An increasing number of individuals are defying societal pressures and rejecting the typical lifestyle of purchasing a large family home and spending a lifetime paying it off. Instead, they are seeking more affordable housing options that provide them with greater freedom and simplicity, while also promoting sustainable living practices.
Tiny homes constructed with sustainable materials have emerged as cost-effective alternatives to traditional houses, reducing environmental impact, minimizing the owner’s personal footprint, and advocating for a minimalist way of life. Madeiguincho, a home builder in Portugal, specializes in crafting small wooden dwellings with sustainability in mind. Their latest creation, the Raposa, exemplifies the team’s dedication and exceptional woodworking skills.
Designed for a retired Portuguese couple seeking a deeper connection with nature, this mobile tiny home features wooden cladding both inside and out, seamlessly blending elegant minimalism with coziness. Built on a double-axle trailer, it measures 7 meters (23 feet) in length and 2.5 meters (8 feet) in width, allowing for easy transportation to various locations. The portability of this home provides owners with a sense of freedom and flexibility that traditional homeowners can only dream of.
Some individuals who choose to downsize opt for contemporary tiny homes equipped with luxurious amenities that resemble conventional houses. However, nature enthusiasts who truly desire a return to simplicity will select rustic, handcrafted models like the Raposa. With its all-wood design and expansive windows, this dwelling resembles a picturesque cottage that seamlessly blends into any natural setting, whether it be nestled in the woods, by a serene lake, or even on a tranquil beach.
This charming abode has been constructed for full-time living, utilizing high-quality, sustainably sourced materials, an aesthetically pleasing design, and a traditional layout that ensures comfortable small-space living. Additionally, the designers prioritized a strong connection with the outdoors, evident in the abundance of windows, two large operable skylights, and two entrance doors that flood the interior with natural light. Slatted wooden shutters for the windows and doors provide privacy when desired.
The simple yet efficient floor plan includes a spacious living room, a compact yet functional kitchen, a bathroom, and a cozy lofted bedroom. To compensate for the lack of dividing walls within the house, the designers incorporated varying gradients in the wood panels to delineate different living areas.
Image: Madeiguincho/ jrcarranca_photography
The living room of the Raposa tiny home welcomes residents with its cozy and warm atmosphere. It features a unique L-shaped sofa with built-in storage and a spacious coffee table. Strategically positioned, the sofa offers stunning views of the surroundings, while a small wood-burning stove adds to the overall comfort. Natural light floods the space through a panoramic window and a large skylight, creating a bright and airy ambiance.
Moving into the adjacent kitchen, a minimalist design takes center stage. The wooden cabinets align along the wall, creating a clutter-free aesthetic. Open shelves provide additional storage options, while the absence of overhead cabinets adds to the sleek look. The kitchen is equipped with a sink and a two-burner induction cooktop, with the possibility of adding more appliances such as a countertop oven or plug-in air fryer. A full-height closet or the storage space under the staircase can accommodate a fridge.
Both the living room and the kitchen feature vertical-patterned wood panels on the walls, enhancing the sense of space created by the high vaulted ceilings.
Image: Madeiguincho/ jrcarranca_photography
The Raposa tiny home includes a separate bathroom located at the end of the house. With its own entrance from outside, this bathroom is a convenient addition for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to clean up before entering the main living area. Clad in wood like the rest of the house, the bathroom features a flushing toilet, a shower, and a custom vanity with a beautiful stone sink and a large mirror.
Accessed via a storage-integrated staircase, the bedroom in Raposa is a lofted sleeping space. Although it has low ceilings and limited standing space, it comfortably accommodates a double bed. A half-wall provides privacy, and a sizeable skylight, similar to the one in the living room, illuminates the room. While the bedroom’s skylight can be operated by hand, the one in the living room requires the use of a pole to open and close.
With its minimalist yet elegant design, the Raposa tiny home offers owners the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and embrace a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
According to the Source autoevolution.com