Tiny but Shiny

We can think big, but do we have to live like that? Working from home  this past year has turned our houses into hybrids of the office and home.Mini Blok is a freestanding, simple cabin with a footprint of 21.6m2 that doesn’t require a permit to build or own. Without any foundation anchoring Mini Blok to the ground, the tiny cabin can be positioned in any location, from the backyard to a warehouse. With fully glazed walls, The finishes and cladding of Mini Blok can be chosen from an array of different options. Constructed from natural and sustainable materials as part of Novablok’s commitment to maintaining the health of France’s forests, Mini Blok can be personalized from three different finishes. Brut is the barest option, delivering Mini Blok with only its frame and internal structuring for individuals to build and furnish the cabin however they like. 

The essential finish comes with interior wood paneling and built-in electrical networks but leaves the furnishing and interior design up to you. Finally, Mini Blok’s signature finish comes entirely furnished and fitted for electricity, water, and sewer systems. The exterior cladding can be chosen from Douglas fir, red cedar, or burnt wood created using the tried and true Japanese technique called YakisugiEven with containers is home feeling possible. This compact abode features an open and thoughtfully designed interior that optimizes the available space. Built from a high-cube shipping container, which offers extra height compared to standard containers, the Kennedy Model measures 40 feet (12.9 meters) in length. The exterior boasts a fresh coat of paint, complemented by wooden accents and multiple windows.The home’s interior spans approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters) and is elegantly finished with white shiplap walls and durable vinyl flooring. Entry is accessed through double glass doors that lead directly into the cozy living room.

Bathed in natural light, this space feels open and airy, featuring comfortable seating arrangements with a sofa, a chair, and a coffee table for entertaining guests. To ensure comfort throughout the seasons, a ceiling fan and a mini-split air-conditioning unit, as well as insulation, have been installed to counteract the natural thermal challenges of residing in what is quite literally a giant metal box!Adjacent to the living area is the L-shaped kitchen, thoughtfully designed for both function and style. It includes a breakfast bar with seating for two. The kitchen is equipped with a farmhouse-style sink, an apartment-sized fridge/freezer, and an induction cooktop, providing all the essentials for meal preparation. There is also ample space to accommodate a few more appliances, creating a well-equipped kitchen for residents.If you prefer moving your home from coast to coast .At just 8 meters (26 feet) in length, the Kookaburra boasts an efficiently designed interior that comfortably accommodates two people. It features a spacious, light-filled living area, a complete kitchen, and even a home office. It is built on a triple-axle trailer and finished with wood and metal accents. An optional large wooden deck enhances its appeal, accessible through double glass doors that seamlessly connect the interior with the outdoors. The Kookaburra offers a variety of customization options to suit diverse preferences and needs. You can add a second bedroom if needed, and it can be accessed via a ladder as well. This sleeping space is perfect for housing guests, or creating extra room for a growing family. You can also choose to add a deck area, which serves as a fun outdoor space for entertainment or relaxation. There are plenty of choices regarding the materials and furniture. For those interested in sustainable living, the tiny house can be fully equipped to operate off-the-grid. This includes the installation of solar panels for renewable energy, water tanks, and a composting toilet.Versatility in tiny house design offers a spectrum from rustic cabins to luxurious mini-mansions on wheels.

Innovative builders like this young Australian company incorporate smart architectural features and focus on energy efficiency to create truly modern mobile homes. Tiny Homes of Noosa presents an exciting and bold range of architecturally designed and engineered models, emphasizing efficiency and durability.Their sophisticated layouts deliver a contemporary feel, much like luxury mansions on a smaller scale. The Coral, one of their dual-level designs, utilizes vertical space effectively, providing comfort and functionality while reducing the dwelling’s footprint. The Coral is just under 22 feet long (6.7 meters) and 8 feet wide (2.5 meters), with a height ranging from 6.8 to 12 feet (2.1 to 3.7 meters). The upstairs bedroom is a luxurious oasis with stunning views, accommodating a two-person bed, a full-size wardrobe, and ample space to move around. What sets this tiny home’s master bedroom apart is its extensive glazing, with a full set of windows offering panoramic views on one side and oversized windows on the other, enhancing light and creating an immersive experience. The star feature of the Coral is its unique staircase design. Unlike typical dual-level tiny homes that minimize staircase size, the Coral showcases an oversized staircase that extends almost to the end of the lounge corner.The staircase is designed to align perfectly with the views from the large vertical windows, extending from the lounge to the loft’s end. Windows have also been placed above to create a sense of transparency and offer stunning views at every step. This architectural concept elevates tiny living to a sophisticated experience. To maintain an open feel, the loft bedroom features slatted railings on two sides, ensuring an unobstructed line of sight. The layout on both levels is fluid, with main living spaces seamlessly connected and large windows blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors.Small steps lead to big successes. Even the smallest homes. Yours Brad Smack