Tag Homes

We discovered the beauty and magic of tiny homes a couple of years ago, and we’re happy to see it was an excellent discovery. Since then, tiny homes have gained immense popularity, and been experimented with to create even better, more beautiful, and functional designs. We saw a torrent of ingenious and thoughtfully designed tiny homes in 2023, and we’ve curated some of our favorites for you. These unique tiny homes are space-saving and eco-friendly, reducing the load on Mother Earth, while also managing to look as cute as a button. From a 3D-printed tiny home that has the same price tag as a car to the world’s smartest tiny home that expands up to 3 times its original size – these tiny homes will have you swooning!

1. Nestron’s Tiny Homes

Nestron’s range of tiny homes is pretty sleek and futuristic with a highly customizable and aesthetically pleasing prefab design. The range includes the – Cube One (C1), Cube Two (C2), and Cube Two X (C2X) homes that cost from $42.2k to $126.6k, depending on the configuration you choose at Nestron’s online showroom.

Why is it noteworthy?

The futuristic homes include solar electricity (or local electricity), heating, and a fully-equipped bathroom with a smart toilet. The interiors can be customized, and they’re quite stunning and ideal for sci-fi fans who want their own futuristic homes!

What we like

• Almost everything is handled by Nestron – from logistics and transport to unloading
• Built from recyclable materials

What we dislike

• They’re not very spacious, even the most expensive option, Cube Two X, only offers 398 square feet of space

2. Pod Studio

Meet the world’s smartest tiny home called Pod Studio! Designed by California-based Podform, the Pod Studio is an innovative and one-of-a-kind tiny home that can expand up to three times its original size. It is built using steel and aluminum and features a solar awning energy system

Why is it noteworthy?

The original size of the Pod Studio is 161 square feet, and it can be converted to 454 square feet within 15 minutes! It is easily transportable and portable and doesn’t need any foundation, because of its built-in hydraulic legs.

What we like

• Equipped with solar panels and smart technology that can be easily controlled through an app

What we dislike

• It’s not out on the market yet, so we’re not sure what the final home will be like

3. Vagabundo Flex

This special little home is called the Vagabundo Flex, and it extends over two levels, thanks to an innovative automated lifting root system that provides the home with enhanced comfort and functionality. The unique home is constructed using timber framing, wood fiber insulation, and double-glazed aluminum windows.

Why is it noteworthy?

It features an innovative and unique design that supports the roof, allowing it to rise to a height of 20.3 feet, which creates a spacious and expansive interior that occupies 300 square feet.

What we like

• Bulky elements have been smartly hidden in corners and cupboards
• Equipped with essential amenities, including panoramic windows and timber furnishings

What we dislike

• Hefty price tag as compared to other tiny homes on the market

4. Fujitsubo

Japanese construction startup Serendix unveiled ‘Fujitsubo’ – a small home priced at 5.5 million yen or around $37,600! Serendix says it takes almost 44.5 hours to print and assemble the home.

Why is it noteworthy?

This compact home is called the Fujitsubo, or “the barnacle”, and it occupies only 538 square feet, which is quite small when compared to the average American home, which happens to be five times large. The home is 3D-printed and houses one bedroom, a bathroom, and an open living room connected to a kitchen.

What we like

• Costs as much as a car while offering essential amenities and features

What we dislike

• It’s still in the conceptual phase, so we’re not sure how the final structure will turn out to be

5. Câpsula

This tiny homes concept is called Câpsula, and it is designed by architecture studio i29. Launched during Dutche Design Week 2023, these prefabricated cabins and tiny homes are inspired by design-led thinking and aim to be simple yet functional.

Why is it noteworthy?

The project is pretty small-scale but the plans and ambitions for it are quite large. The goal and intention behind the project is to promote slow living, and create the ideal cabin architecture with a couple of amazing options.

What we like

• Influenced by the minimalist style of architecture
• Equipped with top-notch amenities and features

What we dislike

• The small footprint of the homes may be considered too small for some

6. Ecocapsule NextGen

A few years ago, Ecocapsule launched a unique egg-shaped off-grid tiny home which was a major hit! And, now they’ve released a new and improved version called the Ecocapsule NextGen. The Ecocapsule NextGen promises to be an upgraded and elevated version of the tiny home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Ecocapsule NextGen is larger than the previous home, it has been expanded to 5.2m from 4.67m, which makes it bigger than the original version, while also allowing it to maintain a compact and efficient form.

