A Spectrum of Space

At the heart of a tiny house is function. There is simply not enough space for sculptural ornamentation (a paperweight has no place here) but there is plenty of space to merge the various surfaces for both form and function.

Tiny houses require a bit more architectural thought.

Multifunctional surfaces and spaces are atypical to an American home. Sofa-beds may be common, but not sofa-tables. Tables and chairs are objects that are freestanding rather than folding back into the wall. This is what makes a tiny house great--consider that while one may live in a 1000 sq-ft apartment, what is actually being done with the space? If I'm not sleeping in my bed, why is it there? If I'm done doing work at my desk, can I put it away? Murphy beds and secretary desks exist, but they can come off as being rather spartan.

But if spartan living is the raison d'être of the tiny house movement, then why are noses being turned up towards some in our community? Like a temporary tattoo, rental homes are being made on par with glamping retreats and are for those who wish to dabble in tiny home living. These retreaters are looking for the experience but cannot commit to the lifestyle change of living in tiny spaces. The tiny home zealots (i.e. buyers) are looking for brands that match their essentialist value system and any hint of bourgeois or capitalist inclinations will sour their experience. To be neutral to both, you need to capture high design, have a reductionist message, and not look like you're trying to make a profit.

Let's look at some traits of our two consumers:

Buyers	Renters
Essentialism	Experientialism
Long-term Commitment	No commitment
Return to nature	Return to nature
Custom home to their needs	Cute space
$20-60k / home	$100-200/night
Where to find land?	Whom to rent from?
Tiny home community influence	HGTV influence
DIY build is attractive	Professional build is attractive

This is not to say that these are the only users in this space. You also have: the builders, charitable organizations, the entertainment world, real estate developers (less so), local governments and architectural groups (including schools).

My wife and I will be traveling to the Tiny Home Jamboree in Colorado Springs where we hope to explore and understand the people some more and clarify the list.

Until next time,

-Conrad