Tiny homes have become synonymous with a minimalist lifestyle, offering a simple and self-sustaining way of life. However, not all tiny home designs are created equal. In this blog, we'll explore what’s missing from the average tiny home design and how these omissions can affect the comfort or enjoyment of your compact living space.
1. Adequate Kitchen & Benchtop Space.
Tiny home enthusiasts often overlook the dimensional limitations of their future tiny house but activities like cooking require good ergonomics. While minimalism is key, a small kitchen should still provide enough space for preparation and cooking. Occupants of Tiny Homes tend to suffer with cramped kitchens.
Module R’s kitchen layouts can accommodate ‘standard equipment dimensions’ as we provide space for 60cm benchtops (depth) and room for storage.
2. A well-planned bathroom
Tiny Homes usually contain inadequately designed bathrooms; everything is squeezed in like a caravan. A good bathroom will provide adequate circulation space, good lighting, room for storage and towel rails, a window for fresh-air and mechanical ventilation.
Module R’s Cabin-ette series of designs provide the dimensions you’d expect in a normal home, not a caravan.
3. Built-In Furniture – maybe not?
Some tiny homes feature versatile, multipurpose furniture however customised furniture is expensive. Space-saving solutions are great but you’ll pay a premium to condense everything which often defeats the goal.
Our designs accommodate standard furniture, providing you the opportunity to save money.
4. Window shading & rainwater collection considerations.
Tiny Homes are typically impractical when it comes to heating and cooling or rainwater collection. The average design excludes any thought to guttering, downpipes or window shading. Now, take another look at any given design and consider what’s missing. Just see some of the reasons you’ll struggle to get a build permit so if you want to create a permanent structure you will need to think all this through.
5. Windows & Glazing
Next time you look at a Tiny Home consider the windows. Sizing, type of glazing, framing, shading, roof overhangs; they all need to be correctly balanced to avoid overheating in summer or freezing in winter.
Module R documentation makes inclusions for elements such as double glazing to optimise comfort and minimise energy consumption. Our designs incorporate recessed windows that provide shading and weather protection.
6. Adequate Insulation & ventilation.
Although small spaces result in short structural spans the depths of walls, roofs and floors ought to be deep enough for thick insulation:
Walls @ 90mm with R2.5 / R2.7 batts
Flooring @ 90mm with R2.5 batts (if using timber subfloor framing).
Roofing / Ceiling @ minimum of 250mm with R5.0 batts
Proper ventilation is also essential in any home because poor ventilation leads to poor occupant health. Moisture, mould, and carbon dioxide will result from a house design that doesn’t breathe. A good tiny house design should incorporate operable windows in each room and fans for adequate airflow. Generally, you should install breathable wall wrap too (commonly known as sisilation).
7. Staircases
Many Tiny Homes opt for ladders or steep staircases with built-in cabinetry to enhance functionality but in places like Australia ‘innovative’ features like this won’t comply with building regulations because they’re too steep, without railings etc.
If your Tiny Home is used for accommodation you may be risking the health and safety of occupants and may even be liable for injuries.
Consider a Tiny House design which doesn’t require steep stairs or ladders. Instead allow space to spread out rather than climbing up to a cramped loft.
8. Provisions for storage.
Effective use of space is crucial in any Tiny House design. Wall-mounted shelving and cabinets help to optimise storage space and functionality.
Our design templates provide internal spaces for wardrobes as well as ‘nooks’ for shelving and joinery.
9. Accessibility Features
Tiny houses should be accessible to everyone. Most overlook the importance of features like ramps, wider doorways, accessible kitchens and bathrooms. These are essential for residents with mobility challenges.
In Australia new homes must comply with Liveability standards. Module R’s designs make inclusions for these new requirements.
10. Connection to the outdoors.
To state the obvious, Tiny Homes are small spaces. You’ll want to get outside. Consider your connection to the ground and whether to include a deck. We’ll discuss The pros and cons of Tiny Homes on wheels in a future blog post but in the meantime I’d say your best bet is to build it on the ground.
Building a Tiny Home is an exciting endeavour. By including the features listed above, you can create a more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable home. Choose your Tiny House Design wisely for an efficient, comfortable and safe outcome. This way you can enjoy the minimalist lifestyle that Tiny Homes offer.
You can use Module R’s design drawings as the basis to development approvals. Be sure to check with your Local Government Authority for any requirements in relation to planning and building at your site. This design is copyright and licensed to a single site only. The design and it’s documentation may not be copied or reproduced in any way except for the singular purpose of construction documentation and approvals associated with your nominated project and its given location.