What we like

• Features a gull-wing door that makes the home more open to the outdoors

What we dislike

• It’s not released on the market, so we don’t know what the actual final product will be like

7. The Nest

Dubbed the Nest, this tiny cabin is one of the short-term rental properties available at ReWild Rentals. Nestled in Hocking Hills, Ohio, the cabin displays the stunning beauty of the location to the guests. It features a unique layout that makes it feel much bigger than it is!

Why is it noteworthy?

The small house is clad in black board-and-batten wood siding, providing it with a modern and contemporary vibe which is further defined by a long sloping roof on one side, which also offers shelter to the outdoor patio.

What we like

• Unique layout unlike the typical tiny homes, which makes it feel much larger than it is

What we dislike

• The barn-style door can be considered a bit old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy in the bathroom, which is inconvenient for residents

8. Sakura Tiny House

Designed by Canada-based Acorn Tiny Homes, the Sakura tiny house is intended to be a game-changer compared to typical tiny homes on the market. It doesn’t feature wheels, but instead is equipped with an innovative space-saving interior which includes a transforming bedroom and kitchen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sakura tiny home is breaking ground in the tiny home arena, by taking this popular housing style to a whole new and upgraded version. It is inspired by popular Japanese design trends, which can be even witnessed in its name.

What we like

• Heavily inspired by Japanese design holistically
• Features a flexible multipurpose space, making it truly one-of-a-kind

What we dislike

• It can accommodate two residents and only two guests, and it could be a tight fit. Not the best option for families who like to host people

9. Browny

Coined Browny, this adorable-looking tiny home ranks high on versatility, as it can effortlessly and efficiently house a home office, exercise area, and a guest bedroom within a length of 6 meters, while also proving to be quite comfortable.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Browny is supported by a double-axle trailer and finished in red cedar, which is further accentuated by aluminum accenting and a roof. It is a great-looking tiny home with a generous amount of glazing to maximize natural light within the home.

What we like

• Accommodates multiple amenities in a small space
• Features integrated storage space

What we dislike

• Doesn’t feature a proper kitchen and bathroom, which can be inconvenient for users

10. Samara and James’ Tiny Home

This 16-foot-long tiny home was designed by a lovely couple Samara and James, and is home to them. It features all the design ideas and moves you usually wouldn’t execute in a small space, making this tiny home a truly unique one.

Why is it noteworthy?

Although the interior and exterior have a dark theme, and there aren’t a lot of windows in the house, the home still manages to be quite spacious with a certain balance to it, while maintaining a serene connection to the site it is located on.

What we like

• Inspired by Japanese design, especially by shou sugi ban
• Features three modules, that can be moved and reconfigured if the home ever needs to be expanded

What we dislike

• It only features an outdoor shower, which some people may not be comfortable with

Imagine a wind turbine, but not as you know it. Instead of the familiar towering structures with rotating blades, picture a compact, hexagonal grid resembling a honeycomb, perched atop urban buildings or integrated into existing structures. This is the essence of Katrick’s design – a radical departure from traditional wind turbines, both in form and function. These turbines harness the power of wind through oscillating aerofoils, a far cry from the spinning blades we’re used to.

Designer: Katrick Technologies

As companies rush to figure out better and more effective solutions for harnessing sustainable energy (while the world grapples with the migration to these energies), the Glasgow-based startup, is making waves (or should I say, catching them?) with their innovative bladeless honeycomb wind turbines. Unlike the towering, rotary-blade turbines that dominate our landscapes, Katrick Technologies’ creation is a breath of fresh air in both design and functionality.

At the heart of this technology are the aerofoils, the unsung heroes of Katrick’s design. They work by capturing wind energy and converting it into mechanical oscillations. These oscillations are then transformed into electricity, providing a greener energy solution. This method not only captures lower levels of wind, making it more efficient in less windy conditions, but also makes the turbines more suited for urban environments, where space is at a premium and wind levels can be lower.

