Wohnwagon – An Eco-Friendly Tiny House from Austria

Created by manufacturers based in Austrian, the Wohnwagon (translated as Living Wagon) is an environmentally friendly tiny house on wheels that boasts an array of eco-credentials. The house has been designed by a small company, also called Wohnwagon, in Vienna.

 

Wohnwagon - Off-Grid Caravan - Austria - Exterior - Humble Homes

The rounded frame of the house is clad with larch, giving it a sense of charm and quirkiness. The wood, as well components of the construction, have been sourced locally and/or made from recycled materials. There roof is finished with a green roof that allows them to retain water run-off, help to reduce water load on local drains (every little helps).

 

Wohnwagon - Off-Grid Caravan - Austria - Interior - Humble Homes

The green roof acts as an insulator, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer. The walls are also insulated with sheep’s wool – another natural resource that was available locally. The windows are triple glazed to help reduce heat loss and improve sound insulation.

 

Wohnwagon - Off-Grid Caravan - Austria - Fold-Down Table - Humble Homes

To power the Wohnwagon, a photovoltaic array is mounted on the rooftop. It generates electricity that’s stored in in batteries found under the caravan. There’s also a retractable awning that allows you to expand the living spaces to the exterior.

Wohnwagon - Off-Grid Caravan - Austria - Storage - Humble Homes

The interior is finished in an almost minimalist fashion, with light wood clad walls and a dark wood floor. One end of the house serves as a dedicated sleeping area with pull-out storage beneath the bed. A sheet of wood can be folded down to create a small dining table for two. A more permanent dining area (a table and two chairs) can be found just beyond the sleeping area.

Wohnwagon - Off-Grid Caravan - Austria - Interior Rear - Humble Homes

The opposite end of the Wohnwagon contains the kitchen and bathroom (which contains a composting toilet). The house also makes use of rain water harvesting and recycling. Water is treated in the kitchen and made suitable for drinking, washing etc. The unit is designed for mass production, but can be customized to individual’s needs. Models range from 40,000 to 90,000 Euros ($44,000 – $99,000).

For more tiny houses check out Hope Island Cottages, which features a tiny house with its own sauna. Or, this 1950’s silo that’s been converted into a tiny house by Christoph Kaiser. See all tiny houses.

Via Inhabitat
Photo: Wohnwagon

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

8 Comments
  1. I have noticed the use of flexible tongue/axle trailers in English and EU. and Canadian tiny house builds in line with the original Vardo style gypsy wagon. I wonder why this type of trailer is not used more in the U.S.? It is not that they are not available, at least in southern states where cotton is resident. This type of trailer design was used for years with cotton trailers, and can still be found in some inline horse trailers. Just an interesting observation on my part.

    Well made structure.

  2. I really like the outside of this build. It’s very attractive and the rounded bull nose on the tongue diverts wind drag thereby reducing the amount of gas needed to haul this house. However, I don’t like the inside very much. This really doesn’t use all of the space in efficient and clever ways; there seems to be a lot of wasted space and I don’t find the overall interior to be esthetically pleasing or inviting.

  3. I love it, EXCEPT for the white interior. That’s a huge mistake IMO as it turns the Tiny House into a high maintenance abode.

  4. We are opening an turtle conservation centre and am island resort which is to be a self sufficient living modal in Indonesia..
    Was wondering if we can be contacted inorder to buy the wagons for our island living resort

  5. I disagree on the white interior, its my favorite tiny house ascetic. For me i think the converted traler is a wonderful use of recycled resources. The wood paneling on the outside also reduces the RV feel. the shape is extremely conducive to gypsy vardo style. im definatley inspired. would anyone happen to know a model style or name for this vehicle?

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