Falcon Ridge is off grid, I've future proofed my Tiny home systems with a few key systems, a large Swedish designed composting Aquatron toilet system that can service a couple of guests up to a full time small family with a rotational composting chamber system. I've installed additional solar panels to cater for higher future usage down the track, likewise I have a back up 10,000L water tank to fill my current cabin tank in dry spells. Another consideration in my design is that it's a modular system with an outdoor cooking area which could service another potential small cabin/ bedroom setup. Although the servicing up front costs were higher for these robust setups, in the long run I'll realise the benefits.

Falcon Ridge is a compact layout design, to compliment this there are multiple zones including a detached shelter with seating area, service shed and additional cooking facility, outdoor seating zones, large deck spaces, and external detached bath tub. These multiple zones allow the Tiny home living to cater for numerous living options.

The Yakisugi cladding is a craftsmanship detail of this Tiny home, the inspiration taken from a trip to Japan. The cladding was purchased during covid from a start up in Rotorua following the ancient Japanese technique of charring timber to preserve the timber, this doesn't only look sharp with loads of character it is low maintenance. The Yakisugi installation was a journey but throughly enjoyable and rewarding. Internal ply lined timber work is a real stand out internally, the high stud with pitch really makes this pop. The ply was painstakingly riveted into the metal framing, this required precision pre-driling for every rivet to be inserted, the result is pleasing to the eye. Tiling, I engaged a close friend Eddie Paul to help me bring in some ocean themed tiles, these were placed floor to ceiling in the shower and behind the bathroom sink. We also carried these through as a splash back in the kitchen joinery unit. They bring a beautiful contrast of ocean green colour to the internal timber detailing. Detached shelter, lined with recycled matai weatherboards salvaged from my Kapiti Coast house. I created a feature matai lined wall and bench which I applied linseed oil to bringing out some incredible timber characteristics. I also built a bench seat made of recycled rimu framing within this setup. The detached shelter provides seating, additional cooking facilities, firewood storage and a services shed. It's a place to observe nature with a view out to a thriving native regeneration patch.

The open plan area consists of a raised built in bed with underneath storage compartment, with a built in shelf above bed along with strategic window sill. There is a wall hung storage shelf in the open area which doubles up as a small dining bar/ hot desk, two bar stools accompany this setup. A compact efficient kitchen joinery unit includes a fridge and bin in below cupboard, cutlery utensil drawer. The sink has an insert to create more bench space when prepping larger amounts of food. There is a raised cupboard above the sink for all plates, pots, toaster etc, above that there is additional storage for cutting boards/trays and overflow items. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, basin unit and flushable composting toilet. The bathroom is detached off the main area with a super efficient layout.

The Yakisugi cladding again is the key design feature of this Tiny home, not only is it aesthetically pleasing it offers a low maintenance solution that will change visually overtime as the char breaks down. Inside there is a switch that allows the bath water to be turned on with a timer, this way it is filled perfectly for when you make your way down to the outdoor tub. The open area and bathroom is divided by a custom made Kaynemaile mesh curtain, this is a product designed out of wellington that consists of recycled plastic rings bounded together creating a Bio - circular architectural mesh, this was first used as a costume in Lord of the rings, now featured on buildings of scale across the world. This is an artistic breakup from the open area, which I believe was the finishing touch internally.

I'd like to make note of my friend Gavin Thorley who helped me bring my vision for this tiny home together, Gavin a well known local draftsman/designer was battling health issues towards the end of the build. Unfortunately he didn't see the finished product, which was to be his last project.

Gavin Thorley, Haydn Turner, Eddie Paul, Sam Dunnet, Alan Cameron