The design philosophy of Katrick Technologies is rooted in creating eco-friendly, innovative engineering solutions. While the firm is relatively new, it’s already carving a niche for itself in the renewable energy sector. Traditional wind turbines, with their considerable land and maintenance requirements, often pose logistical and financial challenges. In contrast, Katrick’s honeycomb turbines offer a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative, especially in urban landscapes where space is limited.

But it’s not all sunshine and breezes. Bladeless turbines, including Katrick’s design, have faced some skepticism. Critics, including those from the MIT Technology Review, have pointed out that despite their lower cost and environmental footprint, bladeless turbines might not be as efficient in energy generation as their traditional counterparts. However, Katrick’s innovative approach might just tip the scales. According to the company, just 1 kilometer of their roadside panels could charge a significant number of electric vehicles or power hundreds of homes annually.

Moreover, the design’s safety and environmental features can’t be overlooked. The slower-moving aerofoils in the honeycomb structure are likely less hazardous to birds than traditional turbines. Plus, their unobtrusive design, small footprint, and minimal environmental impact make them an attractive option for urban settings.

Don’t get enough sunlight at home to grow your plants? This one is for you! In the ever-evolving world of smart technology, there’s a new contender that’s set to revolutionize the way we care for our indoor plants – Equinox. More than just a grow light, Equinox is a meticulously designed product that mimics the natural orbit of the sun, ensuring your pet plants receive the optimal light they need for robust growth and vitality.

Designer: Yechan Choi (Yekki)

Equinox takes its inspiration from the celestial dance of the sun around the Earth, specifically designed to replicate the sun’s position in the sky. The name itself, Equinox, signifies the time when day and night are of equal length, a crucial period in the natural world. This smart grow light is engineered to provide your plants with the same quality and intensity of light they would receive outdoors.

One of the standout features of Equinox is its ability to provide light at the same angle as the sun. This is achieved through a sophisticated system of LEDs that move in calculated angles over time. By utilizing sunrise and sunset time data, Equinox ensures that your plants receive the right spectrum of light throughout the day, promoting photosynthesis and fostering healthy growth.

Equinox goes beyond traditional grow lights by integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technology. With built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, you can effortlessly control the brightness and color temperature of the lights using a dedicated app on your smartphone. The app allows for easy customization, ensuring that your plants receive the perfect amount of light at any given time.

Adding an extra layer of convenience, physical dials on the Equinox device itself offer a tactile and intuitive way to adjust settings. This combination of high-tech connectivity and user-friendly controls makes Equinox accessible to all, from seasoned plant enthusiasts to those new to indoor gardening.

Equinox recognizes that your plants have different needs during the day and night. During the daytime, you can simulate the vibrancy of the outdoors with bright, clear light that encourages active photosynthesis. As night falls, you have the option to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your plants by switching to warmer-colored light.

This adaptability ensures that your indoor space remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with Equinox seamlessly integrating into your daily routine. Equinox not only benefits your plants but also contributes to a more sustainable future. By providing the right amount of light precisely when needed, it minimizes energy waste, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscientious consumers.

Equinox is more than just a grow light; it’s a technological marvel that brings the beauty and precision of nature into your home. From its celestial design to its intelligent programming and user-friendly controls, Equinox sets a new standard for indoor plant care. Embrace the future of gardening with Equinox, and watch your plants thrive under its nurturing light.

Dubbed Câpsula, this tiny homes concept by architecture studio i29 was launched at Dutch Design Week 2023. It is a series of prefabricated cabins and tiny homes that provide simplicity and design-led thinking. Although the project is small-scale, the plans and ambitions for it are pretty huge. The main intention behind the project is to encourage slow living and form the perfect cabin architecture, with few excellent options.

Designer: i29

The series of prefabricated cabins and tiny homes basically includes three iterations: Soft Lodge, Writer’s Block Hut, and Tiny Holiday Home. The various versions allow you to pick a home that can fit your particular needs, uses, and wants. The cabins follow the style of minimalist architecture, but this does not entail a cold or boring aesthetic, in fact, the various homes are classy and imbibed with depth and meaning. Timber was utilized as the main material, as well as natural textures and colors.

The tiny homes can accommodate a family of four, and they’re equipped with a living room, kitchen/dining area, a patio, bedrooms, and a bathroom. Although the homes are small with a minimum footprint, they offer top-notch amenities and feel pretty spacious. Each volume has its own special program and has a pretty distinctive size and height. They are accentuated with large windows and sliding doors, to allow a serene indoor-outdoor connection, creating a home that provides stunning vistas and a touch of fresh air. The homes may be small but they are mighty!

