Elbrus Is a Sustainable Tiny House Perfect for Long-Term Living Off the Grid

While initially seen as a fad, the tiny living movement is now a megatrend that envelops more and more parts of the world. Germany is one of the European countries where the tiny movement is gaming momentum, and one of the manufacturers striving to meet the increasing demand for mobile dwellings is Berghaus Tiny House. They offer compact, lightweight, and easy-to-maneuver tiny houses on wheels made of eco-friendly materials. Their Elbrus model has all these attributes plus a clever layout that optimizes comfort.

Designed with sustainability and durability in mind, each of their compact home models is named after a mountain, further advancing the idea of a deeper connection with nature. The Elbrus has been baptized after the cone-shaped mountain in Georgia that sits 18,510 feet (5,642 meters) above sea level. The builder explains that they chose this name because this is the most spacious design in their portfolio.

Berghaus actually offers two versions of the Elbrus design, one measuring about 23 feet (7.2 m) long and another approximately 26 feet (7.8 m). The model is ideal for two inhabitants but can accommodate up to four people in its modest interior. It features a well-balanced layout and includes all the basic amenities for a comfortable tiny living experience. Moreover, given its numerous storage options and high-quality build, the Elbrus can withstand all kinds of weather conditions, so there is nothing preventing owners from using it for long-term living.

It is built on a hot-dip galvanized tandem trailer, braked with a jockey wheel, and has a safety steel frame that ensures the home will pass the test of time. The exterior is finished in a combination of thermal pine and sheet steel, giving it a rustic aesthetic. It looks like the kind of home you would find in the middle of the forest. At the same time, its compact size means you can take it on your road adventures anytime you want.

The rustic and minimalist look continues on the interior. It features spruce wood paneling, which has been primed and varnished, complemented by quality wooden floors and generous plastic windows that optimize airflow and fill the space with natural light.

As in many tiny houses, the kitchen is the heart of the abode, with the full-light entrance door opening directly into the cooking area. It is characterized by simplicity and functionality, featuring numerous upper and under-counter cabinets, a decent-size sink, an electric stove with four-burner cooktop, a fridge, and a washer-dryer combo.

The open-plan main floor also comprises a spacious living room that could be accoutered with a sofa and a coffee table. There is room for a fireplace in the living area, creating a nice place where you can warm up and get cozy after a day spent outside or enjoy quality time with your family. A television mounted on one of the walls provides evening entertainment.

The house does not rely solely on the fireplace for heating, though. There is also infrared floor heating and an air conditioning unit with a heating function.

The only other room downstairs is the bathroom. It is as simple as the rest of the house but has the ability to successfully fulfill its mission. It is equipped with a glass-enclosed shower, a toilet, and a small vanity with sink and mirror.

For the sleeping arrangements, the Elbrus tiny house has two lofted bedrooms. The main one lies above the living room, while the other is above the bathroom. A peculiar storage staircase that also integrates a tall wardrobe provides access to the main loft, which features a dividing wooden wall for some much-needed privacy. It can easily accommodate two people in a double bed, and it also includes a bookshelf for storing books and knick-knacks.

As for the second loft, there is no mention of how it can be accessed, but it's most likely via a removable ladder, as this is the most common solution in this type of house. It can also sleep two people, but the owners can also give it other functionality depending on their needs.

Tiny houses like the Elbrus from Berghaus Tiny House are a good choice for environmentally conscious couples or small families. They not only require fewer materials to build but are also energy-considerate and can be fitted with solar panels for convenient off-grid living.

No pricing information is provided on the tiny house builder's website, but considering they customize their designs to the customers' needs and preferences, we assume the final cost can vary greatly, so you'd better contact them if this design piqued your interest.