queen-size Murphy bed clear the kitchen cabinets, Ash had to cut a curve into the corner of the mattress.

The Tiniest Homes of 2021

35 Square Feet Per Person:  This Norwegian Wood–Wrapped Tiny Home Was Built for Freedom

Norske Mikrohus’s spruce-clad Tind tiny home was inspired by the mountains and woods of Norway.

Norske Mikrohus’s spruce-clad Tind tiny home was inspired by the mountains and woods of Norway.

The open-plan kitchen and living area are outfitted with birch veneer walls, and the flooring is ash.  

The open-plan kitchen and living area are outfitted with birch veneer walls, and the flooring is ash.  

Rast is a 174-square-foot-home that promises to get you closer to nature.

Rast is a 174-square-foot-home that promises to get you closer to nature.

Designed by Jeanette Reiss-Andersen of Norske Mikrohus, Rast is a 174-square-foot tiny home clad in dark-stained Norwegian spruce.  

Designed by Jeanette Reiss-Andersen of Norske Mikrohus, Rast is a 174-square-foot tiny home clad in dark-stained Norwegian spruce.  

The blackened timber–clad cabin that Arba designed in Longueil, Normandy, France, is marked by large glass doors, layered with wood slats that slide open and connect the home to its lush landscape.  

The blackened timber–clad cabin that Arba designed in Longueil, Normandy, France, is marked by large glass doors, layered with wood slats that slide open and connect the home to its lush landscape.  

The open-plan ground floor allows the communal spaces to flow into one another. A wooden ladder accesses the lofted bedrooms.

The open-plan ground floor allows the communal spaces to flow into one another. A wooden ladder accesses the lofted bedrooms.

"The composite structure is extraordinarily durable," says Haus.Me CEO Max Gerbut. "Its yacht-inspired exterior is created from fiberglass, stainless steel, and teak."

"The composite structure is extraordinarily durable," says Haus.Me CEO Max Gerbut. "Its yacht-inspired exterior is created from fiberglass, stainless steel, and teak."

Whether you’re looking to hit the road or build a backyard ADU, the Microhaus offers mega convenience in a pint-sized package.

Whether you’re looking to hit the road or build a backyard ADU, the Microhaus offers mega convenience in a pint-sized package.

Delo Design’s compact holiday cabin packs a kitchen, bathroom, bed, and storage into 120 square feet.

Delo Design’s compact holiday cabin packs a kitchen, bathroom, bed, and storage into 120 square feet.

The Cabin is furnished with Delo Design’s TRU chairs in cream. The bed is nestled beneath a large window that frames the landscape, and a small kitchenette sits opposite the dining zone.

The Cabin is furnished with Delo Design’s TRU chairs in cream. The bed is nestled beneath a large window that frames the landscape, and a small kitchenette sits opposite the dining zone.

Fatigued by skyrocketing housing costs and the modern world’s waning connection to nature, Lee Loewen and Payam Shalchian of Canada-based Instead create an off-grid-capable tiny house called Project 01. The 262-square-foot cabin is clad with black-stained pine that helps it to meld with the natural landscape.

Fatigued by skyrocketing housing costs and the modern world’s waning connection to nature, Lee Loewen and Payam Shalchian of Canada-based Instead create an off-grid-capable tiny house called Project 01. The 262-square-foot cabin is clad with black-stained pine that helps it to meld with the natural landscape.

The interior of the micro-cabin is finished with pine plywood that provides pattern and an organic quality. In the kitchen, stainless-steel cabinetry, counters, and appliances lend an industrial aesthetic that balances the materiality of the wood.

The interior of the micro-cabin is finished with pine plywood that provides pattern and an organic quality. In the kitchen, stainless-steel cabinetry, counters, and appliances lend an industrial aesthetic that balances the materiality of the wood.

Pin-Up Houses transformed a 20-foot shipping container into an off-grid tiny home in just three months. The eco-friendly escape is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine—and it even includes a full bath.

Pin-Up Houses transformed a 20-foot shipping container into an off-grid tiny home in just three months. The eco-friendly escape is powered by solar panels and a wind turbine—and it even includes a full bath.

The design team sprayed the metal structure’s inner walls with thermal insulation. Then they framed the interior with studs and clad it in spruce plywood.

The design team sprayed the metal structure’s inner walls with thermal insulation. Then they framed the interior with studs and clad it in spruce plywood.

Nikki Adcock and Rick Hill designed and built the Hideaway, a 162-square-foot cabin, to be a weekend retreat. It’s sided with Japanese cedar and features a matte black, corrugated steel roof that references traditional backcountry huts.

Nikki Adcock and Rick Hill designed and built the Hideaway, a 162-square-foot cabin, to be a weekend retreat. It’s sided with Japanese cedar and features a matte black, corrugated steel roof that references traditional backcountry huts.

In the cabin’s living area, a built-in plywood bed cantilevers above a storage area and a plywood bench padded with cushions.

In the cabin’s living area, a built-in plywood bed cantilevers above a storage area and a plywood bench padded with cushions.

Inspired by the idea of a living organism, Madeiguincho’s 188-square-foot cabin collects, stores, and reuses rainwater and produces food and energy.

Inspired by the idea of a living organism, Madeiguincho’s 188-square-foot cabin collects, stores, and reuses rainwater and produces food and energy.

The interior of the cabin is outfitted with a living space that converts to a sleeping area and an open kitchen. Birch plywood wraps the space, lending warmth and texture.

The interior of the cabin is outfitted with a living space that converts to a sleeping area and an open kitchen. Birch plywood wraps the space, lending warmth and texture.

Nestron’s latest tiny home, clad with steel and fiber-reinforced plastic, measures 376 square feet and is available in a one-bedroom or two-bedroom configuration.

Nestron’s latest tiny home, clad with steel and fiber-reinforced plastic, measures 376 square feet and is available in a one-bedroom or two-bedroom configuration.

Built-in furniture preserves floor space for the tiny home. The designers outfitted the dining area with a built-in table for two and created a sleek built-in sofa for the living space.

Built-in furniture preserves floor space for the tiny home. The designers outfitted the dining area with a built-in table for two and created a sleek built-in sofa for the living space.

Check out more Tiny Homes and Small Spaces stories.

Laura Mauk
Laura Mauk writes about architecture and design for Dwell, Wallpaper*, the San Francisco Chronicle, Interiors and Luxe.

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