The Soft Lodge and Writer’s Block Hut prototypes were built for the Dutch Design Week 2023, and they will be displayed in the garden of DOMUSDELA, where visitors can experience the homes for themselves. In fact, the Writer’s Block Hut will be utilized. podcast broadcast, wherein creatives can discuss their work process, and relationship to space. According to i29, the Câpsula project is all about “living large with less”, and the concept is intended to grow as businesses do. Although these initial designs are by i29, in the future, there will be more opportunities for designers and architects to collaborate with the company, and create interesting builds.

Dubbed Câpsula, this tiny homes concept by architecture studio i29 was launched at Dutch Design Week 2023. It is a series of prefabricated cabins and tiny homes that provide simplicity and design-led thinking. Although the project is small-scale, the plans and ambitions for it are pretty huge. The main intention behind the project is to encourage slow living and form the perfect cabin architecture, with few excellent options.

Designer: i29

The series of prefabricated cabins and tiny homes basically includes three iterations: Soft Lodge, Writer’s Block Hut, and Tiny Holiday Home. The various versions allow you to pick a home that can fit your particular needs, uses, and wants. The cabins follow the style of minimalist architecture, but this does not entail a cold or boring aesthetic, in fact, the various homes are classy and imbibed with depth and meaning. Timber was utilized as the main material, as well as natural textures and colors.

The tiny homes can accommodate a family of four, and they’re equipped with a living room, kitchen/dining area, a patio, bedrooms, and a bathroom. Although the homes are small with a minimum footprint, they offer top-notch amenities and feel pretty spacious. Each volume has its own special program and has a pretty distinctive size and height. They are accentuated with large windows and sliding doors, to allow a serene indoor-outdoor connection, creating a home that provides stunning vistas and a touch of fresh air. The homes may be small but they are mighty!

The Soft Lodge and Writer’s Block Hut prototypes were built for the Dutch Design Week 2023, and they will be displayed in the garden of DOMUSDELA, where visitors can experience the homes for themselves. In fact, the Writer’s Block Hut will be utilized. podcast broadcast, wherein creatives can discuss their work process, and relationship to space. According to i29, the Câpsula project is all about “living large with less”, and the concept is intended to grow as businesses do. Although these initial designs are by i29, in the future, there will be more opportunities for designers and architects to collaborate with the company, and create interesting builds.

The housing market isn’t in great shape right now, especially if you live in the United States — where home prices have stayed high in spite of relatively high interest rates. Other modern stresses, including climate destruction and skyrocketing living costs, have driven more and more people to live off-grid in eco-friendly homesteading arrangements that self-sustain to cut costs and contribute minimal carbon emissions. That’s why compact, mobile tiny homes — which cost only a fraction of the price of a full house, albeit at a fraction of the size — have grown in popularity over the last decade or so.

Nestron is one such designer of tiny homes, like the futuristic Cube One (C1), Cube Two (C2), and Cube Two X (C2X) homes that range anywhere from $42.2k to $126.6k, depending on the configuration you choose at Nestron’s online showroom. These sleek, futuristic prefab designs are aesthetically pleasing and highly customizable, and you can order them fully furnished with all the amenities you could possibly want, including solar electricity (or local electricity), heating, and a fully-equipped bathroom with a smart toilet.

Designer: Nestron

They aren’t exactly spacious — the smallest prefab, the Cube One, only measures in at 254 square feet. Even if you go for the most expensive option, the Cube Two X with a double-bedroom layout, you’re still only getting about 398 square feet of space. That’s not a huge downside when you consider how much of the setup and decoration is done by Nestron itself.

According to an interview with Nestron founder Lawrence Xu (via Dwell), Nestron handles everything from logistics and transport to unloading, setting up utility connections, and even designing the exterior space around the property where the prefab is placed onto. It’s all pretty impressive when you consider just how much work and preparation is taken out of your hands, especially with consideration to complex HVAC and lighting systems — which are all handled by Nestron. All you need to do is customize the house online and order it.

