As working adults, and even before that, we're constantly being told that bigger is better and, implicitly, that more is preferable. The tiny house movement comes in direct contrast with this, with an emphasis on a much simpler, less cluttered, more sustainable, and ultimately more affordable lifestyle.
The tiny house movement has been around for more than two decades, but if we're being honest, it's never been quite as popular as it is these days. For the past five years or so, the "trend" of tiny living has really taken hold, moving from the periphery into the spotlight and seemingly capturing the attention of everyone, regardless of the age bracket, annual income, or profession.
In the most basic understanding of the term, tiny living is about affordable mobile housing solutions whose features tackle a variety of modern problems. Tiny houses are just what the name says (they're tiny houses plopped on trailers), and their reduced physical footprint means lower monthly costs, financial freedom, actual freedom to move around with the home in tow, and a smaller carbon footprint.
Tiny houses are also a way to lead more intentional lives, where the absence of clutter (i.e., the absence of an accumulation of material stuff we don't really need) encourages a better bond with the natural environment and fosters social interaction.
Photo: Baluchon
The obvious downside to these incredible advantages is… well, obvious: tiny houses offer a fraction of the living footprint of a brick-and-mortar home. The smallest units, those that sit on single- or dual-axle trailers, need to use plenty of design gimmicks to make up for the compact footprint.
The latest unit from French maker Baluchon is a great example in this sense. Baluchon might limit their builds to the Old Continent, and especially its native country and surrounding areas, but their units are the stuff of legends – and tiny living dreams. The Ellèbore has similar potential.
Completed in 2024, the Ellèbore is a family home for two adults and their cat and has been delivered to a specific location in France. Based on a Baluchon dual-axle trailer, it offers a length of just 6 meters (19.6 feet), which makes it easily transportable whenever they might want to relocate.
Photo: Baluchon
Despite the very compact layout, the Ellèbore is still able to pack all the creature comforts inside and the bonus of exquisite styling that's halfway between a rustic cabin and an adorable vacation home. The "trick" to getting all the necessary features lies in using what's known as a reverse layout, where the bedroom is located on the ground floor and the living room is suspended in the loft.
With tiny houses this size, not getting standing height comes with the territory, especially if they use a lofted design to create more space.
The bedroom is usually the first one to get lowered ceilings, and this is also the case here. However, since it's tucked away under the living room, it has a cozier vibe, like a treehouse refuge – but with an oversize window on one wall. Of course, it could also be more claustrophobic if you're not into enclosed spaces.
Photo: Baluchon
Entrance is done directly into the kitchen, which is compact but well-equipped: a gas cooktop, an electric mini-oven, a fridge, and an electric water heater have you covered for your daily needs. You also get plenty of cabinets for storage and a special drawer for the cat's litter box, toys, and food supplies.
A four-step storage-integrating staircase leads up to the living room, but the first two steps are removable to create more room to move around in the kitchen when the situation calls for it. The living room can double as a guest room whenever you have people over, but it is designed as a chill-out space with an integrated home office, basked in natural light from large double-glazed windows.
The bathroom is at the opposite end of the trailer, with a compositing toilet and a small shower cabin, but no sink, to save up space. Again, as we've been saying all along, tiny living is about making compromises, and this is just one instance of it.
Photo: Baluchon
The upside is whatever you gain in terms of sustainability and reduced monthly/living costs. To emphasize the latter, Baluchon uses mostly locally sourced wood for their builds and all-natural insulation made up of a combination of cotton, linen, and hemp. Heating is done by means of a wood-burning stove, and the composting toilet brings less reliance on the grid.
Granted, the Ellèbore still needs hooking up to the mains for water, electricity, and sewage, but its carbon footprint is reduced compared to that of a brick-and-mortar home. Since this particular unit was a custom build, it doesn't come with a price tag.
The big "but" you must've sensed was coming with this presentation is that Baluchon tinies are quite expensive for the amount of space they offer. A turnkey unit retails for €85,000-€100,000 ($91,400-$107,600 at the current exchange rate), but a shell will be much cheaper, starting at €25,000 ($26,800).
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News