About this Entry
Future Proofing
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When planning this build, we made sure this would continue to suit the clients as they age. Being a single level Tiny, this already ticks so many boxes! Specific focus was made with the higher position of the dish-drawer, pull out rubbish bin (with recycling dividers) and the raised height of the washer/dryer combo to reduce bending. The shower is 1000mm x 1000mm allowing for a shower stool to be used in the future if required, and nogs pre planned for future handrail in the shower also. Both base cabinet corner cupboards in the kitchen are fitted with corner rotating storage units for ease of access also. This Tiny has been pre-wired for future solar with a fuse box large enough to cater for it, and it already has a roof penetration, with waterproof lid for easy solar install. It can have either a 16amp, 32amp or main power connection for future site compatibility, currently running on a 32amp plug. It has an external power connection so the pod can connect directly into the Tiny without needing an additional power source. It can take a normal flushing toilet (with pipe work already in place) and has a rear bathroom door so future clients could attach another pod for increased accommodation options. The cladding is Weathertex which as a 25-year warranty and is Branz Appraised. It is a great choice for the client and the planet! Better than zero carbon footprint. 100% natural: 97% natural timber and 3% natural wax. Termite resistant: all sugars and starches removed. No chemical additives: no artificial glues, resins or formaldehydes and no silica. This Tiny has a 5yr Builders Warranty that passes to the new owners should they decide to sell Tiny during this time.
Liveability
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The most functional room in the house is the HUGE kitchen! Featuring a beautiful under-mounted Ecogranit sink, allowing for easy wipe down, with a stunning Hi-Macs acrylic bench-top. This top has a 15yr warranty and has a visually seamless surface! The material meets the highest standards for quality in all aspects: material performance, fabrication, functionality, and hygiene. It is manufactured in accordance with environmental standard ISO:14001 and are NSF and Greenguard Certified.
By having the kitchen sink positioned at the huge bifold window it connects the chef with the outside... “Bringing the outside in”. The sink position was another reason for going with the white Echogranit sink, over a Stainless-steel option, to reduce glare when the sun is shining. We have also installed a 95% UV Blocking sunshade roller blind here and throughout the build to further reduce sun glare when needed. Along with sunshades on the front walls, we have installed insect screens to the windows that would be left open at night to create air flow, while not getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Windows selected for this purpose all have safety catches so they can also sleep knowing they are safe.
Brushed nickel tapware has been used throughout, including an instant hot water tap in the kitchen which keeps water usage to a minimum and reduces the need to have a kettle or jug on the bench, using up bench space. This kitchen has a full height pantry with drawers, lift-up overhead cupboard above the fridge, full bifold opening overhead corner cabinets, and standard height overhead cupboards across the full width of the end wall. This along with the cutlery drawers and 600 wide pot drawers, all allow for a massive amount of storage in this kitchen!
Along with kitchen storage they also have a full height wardrobe in the bedroom, with sliding doors on a triple track for full access, and full height linen cupboard in the bathroom, to allow them to keep all their items close at hand. The custom-made ottoman in the beautiful Duck Egg coloured fabric also has storage inside for extra blankets etc. The 900mm wide floating vanity has huge drawers for excellent convenient storage, as does the mirror cabinet and open shelves above. The laundry is fitted with a custom tall store unit beside the machine, perfect for storing the laundry basket etc. and an additional custom-made drawer below the machine for cleaning products, detergents, and less frequently used items.
The electrical plan was designed with the client’s needs in mind. We have even installed an LED strip under the vanity that turns on with a sensor at night for a soft pathway light to the toilet. We have also installed sensor lights to the front and rear of the Tiny, so the exterior lights come on automatically reducing trip hazards in the evenings. Beside the sofa, we have added 2x fitted birch ply shelves removing the need to have a coffee table. These also allow for their dinner trays to be stored neatly beside them. The TV is on a swivel bracket allowing for easy watching from the kitchen or the sofa. USB charging power points have been positioned both sides of the sofa for ‘his’ and ‘her’ charging spots!
Access via the frosted glass rear door allows for them to get to the clothesline and also quickly into the bathroom when out gardening. It also allows for great ventilation and brings in fabulous natural light. The flooring is a luxury vinyl tile that has a 20yr warranty. It is rated for heavy residential use, slip resistant, castor chair compatible, Greentag Certified, BREEAM certified (ENP 461), FloorScore®, A+ Emissions. The Major Oak colour has hints of brown tones and grey tones, so it works perfectly with the decor.
As ventilation is very important in all Tiny's, we have therefore included an integrated range hood in the kitchen, an extractor fan and a shower dome in the bathroom, double catches on all windows which are double glazed, and all with toughed glass (both panes). We have used thermal breaks between the frames and the floor and also the roof. The heat pump is installed above the kitchen cupboards to direct either warm or cool air down the length of
the home. All our builds have an Electrical Code of Compliance + are Inspected & Warrant of Electrical Fitness granted. They also have Plumbing and Gas Coc, providing the client with safety and security knowing these crucial items have been installed correctly.