Nestron’s custom interiors are gorgeous, and they’re not just for sci-fi fans who want a futuristic look for their frontier home. The Singapore-based tiny home designer also offers clean, modern-style tiny homes in the Legend series, which offer darker, more wooden tones and cozier interior decor in contrast to the Cube’s colder and more metallic tones.

You can reserve a tiny home on Nestron’s website today; it sounds like all orders from Texas, New York, California, Canada, and the U.K. will be fulfilled by the end of 2024.

Tiny homes gained popularity a couple of years ago, and since then they’ve cemented their place in the world of architecture. What started off as a cute little trend is now turning into a serious option for home spaces. You could say that 2022 was the year of tiny homes! And I do believe this will continue well in the future. They are a space-saving and eco-friendly living solution that reduces the load on Mother Earth. They’re simple and minimal alternatives to the imposing and materialistic homes that seem to have taken over. And if you love exploring tiny homes, as much as I do, then you’ve reached the right spot. We’ve curated an eclectic and exciting range of micro homes that will totally satisfy your love for tiny homes! From a 40′ highly insulated converted shipping container tiny home to a smart tiny home that expands to 3 times its size – there’s a tiny home here for everyone!

1. Pod Studio

California-based Podform just launched the world’s smartest tiny home called Pod Studio. The innovative tiny house can expand up to 3 times its original size!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Pod Studio’s original size is 161 square feet, however, it can transform to 454 square feet within 15 minutes! The tiny home is portable and easily transportable and requires no foundation owing to its built-in hydraulic legs.

What we like

• Features solar panels and smart technology which can be controlled via an app

What we dislike

• It’s not out on the market yet, so we’re not sure what the final home will be like

2. Vagabundo Flex

The Vagabundo Flex is a special little home that extends gracefully over two levels, owing to an inventive automated lifting root system, that upgrades the comfort and functionality of the home. The house is built using timber framing, wood fiber insulation, double-glazed aluminum windows that have been laminated with safety glass, and three-layer fit wood for the interior paneling.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Vagabundo Flex’s innovative and unique design supports the roof in rising to an impressive height of 20.3 ft, in turn creating a spacious interior that occupies 300 square feet.

What we like

• The bulky elements have been smartly concealed in the corners and tucked away in cupboards
• The tiny home has been amped with all the essential amenities, as well as massive panoramic windows and timber furnishings

What we dislike

3. Fujitsubo

Japanese construction startup Serendix unveiled ‘Fujitsubo’ – a small home priced at 5.5 million yen or around $37,600!

Why is it noteworthy?

Dubbed Fujitsubo or “the barnacle”, the compact home occupies only 538 square feet, which is pretty small in comparison to the average new American home, which is five times larger. This 3D-printed home features one bedroom, one bathroom, and an open living room connected to a kitchen.

What we like

What we dislike

• It’s still in the conceptual phase

4. Browny

This adorable-looking tiny home is called Browny, and it ranks really high on versatility, as it effortlessly accommodates a home office, exercise area, and a guest bedroom all within a length of 6 meters.

Why is it noteworthy?

Browny is installed in Loire-Atlantique, western France to offer the homeowner an improved space to work and live in. Founded on a double-axle trailer and finished in red cedar accentuated by aluminum accenting and a roof, Browny is one good-looking tiny home. It has been equipped with an ample amount of glazing to maximize the natural light within.

What we like

• Accommodates multiple amenities in a small space
• Features integrated storage space

What we dislike

• Lacks a proper kitchen and bathroom

5. Ecocapsule NextGen

A couple of years ago Ecocapsule launched an egg-shaped off-grid tiny house, which became a major hit. And recently they launched a new and upgraded version called the Ecocapsule NextGen!

Why is it noteworthy?

The size of the Ecocapsule NextGen has been increased. From 4.67m the home has been expanded to 5.2m, making it larger than the original version, but still maintaining a small and compact form.

What we like

• Features a gull-wing door that makes the home more open to the outdoors

What we dislike

• It’s not released on the market, so we don’t know what the actual final product will be like

6. The Pathway

Called the Pathway, this latest model by MTL is designed to maximize limited space. It features a length of 8 feet and a couple of star features such as a rooftop deck, and a smart space-saving interior accentuated with a pulley-operated ladder.

Why is it noteworthy?

