Grand tiny designs

The tiny house movement is growing as more people see the benefits of living smaller and consuming less.

Some of NZ’s biggest tiny home fans gather for the NZ Tiny House & Alternative Living conference next month to talk about their little lives. Speakers will discuss design and building issues, especially DIY, legislative challenges, the fears people have about moving from a ‘normal’ house to a tiny one, and how to make a living when you have a mobile home.

The DIY process is a big learning curve. Wellington architectural designer Erin Gilbertson and her partner Jake ChapmanOlsen drew layouts in the sand on a local beach to help them plan their 7m x 3m home.

Exactly one year later, to the day, they moved in, but the 12-week construction was tough, says Erin, even with help from family and friends

“There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears," says Erin, who was the lead builder. Her dad, builder Bill Gilbertson, supervised and assisted with some of the trickier aspects such as windows and stairs.

The couple's design has some differences compared to the standard tiny house layout. It has two lofts, instead of the usual one: their sleeping space, and a separate TV area with a guest bed and throw cushions.

They also lowered the roof height over the fridge and stove so that they could stand on the landing by the bed.

“We didn’t want to compromise on any liveability,” says Jake. “We didn’t want to have to crawl into anything or climb a ladder.”

WATCH Take a tour of Erin and Jake’s tiny house

READ Meet conference speaker Nathan Orr and check out his little house and business thisNZlife.co.nz

"We didn't want to compromise on any liveability."