Mary tells us, ”like under staircase cabinets, hidden storage spaces under the steps, storage under the bed couch, the pivoting bar top, a hanging clothes bar over the washer dryer, and cubbies by the bathroom sink. We also raised up the refrigerator to fit a drawer underneath, and built a sliding out custom made spice rack. We pretty much used every square inch for something functional.”
The Elsa tiny home is also extremely energy efficient, due to high performance insulation throughout the home. Fourteen energy efficient windows designed by Andersen Windows are placed throughout the home to allow for an abundance of natural light while not compromising the thermal performance of the home. These windows open the home to the outside world, one example of biophilic design.
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The interior walls and ceiling are made from beautiful six-inch shiplap for a rustic interior look. Pergo flooring was used throughout the house to offer a durable, hardwood laminate flooring option that does not release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the interior of the home like other laminate flooring options on the market.
Outdoor Living Space
The real charm of this tiny home, however, is seen in its innovative exterior. The exterior walls of the home are finished with 1×8 cedar shiplap siding, which blends in beautifully with the gray seam metal roof. A four panel glass front door opens up to a large porch/pergola that connects the home to a large greenhouse, which allows homeowners the opportunity to grow vegetables, flowers, and other plants as part of a holistically sustainable lifestyle.
According to Mary, “the idea to include a greenhouse in our tiny Elsa house was brought to life because we wanted to make more usable functioning space. The deck area adds some more living area to the house. We also love the idea of minimal living and living more green. So the greenhouse adds to the concept of green living. Growing the food we eat is something that we love to do. We own a farm and eat what we grow.”
A porch swing makes the pergola deck a great place to relax and can easily be converted into an outdoor dining area as well. With a greenhouse located right next door, it is easy to pick a few fresh vegetables to add to a summer salad that is being served on the pergola.
While the Elsa tiny home is certainly one of the most unique tiny homes on the market, Mary admits that “the biggest concern from people looking to buy the Elsa was the lack of a lower bedroom, so in our next model we have an actual lower bedroom with a door.”
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