This Iconic House on Wheels Is What Sustainable, Ultra-Comfy Tiny Living Looks Like

The Sowelo Tiny House has become a classic by now, and it's not at all overshadowed by the newer models. Judging by size alone, you'd think it comes with the same cookie-cutter features as most homes on wheels. The idea was to keep the Sowelo tiny house fully within the legal requirements in Australia so that it could operate as a perfectly functional home in all aspects. This is why it's only eight meters long (26.2 feet), 2.49 meters wide (8.1 feet), and a little over four meters in height (13.1 feet).

In terms of accommodation, the spacious layout welcomes as many as six people thanks to a versatile lounge setup in addition to the classic dual lofts. Each loft is designed to be used as a bedroom with a large, comfy bed, generous awning windows for an influx of natural light first thing in the morning, and additional skylights that bring out the beauty of a starry sky. Downstairs, the extra-large L-shaped sofa can easily transform into a double bed for two more people.

This sofa is the type of modular furniture that should be present in any compact dwelling. In addition to its double role, it also offers ample hidden storage. Most importantly, it's strategically placed so that it envelops guests in a magical ambiance enhanced by unique panoramic views. The Sowelo Tiny House is 100% Aussie, which means it's fully open to the outdoors. The lounge and the kitchen are seamlessly connected into one large socializing area that seems to overflow into the home's natural surroundings.

Huge windows and sliding glass doors do a great job blurring the distinction between the interior and the surroundings. This becomes even more apparent in the kitchen, designed in an authentic Australian style with a pop-up breakfast bar in the form of a foldable countertop extension and bi-fold server windows that open up fully. The kitchen becomes almost an outdoor cooking area while keeping the advantages of a contemporary, fully-equipped urban kitchen.

The custom design with premium appliances and high-quality materials adds a luxurious touch to this modern kitchen. Having a custom-designed kitchen also means integrating as much possible storage as the space allows, as well as integrating full-size appliances; in this case, they include a stainless steel gas stove/oven and an energy-efficient fridge. The modern-style sink with a pull-out hose mixer tap and a drain rack is seamlessly integrated into the work surface.

The beautiful countertop was made from sustainable-plantation Mountain Ash hardwood timber as a way to integrate sustainable practices in the overall building and furnishing process. Mountain Ash timber was also used for staircase steps and the bathroom countertop. All of these countertops were coated using food-grade hard wax oil, while the external timber, including the deck, was coated with Low- or no-VOC paints and oils.

While the modern design with extra-large windows adds a sense of openness and connection to nature, the Sowelo tiny house also exudes the warm, cozy ambiance of a classic family home. A classic-style staircase with a minimalist stainless steel handrail leads to one of the loft bedrooms. The integrated staircase cabinets and drawers add even more storage to the fully-packed kitchen area. Above the lounge, a second bedroom is reached via a simple ladder that can easily be stored away when not in use, freeing up more space in the lounge.

One of the most intriguing and ingenious parts of this house is the adorable nook hiding between the kitchen area and the bathroom. Even this tiny bit of space was cleverly used to add functionality. Once again, it's all about multi-functional design.

The wooden bench is just as much a cozy reading area as it is a modern home office desk. It was strategically designed to interchange these roles easily while benefitting from ample natural light. Power points and additional shelves make this home office easier to use. Even the breakfast bar can double as a work area when needed. The foldable design cleverly saves space while providing a generous surface for enjoying meals in a semi-open space or working in a private setup.

Behind a discrete door, the bathroom reveals a contemporary setup with a rain shower, a beautiful vanity with ample storage, a washing machine, and a toilet (customers can choose the type they prefer). The home's standard equipment also includes an energy-efficient convection panel heater and LED lights throughout. To top things off, a gorgeous greenery wall with a smart, integrated watering system turns this home into a lush sanctuary that's full of life.

This iconic tiny house is the flagship design of Sowelo Tiny Homes, a brand created by founders Shona and Barlo after years of experience in sustainable construction work. Sustainable materials and renewable energy are part of their own home life and the way they do business.

Like many others, they were inspired by the tiny house movement in the US to incorporate these practices into compact packages with the added benefit of mobility. The result is seen in gorgeous tiny homes boasting full functionality and that unique Aussie touch.