About this Entry
Future Proofing
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This Tiny home has been designed for long term living. With the decision to build a single level home, there will be issues with lofts or stairs in the future. The extra french doors in the bedroom mean there is an option to add on a second 'wing' or pod should the need arise for more space.
The roof space is designed to house solar panels which as will come when the budget allows. With water collection from the downpipes and the composting toilet, this house has the ability to be fully off grid.
The spaces are designed to suit a wide range of people, although potentially only fellow cat fans would be interested!
Liveability
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This Tiny has been designed to be a forever home. The owner chose a single level so that stairs would not become an issue in the future. Each space has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of every inch but also provide the most visual appeal. The walk in shower is easy to use and won't become an issue as the owner ages. The many doors provide comfort especially during the warmer months when airflow becomes necessary. However there is a heat pump/air conditioning unit for those really hot/cold days! The owner decided that we spend a lot of our lives in bed or on the sofa, so no expense was spared here with comfort. No storage couches in this house! There is plenty of storage under the bed for long term storage options.
Workmanship
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The house has been built to code all the way through. As a master builder, he put a lot of effort into using only the best, most efficient products. From the insulation - which is in the ceiling, the walls and under floor, to the wood flooring. The windows and doors are all double glazed thermally broken.
Reclaimed materials have been used in several places throughout the house. The wood on the outside panel is reclaimed hardwood. The beams are Kwila. The custom made bedside lights were made from salvaged wood and mason jars. There is also the cat's fairy door, feature beam in the kitchen and some quality bear crates are now cat beds!
The bathroom has black slate tiles on the floor, a custom made sink from Cast Creative Concrete. It also features rubbed bronze tapware and shower rose with rain head.
The builder custom made a sliding barn door for the bathroom.
Functionality/Innovation Design
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The floorplan is designed for easy living. The living areas feel very separate yet all within the same 12x3m footprint, without the need for a loft or second level.
Extra bifold doors added into the lounge area mean the house can be fully opened up on two sides. This is particularly useful for airflow according to where the wind is on any given day. It is also designed for maximum indoor/outdoor flow when both are open.
The kitchen/lounge (front and side) open onto a large wraparound deck. The deck is an extension of the living space with the option of adding in cafe blinds should the owner wish to enclose the area in the future. Entertaining is a breeze with the pergola, bifold doors and kitchen island. The kitchen is a very functional space in the heart of the home. The island has two stools for eating or catching up over a coffee and also doubles as a workspace when necessary. With access around both sides, the flow of everyday living is easy.
The owner chose to have a 'wet room' instead of the traditional shower cubicle. This gives the illusion of a much larger, more luxurious bathroom space. The shower is full width of the bathroom and has a glass screen.
The barn door on the bathroom and cavity slider on the bedroom mean there is no wasted space from opening doors.
Aesthetic Appeal & Special Features
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As soon as you drive up to the Tiny, you are immediately captured by its unique design. With it being single level with a gabled roof, it stands out amongst the traditional rectangular box shaped houses.
Your eyes are then drawn to the wraparound deck which features a built in cedar hot tub, perfect for a glass of pinot and spot of star gazing. Then you walk around to discover a magnificent pergola. A beautiful spot to sit and watch the horses grazing over the fence.
Once inside the Tiny, visitors are met with a warm and comforting space. With the hardwood floors, Kwila beams and alpine style you will feel instantly at home. An oversized couch in front of the fire has room for the owner and all her furry family. As a Veterinary Nurse and animal lover, the house is as much hers as it is her theirs. The bespoke cat wall behind the sofa provides the feline department with cosy beds and viewing platforms so they can keep watch. The cat wall continues around the wall and into the bedroom via their own door so they can also nap on the wardrobe!
The custom designed kitchen and extra large island provide ample space for creative cooking, with all the necessary appliances such as a washing machine, dish drawer and matching fridge. There is a large butler sink with traditional rubbed bronze taps. A favourite feature in the whole house is the recycled beam hanging above the island with feature lighting and plants. Plants feature throughout this Tiny as a way to bring the outside in.
The bathroom is designed to be a luxurious space. With black slate tiles on the floor and a large walk in shower, it feels spacious and spa like. The composting toilet features a pandora pedestal which looks elegant in the space, a custom made sink from Cast Creative Concrete and rubbed bronze fixtures and fittings.
The bedroom has a large king sized bed and ample wardrobe space. The Macrocapa feature wall houses two custom made wall lights. The wall lights are made from recycled hardwood and mason jars! They create a super cosy bedtime atmosphere.
Finally, the hallway houses a recycled teak bench and custom made fairy door for the cats!
Subcontractor Acknowledgements
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Paul Dixon