Tiny Houses are starting to gather attention in countries outside of the US, and this curvaceous tiny house, dubbed Tinystream, can be found in France. It’s been built by the French tiny house builder, La Tiny House. To date, the company has completed 15 different models.
Many European countries already have plenty of small dwellings; they’re often found in their historic cities where the “bigger is better” motif didn’t hold ground in the past. However, it hasn’t stopped tiny houses becoming a bit of a phenomenon on the continent, with more tiny house builders popping up with each passing week.
In Europe, tiny house builders have to deal with a reduced maximum trailer weight of 3.5 tons (7,700 lbs) versus the American standard of about 5 tons (10,000 lbs). This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it forces designers to produce more innovative, lightweight solutions and to minimize the size of the homes.
The Tinystream, which takes inspiration from vintage Airstream trailers, is composed of a lightweight steel frame. The exterior is finished in wood siding, while the interior is a mix of white walls and bare wood. The house extends to the outside with a small sheltered exterior deck.
The layout features a small living area next to the patio doors, followed by a breakfast bar on one side and the kitchen on the other. The back of the house is occupied by the bathroom. It contains the home’s hot water heater, a composting toilet and a shower and sink.
A small circular staircase provides access to the loft, which has space for a queen size bed and clothing storage. Each of La Tiny House’s homes can be hooked up to utilities, or kitted out with solar panels. Prices range from 23,000 – 45,000 euros ($26,400 – $50,500). They also have the option of partially finishing the homes for DIYer’s and those on a tighter budget.
Via TreeHugger
Photos: La Tiny House
I think this is great. I like the other humble homes models too. I live in Canada . My wife died recently and I am on my own ….with my Brittany Spaniel Rollo. Can I get a tiny home built here on the Canadian prairie. Our winters can experience -35 and yesterday it was +35. Extremes are the norm but that said it’s 20 to 30 from now until September.
Looking for some help with a tiny house Plan. Cheers, Tom
I can not imagine having my toothbrush sitting out in the open, 3 feet away from a “composting” toilet.
I just can not handle a composting toilet in a small space.
I can not imagine having my toothbrush sitting out in the open, 3 feet away from a “composting” toilet.
I just can not handle a composting toilet in a small space. I also can not imagine how to sleep peacefully in a coffin-like space which is most lofts.
Kristina… have you tried? It is amazing at what one can actually do if one tries. Have you ever even used a composting toilet? And an advantage a composting toilet has is no spray, hence airborne contaminated water, floating around the room. So from a hygiene point of view it is in fact a better option than having a toilet in a conventional bathroom that also has a toilet. Having said that I’ve never known anybody to come down sick due to airborne coliforms.
As for the “coffin like” lofts, in the example above one can sit in the bed and have scads of room above one’s head.
Tom, I understand your desire to change into smaller and more affordable living space as you are now on your own. However, you need to assess what you want your lifestyle to be, before rushing off to build a tiny home.
Canada is a stickler for building code compliance and zoning regulations. Spend the summer exploring with the Province and municipalities the rules about tiny homes vs. RV and possible lot locations for either type of living. Perhaps renting a spot in someone’s backyard as a “senior or granny flat” could be considered.
Dependent upon your age and physical health you may find tiny homes cannot be located near City services. Also, it is not easy to go from a 2-3 bedroom house/condo to one room. If you are unable to continue to afford living where you are for another year, then rent a small apartment in a bldg or in a home where your pet and yourself have access to the outdoors.
Living in a tiny home is quite an adjustment. Even more so for someone who is trying to adjust to the loss of their spouse. Before buying or building tiny accommodations, sign up for a few on-line courses that will help you adjust and determine your needs to tiny home living.
The temperature extremes you mention are just one small factor of insulation. But what about wind, rain, snow depth, raccoons, mice, etc. Can you get heat, power and water or do you need to be off grid? That may depend where municipalities will allow tiny homes. Maybe you want to travel, and that will require a different analysis of your requirements plus towing knowledge. Talk with family and friends and have them help you research your alternatives before making any major purchases.
Keep us posted on your progress.