FINALIST: SAMI PAMMENTER FROM TAFE NSW
My Tiny Home design was inspired by the use of prefabricated modules that can be assembled off-site and withstand the stresses of transportation. It’s a standalone space with all the luxuries of a typical home.
A MINI PLACE TO CALL HOME
Tiny Homes can be temporary residences for those experiencing challenges, as well as increasingly affordable options for first-home buyers and those seeking a simpler life and wishing to minimise their impact on the environment.
The “Mini Mediterranean” will be one of a range of “mini” designs all based on a 37sqm floorplan. Other soon-to-be-released designs are “The Mini Marrakesh”, “The Mini New York” and “The Mini Bahamas”.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
It incorporates climate-ready solutions such as passive cooling, and innovative and sustainable materials such as exposed bamboo structural ceilings and rafters, and architectural approaches to promote cool, comfortable living with a low-carbon footprint.
The design features a large garden wall for cultivating herb gardens and fresh vegetables accessible via the exterior library ladder system.
WITHIN THESE WALLS
The aim is to create a space with everything you need within four walls. When entering through the front double timber doors, you’re in an open courtyard. A staircase leads to the open upper level, which has built-in storage beneath, and entry niche console and sliding glass doors to the residence. The kitchen is centrally located in a galley layout. The splashback is a double gasstrut window that connects to the exterior, while also providing a breakfast bar servery and more ventilation when cooking. The bathroom has a generous vanity, toilet and shower that takes advantage of the space beneath the stairs.
There’s a murphy bed that can be packed away when socialising, and built-in desk with wardrobe joinery and TV.
A SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Balancing external spaces with internal areas and blurring the boundaries between is key to the design. The upper floor houses a freestanding home bar kitchen, a built-in bench seating dining area, fireplace lounging space and oversized day bed. There’s also access via a child-safe gate down to the ground level.
With small homes costing less than a quarter of the price of regular homes and requiring significantly fewer resources to run and maintain, the Tiny Home movement will only grow as we seek simpler, more sustainable and community-focused lifestyles.