Custom Tiny House Hilltop Dazzles With a Smart Layout and Amazing Functionality

Despite all the challenges and negative changes it brought, the first year of the recent pandemic was still a time when numerous people across the globe fulfilled their dreams and completed life-changing projects. Many tiny homes were built in 2020, despite the obstacles, and it made the tiny living phenomenon even stronger as folks realized the huge advantages of mobile homes.

One of the tiny homes completed in the fall of 2020 in New Zealand was the beautiful Hilltop, a custom creation by the ever-inspirational Build Tiny. This building company left its mark on the tiny house industry worldwide thanks to a remarkably ingenious and practical approach to design. Most of the Build Tiny models are compact and very lightweight, yet much more versatile and functional than some of the larger versions out there. These small gems are simply packed with smart features that match the comfort of a conventional residence while saving tons of space.

Hilltop stays within the limitations of a 26-foot-length and 2.4-meter-width (7.8 feet) frame, which doesn't stop it from incorporating awesome amenities. A great deal of its admirable style is owed to the owners themselves, who implemented their own ideas when it came to interior design; this is always a fantastic way to add personality to a tiny home and to make sure it really is a dream home for the owners. With jobs in the boating industry, where private, spacious crew quarters are a luxury, having a custom-designed, elegant abode was a step up for the Hilltop's owners despite the compact frame.

As its name suggests, this house was meant to find its ultimate destination up on a hill with breathtaking views all around. That's why Hilltop had to be configured as an indoor/outdoor sanctuary for a connection as close as possible to the natural surroundings. That's an easy task for Kiwi and Aussie builders, who are famously known for their ultra-modern indoor/outdoor concepts.

First, Hilltop came with lots of generously-sized windows, including a bigger picture window in the lounge area. The sliding glass doors also helped open the interior space to the outdoors. In the loft bedroom, two big windows were strategically placed at each end of the bed, for great views and perfect cross-ventilation.

Secondly, the cooking/dining area was cleverly turned into a contemporary-style open concept that literally blurs the line between the inside and the outside. The key elements here are the bi-folding windows that slide all the way through, connecting the indoor breakfast bar with the snack bar on the exterior. When the weather is right or during get-togethers, guests are welcome to enjoy drinks and snacks at this cool exterior bar. During the rest of the time, the inside breakfast bar is a great way to admire the views while enjoying meals and still being protected against the elements.

The indoor breakfast bar is actually an extension of the countertop, which means it also adds space for preparing meals. It can even double as a home office. In a small dwelling, versatility is vital. The elegant L-shaped sofa in the lounge is also a multi-function item. It hides ample storage underneath and can be easily turned into a comfy queen-sized bed. The master bedroom in the loft area is also designed to fit a queen-sized bed, with additional room for a very generous wardrobe/bookcase, a custom-made piece that offers incredible storage.

The clever design also ensured abundant storage in Hilltop's kitchen. Lots of cabinets and drawers on both sides help keep things neatly organized for a clutter-free yet well-equipped cooking area. The hidden staircase compartments add more storage, and there's even a slim but full-height pantry nearby. Recessed furniture is another good thing to have in tight spaces, allowing for deep storage that doesn't take up too much space. Underneath, Hilltop hides a dedicated nook for the washing machine since there wasn't enough room for it in the bathroom.

Speaking of clever features, we have to mention the adorable wooden laundry rack that's fitted to a ceiling railing and can be rolled down only when needed, similar to window shades. It was made by Variant Spaces, and it's a clever hack that adds functionality without using precious floor space.

Style-wise, beauty is in the details. This custom tiny feels wonderfully warm and inviting thanks to the neutral color scheme with black and gold accents that add a touch of glam. The beautiful brushed brass tapware and fittings were specifically chosen by the owners and they definitely add elegance to the kitchen and bathroom. Hilltop succeeds in looking cozy and intimate on one hand, and wide open on the other hand, which makes it so modern.