The compact home is supported by a double-axle trailer and finished in engineered wood. The aforementioned rooftop deck area is a brilliant space to host guests, which was a priority for the homeowner, and has been equipped with a collapsible security railing for safety.

What we like

• Features a rooftop deck
• Features an impressive amount of storage space

What we dislike

• It isn’t the smallest tiny home on the market, you can find more compact options if you like
• The bedroom is only accessible via a pulley-operated ladder, which isn’t the most inclusive design, and could be uncomfortable for some to climb

7. Napoles House

Located in Napoles, Ecuador, and quite rightfully called the Napoles House, this micr0home was designed by PJCArchitecture and features two brick forms that are connected by a glass bridge that relies heavily on passive heating and cooling.

Why is it noteworthy?

“The design is based not only on the client’s needs but on her desire to embrace the local environment, culture, and vernacular,” said lead architect Nandar Godoy-Dinneen. “It was also heavily shaped by the availability of construction materials and by working within the local traditions.”

What we like

• Constructed using locally sourced materials and by local crew and craftsmen

What we dislike

• No active systems, which may be inconvenient for some people

8. Ark Tiny Homes’ Delta Model

Ark Tiny Homes designed a highly insulated tiny home that is built from a converted shipping container home with a modest price tag of $59,500.

Why is it noteworthy?

Located in Heber City, UT, the tiny home has been equipped with premium quality amenities and generous living space. The layout of the home manages to provide an element of spaciousness and openness to the 40′insulated home.

What we like

• An environmentally friendly home that has been outfitted with great quality amenities while going easy on the pocket

What we dislike

• The aesthetics of the home are a bit old-fashioned and traditional

9. The Nest

The Nest is one of the two short-term rental properties available at ReWild Rentals and is located in Hocking Hills, Ohio. It showcases the beauty of the location to the guests!

Why is it noteworthy?

The exterior of the small house is clad in black board-and-batten wood siding, which gives the home a modern and contemporary feel, accentuated by a long sloping roof on one side, that also shelters the outdoor patio.

What we like

• Unique layout unlike the typical tiny homes
• Seems more spacious and larger than it actually is

What we dislike

• The barn-style door is a bit old-fashioned and doesn’t provide much privacy in the bathroom

10. Kjerringholmen Cabin

Dubbed the Kjerringholmen Cabin, this idyllic cabin occupies 63 square meters and is located in the Hvaler archipelago. The cabins occupy a decent amount of space and have an airy and spacious feel to them.

Why is it noteworthy?

Kjerringholmen is proof “that large houses don’t necessarily mean more quality of life. In just 63 square meters, with smart planning, it still has plenty of usable space,” said the studio. Occupying 63 square meters, the cabin is supported by steel pillars and surrounded by a dusky rocky landscape.

What we like

• Blends perfectly with the natural landscape
• Designed extremely efficiently to support a smart way of living

What we dislike

• Birds may not notice the home and could crash into it since it merges so perfectly with its surroundings

The Cake House is an innovative and modular home concept that was presented at the Designblok festival in Prague this year. The project was founded by Matyáš Švejdík, Pavel Špringl, and Šimon Marek, and described as an “architectural recipe for modular wooden houses”. The Cake House is intended to be a pitched-roof house that can be adapted and customized to the various needs of different people. It was presented at Designblok with the help of an interactive model display allowing visitors to play around with it, creating diverse home layouts.

Designer: Matyáš Švejdík, Pavel Špringl, and Šimon Marek

“The main idea of Cake Houses stands on the belief that if you come up with good basic space and construction principles, you can then plot variable and individual designs fast and reliably because of the standardization,” said Švejdík. The overall shape of the house is maintained at all times, although, the length is personalized according to the customer’s needs. The Cake House utilizes an online configurator to try out hundreds of different layouts and internal and external finishes. The design is then converted into a wooden construction built using prefabricated parts.

Currently, one Cake House has been built. It features a pitched roof and timber cladding which is seen in the Cake House design, this helps ensure that the home is affordable and economical. Although certain design factors have been implemented such as avoiding long dark corridors and adding large windows that connect the interiors of the home to the garden.

