This is The Long Shed, one of the latest projects from UK-based builder Echo Living. Echo Living was established by Sam Booth well before the current surge in alternative housing, which includes movable residences like small homes, recreational vehicles, bus and van conversions, and essentially everything in between that you can imagine.
Initially concentrating on folded metal furniture, Echo Living later expanded into modular prefabricated homes while striving to maximize efficiency and minimize waste during the manufacturing process. Their motto is “Construct small, construct intelligent, construct beautiful,” and this particular project perfectly embodies that.
The Long Shed was finished in 2023 and introduced to the public in the early days of the New Year. Like all of Echo Living’s projects, it is a fully customized commission work, so specific pricing details are not disclosed. Similar to the other projects in the company’s lineup, it is a prefabricated unit, but what sets it apart is its ability to be moved to different locations thanks to a triple-axle trailer and road-worthy dimensions.
The Long Shed is officially classified as a residential movable home, measuring 10.6 meters (35 feet) in length, with a stunning minimalist yet functional interior and expansive windows that allow for ample heat and natural light.
Its name is derived from its capacity to “camouflage” itself as a simple shed when not in use. The deck is stored underneath the cabin, the external sliding shutters close, and the extra-wide gangway covers the entrance door, completely concealing it from view. From a distance, this sophisticated movable home appears to be an agricultural shed.
However, when occupied, The Long Shed transforms into the type of ideal home that downsizers can’t stop praising. Spacious and filled with natural light, it does not require a foundation for installation and can operate off the grid, thanks to a generous water tank and a solar array.
Echo Living has installed four solar panels on the roof, each with a capacity of 415W, connected to two 12v batteries, a controller, and an app for monitoring resources. A 725-liter (191.5-gallon) water tank is connected to the sinks and shower, while the cooktop, oven, and water heater run on gas. The bathroom features a composting toilet. Although potable water is not mentioned, it can be assumed that residents must provide their own supply.
Heating is provided by a wood-burning stove and large double-glazed windows, while wool is used for insulation.
The finishes consist of light spruce with timber beams and dark-stained engineered oak flooring for contrast.
All furniture pieces have a minimalist design with a focus on functionality to avoid creating a cluttered impression. Although The Long Shed may be “long” in both name and form, the total available space is just 28 square meters (301 square feet). Like with any other small house, compromises must be made to make the most of that space.
However, all the comforts of home are still present. The Long Shed features a spacious master bedroom with a large bed and a wall made entirely of glass. Additionally, it boasts a unique sliding door that ensures maximum privacy, a luxury rarely found in tiny houses. There is also a “hidden” door that opens directly to the outside, providing an excellent opportunity for early morning conversations with the ponies in the field.
The layout of The Long Shed includes a generously sized living room that seamlessly integrates with the open-plan kitchen and the wood-burning stove. However, the living room is intentionally left unfurnished. The kitchen, although compact, is equipped with a two-burner stove and oven, a deep farm sink, a compressor fridge, and ample storage space.
Moving to the opposite end of the house, you will find the bathroom. It features a spacious shower room, a floating sink, and a separate area for the composting toilet. There are also additional storage options available. The ultra-high ceilings allow for even more storage space above the kitchen and bathroom, although this is not utilized in the display photos.
If you are new to downsizing and the mobile lifestyle trend associated with tiny houses, The Long Shed is a perfect introduction. It offers an elegant and practical solution for downsizing, while also prioritizing sustainability throughout the entire manufacturing process. Whether used as a family home, a vacation house, a glamping unit, or an off-grid retreat, The Long Shed combines the best of both worlds. It provides comfort, style, and high-quality living, all while striving for efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint. However, it is worth noting that pricing may be a deterrent, as custom prefabs of this nature tend to be expensive.
Tiny sustainable living has evolved significantly since its emergence as a trend in the early 2000s. However, pricing remains a barrier for many, making it a prohibitive option for some.
According to the Source autoevolution.com