The tiny living movement is slowly but surely carving out a niche in Europe, where people are becoming more interested in downsizing, minimalism and sustainability. The tiny houses built in this part of the world are designed to maximize space and minimize environmental impact, offering a sustainable living solution. Built with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, they encourage more conscious consumption and living and appeal to those who want to challenge the conventional concept of “home”.
The micro-homes designed and built by Romania-based Eco Tiny House are a great example. This builder specializes in custom-made tiny homes for people who want to live closer to nature and has been making amazing micro-homes since 2017.
The team prides itself on being a “holistic solution provider specializing in tiny homes from consultation to delivery,” and one of the most exciting aspects of its models is their potential for sustainability and self-sufficiency. Although the Eco Tiny Houses can be connected to the grid, they are also ready for solar integration. In addition, the builder primarily uses environmentally friendly building materials (wood is predominantly used), which makes its homes more environmentally and climate-friendly than conventional homes.
We’ve already covered two stunning models in the Eco Tiny House portfolio, Hogwarts and Rubik, both designed to encourage people to live more simply and more closely with nature. The model we’re looking at today is called Getaway and it follows the same design recipe as its siblings, showcasing a perfect blend of timeless aesthetics, traditional values and modern functionality.
Photo: Eco Tiny House
For many people, the look and feel of real wood is the key to making a home a home. The Getaway makes extensive use of wood in its construction, both in the exterior and interior design. On the outside, this tiny house has a rugged look thanks to a mix of heat-treated ayous wood on the front and steel cladding on the back, a combination that ensures durability in any weather.
Additionally, for this model, the designers mixed rustic elements with modern ones by using exposed nails along the surface of the natural wood cladding. They also took a more playful approach than in previous models, installing the wooden slats in different directions and proving that simplicity can also be exciting.
At just 7.2 metres (23.6 feet) long and 2.6 metres (8.5 feet) wide, you wouldn’t expect the Getaway tiny home to be a family-friendly design. But thanks to clever use of space, it manages to squeeze in a fully equipped kitchen, a downstairs bedroom, and a loft/home office space in a reverse loft configuration, a bathroom, and a mezzanine bedroom.
A glass front door and numerous windows throughout the home let in plenty of natural light and keep the living space from feeling cramped. The abundance of glass also helps open up the interior to its natural surroundings. The impeccable interior styling combines tongue-and-groove fir walls and ceilings with easy-to-maintain luxury laminate floors, elegant furniture pieces, and beautiful decor to create an inviting space that truly feels like a family home.
Photo: Eco Tiny House
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by a spacious kitchen, equipped with all the luxury appliances that the modern individual is accustomed to, including an induction cooktop, an electric oven, a refrigerator and a dishwasher. The dark gray cabinetry offers plenty of storage both under and above the counter, and the leather handles enhance the look of the cooking space.
The living room is an unusual location in this home, revealing an ingenious inverted loft configuration that includes a raised living room upstairs and a bedroom on the main level below. Although unusual, it feels cozy and practical, with every nook and cranny thought out. A small sofa and a table with two chairs, plus a huge picture window, create a beautiful setup for entertaining guests in the loft living room, which can also be used as a home office.
Due to obvious space limitations, many tiny homes lack a proper vestibule, and Getaway does not, but the builders found a way to include a coat rack right next to the entryway. The unit is cleverly integrated into the inverted loft structure and features both clothes hangers and shoe racks.
Photo: Eco Tiny House
There are two sleeping spaces in this home, one under the living room and one in the loft at the opposite end of the house. The downstairs bedroom is perfect for kids. It has a queen-sized mattress and an open-shelf storage unit where they can keep all their toys. The loft bedroom is reserved for adults and is large enough for a queen-sized mattress. It also has a protective wall that provides some privacy. Both the living room and the loft bedroom are accessed via stairs built into the storage, which are cleverly designed to be space-efficient and improve functionality.
Finally, the bathroom is designed to offer functionality without compromising style. It includes all the basic necessities, plus some storage space and a washing machine. Comfort inside this home is ensured by underfloor heating, an LG air conditioning unit, an electric water heater and an efficient ventilation system.
Surprisingly, the Geaway’s small size didn’t stop its designers from creating a beautiful and remarkably functional home that a couple or small family could use for full-time living without sacrificing comfort.
