Off-Grid Tiny With a Slide-Out Deck Is the Ultimate Travel Companion

Shaka Shack is a hybrid concept that takes the best things from both tiny houses and campers. It's meant to be on the road most of the time, which is why it's compact, lightweight, and totally self-sufficient. At the same time, it provides more storage compared to a simple camper, it boasts the comfort and the warm ambiance of a real home, and it's packed with all the basics needed for daily comfort.

This adorable house on wheels offers only 12 square meters (129 square feet) of living space. The clever pull-out deck, which is one of its main assets, adds an extra 4.5 square meters (48 square feet). This might still seem too little, but it's all about how well the overall space is actually being used through a smart configuration.

First, the traveling Shaka reveals a cozy lounge that doubles as a sleeping area. By day, the convertible sofa acts as a comfortable relaxation spot strategically placed in front of an oversized window. When it's time to sleep, it easily turns into a double bed with a premium memory foam mattress covered in high-quality fabric because a good night's sleep is one of the best luxuries when traveling. As an added bonus, the convertible sofa also comes with three large drawers for hidden storage.

The modern kitchen displays a beautiful Macrocarpa countertop and surprisingly generous storage, including a small pantry, multiple drawers, and a full-height spices rack. A tiny built-in fridge and a three-burner stove plus a grill/oven are the main appliances. On the opposite side, a second Macrocarpa countertop serves as a generous breakfast bar with multiple matching bar stools.

It's not a simple breakfast bar but part of an impressive indoor/outdoor setup. The oversized bi-fold aluminum window literally opens the house up to the world, bringing the outdoors in. Together with the practical slide-out deck, it creates an outdoor extension of the house that's perfect for entertaining and being out in nature. Those bar stools are also easy to move out on the deck and then back into the house.

The only separate room inside the Shaka is the compact bathroom. It's equipped with a full-size shower. To save space and to add much-needed storage, the composting toilet is hidden underneath a large closet that doubles as a wardrobe, sliding away when not in use. There's also an overhead storage compartment that provides more room for storing items without taking up extra space.

The Shaka was designed to be as lightweight and mobile as a regular camper but as comfortable and spacious as a real home on wheels. The homely feel starts with the use of standard house-building materials. It's also properly insulated with eco-friendly Earthwool in the walls and ceiling and 50 mm under-floor Expol insulation. The door and windows are single-glazed but can be upgraded to double-glazed, and the V-grooved ply lining on the interior walls creates the warm ambiance of a traditional home.

The traveling Shaka comes on a galvanized, dual-axle trailer with hydraulic disk brakes. Since this particular model was specifically adapted for frequent travel, a fixed trailer is the best option. Still, customers can also opt for a smart trailer or a fixed tiny house design if they don't intend to move around as much.

Oversized windows are another essential feature of the Shaka Shack. They create a cozy atmosphere inside, with lovely views, and at the same time, they connect the home to its surroundings. Fitted with all the basics for comfortable daily living and ready to hit the road, this adorable abode is fully self-sufficient.

It's equipped with solar panels, batteries, and a charger. Utilities include a water pump, a heater, a gas water heater, and a 9 kg (19.8 lbs) gas bottle. Plus, the trailer holds fresh water and grey water tanks, 120 liters (31.7 gallons) each.

The perfect mix between a camper and a tiny house, the Shaka Shack Traveler is a great way to enjoy the outdoors more without sacrificing comfort. It's like having the popular glamping lifestyle at your fingertips while also enjoying full privacy and the comfort of your own home.

In terms of pricing, the fully-packed version with all the bells and whistles, including the slide-out deck, costs NZD 89,000 ($55,000). The basic version starts at NZD 70,000 ($43,200).

The Shaka Shack Traveler was designed and built by a New Zealand-based company called Tiny by Taylor, which was founded by an experienced builder who also experienced living in a caravan abroad. Now, Taylor is helping others reap the benefits of the caravan lifestyle while also enjoying the full comfort of a real home on wheels.