The Art of Simplicity Meets Contemporary Comfort Inside This Home on Wheels

Tiny by Taylor is a small business, but one that has huge potential. Its flagship model is the Shaka Shack, a truly miniature house boasting above-average versatility. It’s not meant to become someone’s permanent dream house, but can easily serve as anything in between, from a self-contained sleeping unit to a guest house or a vacation rental. It can be a great temporary housing solution for those who are building a bigger home, or a permanent additional unit on one's private property.

The Shaka tiny is balanced in all aspects. It doesn't have the disadvantages of larger and heavier tiny houses or off-grid compact units. At six meters (19.6 feet), it's long enough to allow a comfortable and functional layout. Since it's not meant to be permanently on the road, meaning there are no major weight restrictions, it can be built using standard materials and appliances and construction techniques that are more economical. All of this translates to affordable costs without sacrificing comfort.

The basic Shaka boasts a total weight of just 2.6 tons, including the trailer, which means it's still easy to tow or transport on a truck even though it's slightly more spacious than the brand's off-grid version, designed to be on the road most of the time. Being compact doesn't mean that it's not sturdy or durable - quite the opposite.

The Shaka features a super-strong steel subfloor, high-quality insulation throughout, and double-glazed aluminum windows. It also comes with a generous-sized detachable deck, the perfect addition that transforms this cabin into a modern indoor/outdoor space.

Inside, the walls are lined with 9 mm ply, and the flooring is vinyl, but future owners can go for an upgrade at an extra cost. The simple layout is one of this model's main assets due to the clever use of space. The Shaka is so small that it only boasts an open-plan main-floor layout with a separate bathroom. Still, the overall space feels much bigger and is also bright and luminous during the day.

One end of the house is a multifunctional area that can double as a bedroom and a day lounge. It can fit in a queen-sized bed, a sofa, or even two small bunk beds. The main advantage here is the large window that brings in the sunshine and ensures a welcomed connection to the outdoors.

The center of the house is a spacious cooking/dining area with the kitchen on one side and a practical breakfast bar on the other side. The kitchen is built by local joiners using moisture-resistant materials, and it includes soft-close drawers for basic storage. When it comes to appliances, a tiny Beko fridge can be perfectly integrated under the countertop, and there's just enough room for a small oven with hobs.

A beautifully crafted breakfast bar adds a beach house touch to this modern, informal cabin. It's placed right in front of the window, with matching bar stools. And the window isn't an ordinary one either. It's a bi-fold window that opens out onto the deck, transforming the Shaka into an indoor/outdoor entertainment sanctuary that can be enjoyed just as well from the outside as it is on the inside.

This type of dining setup is perfect for those who want to feel more connected to their surroundings and spend more time out in nature. It is also a signature feature of New Zealand-designed tiny homes, which commonly emphasize the indoor/outdoor flow.

The bathroom is located at the other end of the house, and it's big enough to be equipped with all the basics. Unlike the off-grid version of the Shaka, this standard model can be fitted with a conventional toilet, although customers can also opt for the eco-friendly composting alternative. This is no spa-like bathroom, but it has a decent-sized shower cabin (900 x 760 mm) with a sliding door, a compact 400 mm vanity, and a few storage cupboards for essentials.

The basic Shaka Shack is available for purchase at NZD 60,000 ($37,000) plus an extra NZD 8,000 ($5,000) for the smart trailer and is also available as a rental. The Kiwi company offers fully self-contained Shaka units with all the basics for those who need a temporary abode and who have the land for it. The Shaka can be rented for a minimum of six months at NZD 280 ($172) per month.

Shaka is what a minimalist's dream home would look and feel like. It's not bogged down by any unnecessary additions that only end up creating clutter. Plus, it's surprisingly stylish and aesthetically pleasing despite being so simple. In today's times, where flexibility and affordability are more important than ever, the beautiful Shaka is a great choice with multiple possibilities.