This tiny home has been purposefully designed to support the changing needs of its owner over time, while maintaining low operating and maintenance costs. Created as a peaceful, functional retreat for a retired artist living independently, the home is equally suited to a couple, extended family member, or future tenants—offering flexibility well beyond its original brief. Built on a single level with a generous layout, it includes a separate bedroom, bathroom, laundry, and an enclosed catio. The open-plan living, kitchen, and dining areas offer easy flow and can be reconfigured as needs evolve. The spacious lounge area, in particular, can be adapted for additional sleeping, working, or hobby space. Abundant windows provide natural light all day, making the home feel open and welcoming regardless of where it is placed on a site. At 13 x 3.4m, the home is larger than a standard tiny house yet remains fully transportable—built on a steel-framed deck with a removable wheel dolly. This allows it to be relocated with minimal disruption, providing flexibility for changing locations or living situations in the future. The home is fully self-contained and equipped with a caravan plug, flushing toilet, tap water inlet, and greywater outlet, making it suitable for both temporary and permanent installations depending on the site’s infrastructure. These features allow it to function independently while remaining cost-effective to run and connect. Durability and low-maintenance living have been central to the build. High-quality materials—including steel framing, Colorsteel cladding and roofing, and interior plywood linings—have been selected for their resilience and longevity. Full insulation (wall and ceiling batts, underfloor polystyrene), double-glazed aluminium windows, and a heat pump ensure year-round thermal efficiency and reduce ongoing energy costs.

This Tiny Home was thoughtfully designed in close collaboration between the client and Cocoon Tiny Homes, with every element tailored to support the client’s lifestyle, routines, and long-term comfort. Each space was carefully planned to accommodate specific items the client already owned, demonstrating a personalised, needs-based approach to liveability. For example, the laundry cabinetry was built to fit her preferred cat food bag, vacuum, washing basket, and storage containers—ensuring daily tasks are seamless and efficient. An extension of the catio, a small covered verandah sits just outside the laundry door, which serves as the sole entry to the home. This sheltered space provides a practical area to remove coats, shoes, or wet-weather gear before entering, helping to keep the interior clean and dry. This also prevents visitors from stepping directly into the main living space—preserving the homeowner’s privacy and offering a gentle transition between outdoors and in. Several bespoke features crafted by our in-house cabinetmakers further enhance the home’s functionality. In the bedroom, a custom-built desk and storage cupboard support the client’s artistic practice, positioned to take advantage of natural light from a well-placed window. The living room features a custom bookshelf and storage unit with integrated power for a printer, as well as open shelving for display. A combined wine rack and cupboard adds personality and practicality to the lounge area. The open-plan kitchen and living space has been optimised for flow, comfort, and everyday usability. French doors open into the enclosed catio space, allowing for uninterrupted indoor-outdoor flow in any weather. The kitchen is packed with thoughtful details, including an under-bench pantry with custom pull-out drawers, a microwave nook to free up bench space, a built-in rubbish bin, and a central island that adds storage, prep space, and a casual dining area. A custom pull-out board above the oven provides extra bench space when needed—an elegant, space-saving solution for compact living. Storage throughout the home has been prioritised, with ample built-in solutions including a standout walk-in wardrobe in the bedroom, helping the client stay organised and clutter-free. Insect screens on all opening windows and doors allow for natural ventilation while keeping insects out. The fully enclosed catio offers a secure outdoor area for the client’s cats, supporting both comfort and peace of mind. From layout to detailing, this home reflects a deep understanding of how thoughtful, personalised design can significantly enhance daily life—making it not just beautiful, but truly liveable for the long term.

At Cocoon Tiny Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional workmanship, with a strong focus on quality materials and attention to detail throughout every stage of the build. This home features steel framing as standard, offering a lightweight yet robust structure that ensures durability and long-term peace of mind. The Colorsteel cladding and roofing, finished entirely in Cloud, are premium materials specifically engineered to withstand New Zealand’s climate. Installed with precision, they provide a watertight, ventilated, and vermin-proof exterior that requires minimal maintenance over time. Built on a Duragalv steel deck chassis, the home includes a removable wheel dolly and drawbar, providing flexibility within New Zealand’s evolving tiny home regulations. This design detail reflects our understanding of both practical and legal considerations for tiny living. One of the standout features of this build is the custom-built cabinetry and furniture. The client approached us with her ideas and specifications, and we worked collaboratively to bring them to life. Our in-house cabinet makers hand-crafted each piece with care, including shaker-profile cabinetry in the kitchen, barn doors throughout, and select furniture pieces. Many of these elements were finished in custom paint colours chosen by the client—colours not found in standard ranges—requiring each panel to be individually painted and lacquered before assembly. Further showcasing our team’s craftsmanship, the decorative exposed beams in the living area were handmade and stained to match furniture created by the client’s late husband. This personal touch not only honours the client’s story but also demonstrates the care we take in marrying emotional significance with design execution. Another example of functional craftsmanship is the pull-out Rimu board above the kitchen oven—a beautifully constructed, space-saving feature that reflects our team’s deep knowledge of spatial design and practical problem-solving in compact environments. Additional high-quality finishes throughout the home include ABI brushed brass tapware, Sunray insect screens on every opening window and door, and thoughtful detailing that enhances both livability and long-term performance. This build is a true reflection of the care, skill, and pride we bring to every Cocoon Tiny Home.