“The mainstream look and overall design quality of family houses in the Czech Republic is mostly poor – the reason being the fact that these houses are catalog projects usually without identity and deeper creative thought,” Švejdík said. “But for most people, this way of building their home is easier, cheaper, and more certain than working with an architect on multiple levels,” he added. “We decided to design a project that brings the advantages of good architecture and standardization together.” “We then came up with the basic principles of the construction and used our programming knowledge to create a system of assembling parts, and now we are able to create various configurations suitable for different people, families, or budgets.”

Nowadays almost everything is being 3D printed, so why should architecture be an exception? Many architectural firms are adopting 3D printing as their preferred technique for building structures. And 3D-printed architecture is slowly but surely gaining a lot of popularity and momentum. And I mean, no wonder, it has a ton of benefits! It’s a simple, efficient, and innovative technique that lowers the risks of errors, and also manages to save time. 3D printing eradicates a lot of tedious steps during the construction process and simplifies it.

Japanese construction startup Serendix created a popular tiny proof-of-concept last year, and it was up to code for Japanese earthquakes and European insulation standards. And recently they unveiled ‘Fujitsubo’ – a small home priced at 5.5 million yen or around $37,600!

Designer: Serendix

Dubbed Fujitsubo or “the barnacle”, the compact home occupies only 538 square feet, which is pretty small in comparison to the average new American home, which is five times larger. This 3D-printed home features one bedroom, one bathroom, and an open living room connected to a kitchen…and it only costs as much as a car! The home is ideal for a couple or one person. You can contribute the size of the home to the economical price tag, which isn’t found in the US since local rules require minimum sizes for houses and lots, and the cost of land makes it almost impossible for developers to create smaller homes.

The roof is made of panels that are cut by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, in which pre-programmed software controls the movement of factory tools and machinery. Serendix said it took 44.5 hours to print and assemble the home. Since 3D-printed construction isn’t a feasible option for populated and dense urban areas, as there isn’t much extra land available there, and even if there is, it is not an economical option, Serendix has decided to focus on building in small towns with an ample amount of empty space available.

“In the automotive industry 40 years ago, the price reduction of products began due to innovation of the manufacturing process using robots. We believe that the 3D-printed house is the beginning of the complete robotization of the housing industry,” Serendix said in a statement. The company is currently using five printers to build their homes (50 per year) but by next year they plan to add twelve more printers and build almost 850 homes every year!

Skinny Houses are another intriguing marvel in the architecture world, much like tiny homes.  In today’s chaotic, consuming, and ever-expanding world, space is becoming a luxury. Since space is now at a premium in most major cities, architects are attempting to design homes that can comfortably fit into the tiniest of locations. These narrow houses manage to squeeze into minute places while providing a cozy and sufficient living space for families. Some of them even have a width that is less than 4 meters! Space-saving and comfortable, skinny homes are the modern solution we need! And a brilliant skinny home that you will definitely love is the Chic Vid House.

Designer: STD Design Consultant

Tucked away in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City, is a tall and skinny home all squeezed up in a cramped inner-city lot. Say hello to the Chic Vid House. Designed by STD Design Consultant, the Chic Vid House showcases an operable facade to regulate the ventilation and sunlight inside the home. The site that accommodates the home measures almost 13 feet in width, and 64 feet in length. A tall and slender structure like the Chic Vid House was the perfect fit for the site in question.

The exterior of the home is quite simple and to the point. It features multiple small balconies sprouting with greenery growing inside built-in planters, while teak shutters function as an operable facade for the home. “The house attracts the attention of passersby with the firmness and weight of simplicity,” explained STD Design Consultant.

The foldable teak facade can be opened and closed hence controlling the sunlight that enters the home and improving the home’s ventilation. The facade not only prevents direct sunlight from entering the home but also aims to avoid vision loss. “The laterite stone used for the facade is very popular in tropical countries like Vietnam with the function of self-regulating temperature. All materials are also used as an aesthetic way to enhance the rustic appearance of the facade,” concludes the studio.

The interior of the home spans over five floors and is quite sophisticated and muted. The furniture has been specially arranged to make the most of a small and narrow space. The ground floor holds the kitchen and dining area, as well as a play area for the children to play safely in. Glass doors lead to a rear garden. The upper floors hold the bedrooms, living, room, and an office, which offers impressive views over the rooftops. The topmost floor includes a small rooftop terrace, and a quaint dining area with a canopy to provide shade.