Garden studios seem to be all the rage right now, but what about student studios? Swedish architecture firm, Tengbom, designed this stylish micro-home specifically for students.
The unit occupies just 10 square meters (~100 square feet), and contains several living spaces. It contains a sleeping loft, living area, kitchen, bathroom, mini garden, and a patio. Some areas also double up on function, for example the living area has a fold-up desk that can be used for studying or dining. When the desk isn’t in use, it can be folded up into the window pocket, creating an additional degree of security.
Tengbom’s aim was to create an affordable housing unit, fit for study and social life. They also wanted the unit to be environmentally friendly in construction, with responsible material choices. To develop the space they worked directly with students of Lund University. Together they produced a tiny dwelling that is 60% smaller than legally permitted (don’t worry they gained legal consent first).
The micro-house is constructed from cross laminated timber that’s been locally sourced. As a bonus, the drastic reduction in size also leads to a reduction in rent – up to 50% less than the average.
From the architects:
“By exhibiting this well planned and sustainable student unit we want to challenge the conventional views and show new ways of thinking. What is ‘good’ living? What materials can we use? To meet the future in a sustainable way we must be innovative in all aspects and have the courage to break new ground.”
The unit is currently on show at the Virserum Art Museum until the 8th of December. In 2014 it’s planned that 22 of these units will be produced and made available to students.
Other tiny abodes include the Diogene Cabin by Renzo Piano, and this other venture into student housing in Sweden. Check out all tiny houses.
Via Design Boom
This is cuteness quadrupled! My big worry would be those nice looking but narrow steps – anyone with hips is going to end up on the floor. A moveable pole with the steps coming off each side would be space-saving yet safe. Even a basket and pulley system would be safer for us “hippy” people.But it’s a great looking little house. Wouldn’t mind having one for getaways.
Hillilleter – Very true! The steps do look super narrow. I suppose it saves space, but it’s also a bit of a safety hazard… I like your idea for a moveable pole, but I have no idea how the basket and pulley system would work in such a small space lol. Agreed, it’d make an awesome little getaway.
Niall,
Could you explain that basket pulley system? And the shelving in the loft, Looks like it goes over the bathroom, which would be fantastic! I do not see many, if any electrical outlets. Is the fridge one of those green doors under the kitchen sink area? And what is the second cabinet/door? What about the two circles on the counter? Are those the cooktops? I saw this design and instantly fell in love. I found the house I want to live in. I love the open feeling of the loft, while the cables serve as a barrier. A swinging chair is perfect for reading, relaxing, and just watching out the window. Are there holding tanks for water? Or does it hook up to city water and sewage. What about hot water? Is there some sort of water heater, or on demand hot water heater? I liked your design of the 100+ tiny house, but really really love this one. I live in the United States, and of course have yet to see anything like this…are plans available to those of us in America? Thank you…~Kat
Hello Kat!
My name is Lina and I am one of the architects. You are welcome to contact me for further information on the house!
lina.rengstedt@tengbom.se
Hey Kat – Sorry I seem to have confused you a bit, this tiny house has been designed by Tengbom Architects. But Lina Rengstedt, one of the architects behind this little project, has kindly left you an email address so you can contact them with any questions!
P.S. Thanks Lina, love the design :)
I love this design. What did this cost to build?
Thanks!
It appears in one of the pictures there is a pole in the recess as you go up the stairs, yet the pole doesn’t appear in the face on picture. It also looks like it’s in the ‘blueprint’ picture too. I love this idea!! Whole communities could be built like this, for singles as well as seniors who don’t want to live in a large home any longer,
My worry is how long would it take for the cabin floors and walls to be horribly stained with spilt coffee and dirty footprints
Margaret – I sent an email off to the architects to see if they had an approximate cost, no word from them yet!
Bronwen – I noticed that as well! I’m not sure what’s happened to the pole but it would definitely make climbing the stairs a bit easier. And I agree, we need to start considering different housing options for both the young and the old.
Catherine – True, no matter how clean and tidy you are that wood is probably going to to be tinted eventually, although there are products that will protect it while allowing it to maintain it’s natural finish.
Hello Lina,
i like this project and i want to send me the same answers of “Kat” in my email too!
I sent you email…
Thank you :)
How do I get house plans for this student house?
Magnifique !
It seems some of this is coming from the Fifth Element movie, Bruce Willis had a room there of a similar size… Good idea, I wish I had a house like this when I was a student. The cost is the important part of equation too.
The outside is not fit to stand the weather though, so unfortunately that rustic look will need to be covered up by a thick layer of paint or something…
I am also interested in the cost of the house. I live in the United States and wonder if this is something that can be shipped to the states or if maybe the design could be purchased and built by individuals.
A Cabana de L.C.faz escola.Projeto é muito bom mas,não deve ser barato.Bom lembrar do saudoso Hassan Fathy e seu prototípo de Ezbet el Basry,disponível a todos autoconstrutores.