A Modernist Tiny Home Prepares to go Off-Grid

What might not come to mind is Lisa and Matt Hobbs’s black, ultra-modern 237-square-foot home, into which they brilliantly finessed a full-sized kitchen, bathroom, and a king-sized bed. Owners of the Tailored Tiny Company in Australia, the Hobbses say that the tiny house movement drew their attention as a way to reduce their environmental impact and live more sustainability. 

“The creativity expressed, as well as the challenge of creating a small functioning space, without losing the comforts of a large house, is what drew us to start designing and building our own tiny home,” according to their website. What they created is strikingly original. 

The home’s black metal exterior—with recycled hardwood timber trim—accentuates its height, while black “shade cloths” sheltering the deck give the structure a lift. Abundant windows and skylights bring in lots of natural light. A cat run at the back of the tiny home allows the kitties to play—and do their business—safely outside. 

Inside, high ceilings bring in a voluminous sense of space—which is accentuated by the skylights. A grid-like fixture hung with plants and downlights provides a biophilic feel in the living room. The kitchen sports every “indispensable” modern amenity and appliance. The couple slid the refrigerator and oven underneath the stairs leading to the loft. 

The loft runs the length of the structure. The home’s height ensures sufficient space for standing upright. A small walkway separates the master bedroom from the guest loft. Other creative storage ideas include wardrobes hidden behind large double mirrors. The double shower features beautiful tile work. We asked Lisa Hobbs more about the couple’s fascination with the tiny house movement and the home they designed. 

Tiny Footprint, Off-Grid Potential

Q: How did you get interested in the tiny home movement? 

A: I’ve been interested in tiny houses for about six years, with the goal of building or buying one at some stage. Matt was thinking of making a shipping-container house before we met. When I mentioned the tiny houses on our first date, it planted a seed and not long after we were in the process of designing and building.

Q: Is there anything you miss? 

A: Not at all. An essential part of the design was functionality. Everything has its place. Everything has a purpose. Because we didn’t skimp on the quality of the finishes, the house feels just like a typical house, just slightly smaller.

Start Downsizing Now

Q: What advice do you have for homeowners thinking about moving into a tiny home? 

A: Start the downsizing process long before you move. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle and reducing your consumption will make the change so much easier. Find a design that meets your needs. What works for us won’t always work for someone else.

Q: What other challenges might homeowners face? 

A: In Australia, the lack of clarity in council and government regulations can be a challenge. No one has recognized the tiny house as a viable future housing solution, so when you have a conversation with people, the blank stares and confused questions can be tricky. Another challenge is finance, as the councils and banks are still unsure about tiny houses and their viability as housing. Is it an asset? Will it accumulate in value? Will it depreciate like a used car or caravan? 

Q: What is the process of designing a tiny home for a client? 

A: We start with basic questions like budget, size, and time frame for delivery. Then we move onto the design process. We chat about what is essential, what is a need, and what is a want. Then we talk about the future. Are there kids coming down the line? Or is this a holiday home? These things, along with the budget, will determine a lot of the design. For example, the project we’re on at the moment requires a second bedroom on the ground floor. The couple wants kids, and this room will eventually be a nursery. This means the size of the bathroom is smaller. 

Q: What’s the most common question you get about tiny homes? 

A: “Where do I start?” My answer is: Get a budget together, list your needs, and then list your wants. Start the downsizing process. Then hit Google! Research trailer builders in your area, research materials you might need want to use, chat with a builder. Even if you’re building it yourself, having a second opinion will help with stuff that looks good in your head, but in the real world isn’t worth doing. Draw up some designs you might like, check out other tiny houses, talk to your council, and, most importantly, find somewhere to park it. You’re off to an excellent start.