Workmanship
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Our team are super proud to put their names behind this build! They all worked hard to accommodate the needs of the client who is also one of our builders! We would like to make a special mention of the benchtop fabrication which is flawless! The joins are expertly joined on site and are invisible! and the undermounted sink is perfectly fitted and allows for easy wipe down.
No expense was spared for this beautiful build, using luxury fixtures and fittings including items like; Thermoformed kitchen cabinets, with are created with a mixture of vacuum pressure and heat to wrap the vinyl surface around the front and sides of the cabinetry door and drawer panels, creating a perfect seamless edge. This means it provides excellent moisture-resistance and durability. We used J-frame timber for the frames offering a true straight frame which the builders enjoyed using. Where gib board is used for the smooth perfect paint finish, in wet areas we have used Aqua gib to achieve longevity in the build and treated green tongue ply is used on the floor. The individually installed TG&V 9mm pine wall lining has been glued and nailed, then every nail hole has been filled and sanded for the perfect paint finish, while achieving great character.
The structural integrity of the build starts from the rigid steel floor which is designed with 2x - 150x50x3 RHS galvanised steel rails running the full length of the Tiny and the Pod. This not only aligns with the trailer frame, but it also creates a super strong foundation! Both the Tiny and the Pod construction method is a hybrid of timber and steel with 90mm timber frames (which are a bit more forgiving than steel frames while in transit) and a galvanised steel trailer and floor frame. The ceiling frames are 50x50x3mm with full length 4 of 9 welds and painted, also super strong preventing any twisting and racking of the build when lifted with a hiab.
This home is able to achieve building Code of Compliance like a normal house. The striking Weathertex cladding, softness of the TG&V pine interior lining and beautiful moisture resistant melamine ceilings with invisible fixings and white negative detail, all contribute to the feeling of luxury in this build.
The reason and inspiration for the colour scheme used in the build. Our clients wanted a light bright modern Tiny, with a nod to the Hamptons style. This is referenced with the use of the white window joinery with wider facings and windowsills, and the Resene Duck Egg Blue cladding, mirrored in the Pod. Internally we have used Resene Half white pointer for the walls with white window frames and doors. The kitchen was an area where we wanted to bring in some character with the deeper soft green base cabinets with the Thermorformed matt doors, the colour is Matchamisu. This perfectly aligned with the gorgeous aqua subway tiles, which are also replicated in the bathroom bringing cohesiveness to the home.
Functionality/Innovation Design
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This Kowhai plan is a perfect single level design focusing on easy flow, maximising living with no hallway! The kitchen function has been carefully thought through with inclusions like; pantry with drawers, large fridge/freezer, separate rubbish/recycling and composting containers.
LED strip lighting under the overhead cabinets create fabulous task lighting and so much more! Bench space has been maximised by: lifting the microwave up off the bench, the use of an instant hot water tap, meaning no need for a jug or a kettle, and with the use of a portable induction hob, that can easily be put away, we no longer need to have it built-in hob using valuable bench space when it’s not in use.
The pod has been designed to suit the needs of the user, right down to including a power point installed in the ceiling for centralised ironing without trip hazards! The sewing machine desk sizes and exiting storage units were known prior to manufacture so window placement was designed around this, for a perfectly functioning space!
Aesthetic Appeal & Special Features
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When you walk into this Tiny it has a homely feel, and you can see nothing has been sacrificed. The designer feature lights over the beautiful benchtop giving it a luxury look as does the stunning kitchen!
The mono pitch roof allows for high windows to bring in loads of natural light with its 2.7m ceiling height and the feeling of spaciousness is also enhanced with the 3m wide floor plan. Window placement and type have been carefully considered in this home and pod. Starting with the super functional bifold layback kitchen window (which folds right back onto the house) – a perfect pass through when entertaining and shows off the stunning views out to Mt Maunganui! The large French Doors with light pane above, the triple stacker ranch slider in the bedroom gives that extra wide entrance, and clear views when laying in bed! The opening window in the fixed pane is perfect for creating cross ventilation and is on a safety catch and has an insect screen installed also.
The high window in the bathroom achieves privacy without having to have a frosted window on the front of the house and lets in plenty of light and great ventilation.
The cavity slider between the lounge and the kitchen is perfect for separating spaces if quiet time is required. The beautiful barn door in the bedroom is a stunning feature leading to the bathroom. This also allows for plumbing in the wall behind the door for the vanity.
The dimmable bedside lights are positioned perfectly for easy reach and dim for late night reading without interrupting the other person. The bedroom ceiling fan with light is perfect for those hot summer nights moving the air softly through the room.
The Separette Villa 9000 toilet is a great composting option with power and vents pre planned to accommodate this unit. The addition of custom overhead toilet storage is a great spot for spare toilet rolls and other quick access bathroom items.
The large heated towel rail is a great solution for keeping the space dry without wet towels hanging around, and this has been positioned high on the wall for easy access for our older clients.
Subcontractor Acknowledgements
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Photo credit: Boundless Vision