HEWI MAG / accessible

accessible tiny house: Living with freedom and accessibility

The fascination for tiny houses as compact and minimalistic homes is growing steadily. But what if you have special requirements due to a physical limitation or disability? This is where the accessible tiny house comes in, which combines the benefits of a tiny house with accessibility and functionality for people with physical limitations.

Here is what you can expect in this article:

• Definition and concept of a tiny house
• Proper planning and design
• How can the limited space be used optimally?
• Optimal floor plan in a tiny house
• Interior design and furniture
• Sustainability and efficiency
• Infrastructure and utilities
• Age-appropriate tiny house with large floor space
• Accessible in accordance with DIN 18040
• Accessible bathrooms
• Senior-friendly living close to the family
• The accessible tiny house as a sustainable form of housing for the future

DEFINITION AND CONCEPT OF A TINY HOUSE

Originally, tiny houses originated from the so-called tiny house movement or small house movement. This is a social movement in the USA. This propagates living in small houses, for example, out of an environmental consciousness. At the same time, mini houses are aimed at people with a low income. Tiny houses basically comprise a living space up to 110 m² while usually having 15 to 45 m² of usable space.

The equipment is quite modest: A tiny house has a kitchen or a kitchenette, a bathroom as well as a sleeping area. Therefore, even these mini-houses need a connection to the supply and disposal, such as electricity, water, and sewage. Originating in the USA, the tiny house movement has made its way to Germany. In Germany, the forerunner to this is the extended construction trailer – known to many, no doubt, through Peter Lustig in Löwenzahn.

MINI-HOUSE: PROPER PLANNING AND DESIGN

Mobile or stationary? The choice of location for a tiny house is of great importance. Check building code and zoning regulations to make sure tiny houses are allowed there. For rental properties, find out about lease terms and any restrictions before you start planning a tiny house.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN A MINI-HOUSE

The mini-house combines many advantages: Less space means more sustainability. By integrating environmentally friendly elements, you not only protect the environment, but you also reduce the energy costs of the users in the long term. Here are some ways you can design the tiny house to be energy efficient:

Renewable energy in the tiny house

Install solar panels on the roof to generate electricity and run electrical appliances. With a battery storage system, users store surplus energy and use it when the sun is not shining. Solar energy can also be used to heat water for the shower and sink.

Efficient heating and cooling systems

Choose energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to reduce energy consumption. A heat pump can be used for both heating and cooling and is an efficient alternative to conventional heating and cooling systems. Underfloor heating can also be an energy-saving option to heat the living space.

Insulation and sealing

Good thermal insulation is crucial to reduce energy consumption. Use high-quality insulation materials in walls, the roof, and the floor to minimize heat loss. Proper sealing of windows and doors also helps save energy and keep the tiny house efficient.

Wastewater disposal

Wastewater management is an important aspect of building an accessible tiny house. One option is to connect to the public sewer system, if available. Alternatively, a decentralized wastewater system such as a septic tank or small-scale biological treatment plant may be required. The design and installation of such systems should be in accordance with local regulations and environmental standards.

Sanitary and kitchen infrastructure

When planning the sanitary area, it is important to find efficient solutions to make the best use of limited space. Therefore, rely on sanitary facilities such as space-saving toilets and showers. Water-saving faucets and toilet flushes are also recommended to reduce water consumption. For the kitchen, small and functional appliances and efficient sink systems are recommended to ensure comfort and functionality.

Electrical infrastructure

Electrical installation in the tiny house requires careful planning to ensure safe and efficient use. The placement of outlets, switches, and lighting should be well thought out to make the best use of the space. The use of energy-saving LED lights is advisable to minimize power consumption.

AGE-APPROPRIATE TINY HOUSE WITH LARGE FLOOR SPACE

It’s crucial to take into account various aspects of accessibility in a home, not just for senior-friendly living. Even at a younger age, it makes sense to think about this. Especially if a long-term use of the tiny house is intended. To gain additional space, some tiny houses have a second level. However, to make the tiny house accessible, this variant is not an option. All rooms are located on only one level – ideally with a larger floor space. Very small mini-houses of just 15 to 20 square meters are not suitable for accessible design.

ACCESSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DIN 18040 

The most important question: If residents wish to be mobile, the floor plan of the tiny house should be very compact to allow for mobility on a trailer. Or should it be permanently located on a plot of land? Accessibility in apartments is regulated by DIN 18040-2 and applies to all houses and apartments.

If you only consider individual aspects of the DIN standard when planning a tiny house, it is referred to as an age-appropriate or “low-barrier” tiny house. DIN 18040 imposes a number of additional requirements on an accessible house. For example, rooms must be accessible without thresholds. In addition, wheelchair users require sufficiently large movement areas to turn or rotate. Accessibility at the door is also very important. Accessible doors are at least 90 cm wide and 205 cm high. They must also have a reveal of 26 cm. If thresholds cannot be avoided, they may not be higher than 2 cm. The height at which objects can be easily reached is also important. Door handles should be placed at a height of 85 cm above the top edge of the floor.

System 900 from HEWI, for example, offers a very wide range of design options for equipping a tiny house to meet the needs of the disabled. The shower must be planned with a flat surface of at least 120 x 120 cm. Elements such as shower seats, grab bars, or folding support bars should be considered during the planning stage, even if they are not yet needed. This allows tiny house residents to upgrade them as needed. You can also find more advice on designing an accessible shower in our planning tips.

THE ACCESSIBLE TINY HOUSE AS A SUSTAINABLE FORM OF HOUSING FOR THE FUTURE 

Tiny houses offer a sustainable and alternative form of housing that meets the needs of many people. Especially in urban areas with limited living space, tiny houses can be an affordable and practical solution. They allow people to live in smaller, well-designed spaces while still providing comfort and functionality. This alternative form of housing allows for flexibility and mobility, as tiny houses are often built on wheels and can be placed in a variety of locations. With limited space and a focus on the efficient use of resources, tiny houses are often built from environmentally friendly materials. In addition, more and more people are longing for a simpler lifestyle and are consciously reducing their possessions and consumption. Tiny houses offer a chance to free oneself from unnecessary clutter and focus on the essentials.

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