The floorplan of this Tiny Home has been carefully designed to optimise functionality, comfort, and privacy within a compact footprint. Every zone has a clear purpose, contributing to a smooth daily flow and highly efficient use of space. With the French doors opening into the enclosed catio area, the laundry door is the sole entry point to the home. This thoughtful layout provides an added layer of privacy and security, ensuring visitors don’t step directly into living spaces upon arrival. The catio roof extends to form a small covered verandah over the laundry door, offering a sheltered area to remove shoes and coats before entering. This feature enhances day-to-day practicality while maintaining a clean and tidy interior. The bedroom is located at the far end of the home, providing a quiet, private retreat. A large window above the custom-built desk fills the space with natural light—perfect for the homeowner’s creative work. The adjoining walk-in wardrobe offers generous storage for clothing, linens, and seasonal items, supporting both organisation and long-term usability. A centrally placed bathroom enhances both privacy and practicality. Its location allows guests to access it without entering the bedroom, helping to maintain clear boundaries between private and shared spaces. Just beside the bathroom, a dedicated laundry area has been discreetly tucked into the floorplan. Its position between the bathroom and kitchen allows for convenient access while remaining unobtrusive and usable at any time—regardless of whether other areas are occupied. The kitchen is a standout example of functional, space-savvy design. A central island doubles as prep space and casual dining, encouraging interaction and flexibility. A microwave nook keeps benchtops uncluttered, while a custom pull-out rimu board above the oven extends workspace when needed—an elegant, space-saving feature. The enclosed catio extends directly from the living space, offering a secure outdoor area for pets while enhancing ventilation and providing insect protection. This clever addition allows the home to open up to fresh air without sacrificing safety or comfort. Together, these design choices reflect a thoughtful and innovative approach to compact living—where every element contributes to a floorplan that is efficient, adaptable, and functional.

This Tiny Home stands out for its refined aesthetic and the deeply personal design touches that reflect the creative spirit of its owner. From the outset, the client—an artist and lifelong maker—brought a clear, inspired vision to the project. The result is a space that is both visually striking and rich in character, meaning, and quiet elegance. The exterior is clean and architectural, with a sleek, monochromatic palette in Colorsteel Cloud. A continuous monopitch roofline gives the home a streamlined silhouette, offering a modern yet timeless look that sits comfortably in both urban and rural settings. Inside, the palette is soft and sophisticated. Understated hues are elevated by brushed brass accents—featured in the tapware, handles, towel hooks, and door hardware—adding warmth and a touch of luxury. Shaker-style lacquered cabinetry, barn doors, and a classic butler’s sink introduce traditional charm, while decorative ceiling beams in the living room add dimension and visual interest. A standout detail is the use of Carpet Sand tiles—made in Spain and installed in the bathroom, laundry, and kitchen splashbacks. With encapsulated gold nanoparticles across 16 randomised patterns, these tiles bring a contemporary, artistic edge. Finished with brass edging strips and off-white grout, they echo the home’s metallic accents and unify the design. Timber features made from the client’s late husband’s work lend sentimental value, while custom cabinetry—designed by Cocoon’s in-house makers—supports the client’s creative lifestyle. Highlights include a built-in wine rack, printer-ready bookshelf, art desk, and a clever pull-out drawer above the oven for additional bench space. The layout supports both daily life and creative work, with natural light positioned to enhance art-making and open wall space reserved for display. A fully enclosed catio adds a whimsical, functional element, offering a secure space for pets and fresh air. Every element—from curated finishes to handcrafted details—has been chosen to reflect the client's values, resulting in a home that is elegant, thoughtful, and truly one of a kind.

Bay Engineering Solutions Ltd, Flexible Steel Frames Ltd, 80 Structures, Metalcraft, Alitech Window Systems, GGE Electrical Services Ltd, Plumbing & Gasfitting Ltd, Transformation Tiling Ltd, Dezignatek, ABI Interiors Ltd, Plumbing World Tauranga, Ultra Surface Solutions, Curtain Girl Waihi Ltd, Sunray Insect Screens, KKBS ITM, Blum