The Realities of Tiny Living: Why I Chose a "Tiny Bit More" for Casa Luna B&B

Living small has become a modern-day mantra, with countless enthusiasts touting the benefits of Tinyhomes as a lifestyle alternative. My journey, however, has led me to believe that a "tiny bit more" than a traditional Tinyhome offers double the usability and flexibility, particularly for those looking to create liveable spaces with long-term potential.

After all, true sustainability is gained when the longest possible useable life is achieved from the best available resources.

How It All Started: From Europe to the Open Seas

My fascination with compact living began during my ski seasons in Europe, where I spent years living in a studio apartment. It was a garden office in my boss's apartment building, where I used the outdoors as part of my living space with an outdoor shower, bbq for cooking, undercover storage for my bike etc, even in European winter the outdoors can be a great way to live spaciously in a tiny house... though I might add having a private garden in your inner city pad is a rarity in Europe's cities. Later, I spent months on a sailing boat, further refining my appreciation for efficient use of space. These experiences showed me both the strengths and limitations of living small. While the Tinyhome movement romanticises minimalism, my time in these spaces revealed that practicality often takes a backseat to aesthetics.

The Problem with Tinyhomes as a Long-Term Solution

Many Tinyhome proponents promote the idea of radical downsizing, but what they often don’t share is the compromise in liveability. For example:

• Storage Space: Most Tinyhome dwellers rely on external storage solutions — a shed or storage unit next door filled with all the items that couldn’t fit. This undermines the primary goal of reducing your footprint.

• One-Room Living: When your kitchen, living room, and bedroom are all in one space, the functionality becomes limited. What works for a weekend escape may not be sustainable for everyday life.

• Future Flexibility: Tinyhomes often lack adaptability. Should your needs change or if you wish to rent out the space later, a cramped layout limits its appeal and usability.

Why a "Tiny Bit More" Makes All the Difference

Instead of following the traditional Tinyhome model, I chose to build small accommodations that offer just a bit more room to breathe. This approach balances compact living with functionality, creating spaces that are:

• Liveable and Practical: By separating key areas like the kitchen, living room, and bedroom, these spaces feel less like a compromise and more like a home.

• Future-Proof: A well-designed small space can serve as a guest retreat, rental property, or even a home office down the line.

• Environmentally Conscious: A slightly larger footprint doesn’t negate the environmental benefits. Thoughtful design and sustainable building practices ensure the impact remains minimal while maximizing usability.

Designing for Natural Environments - Casa Luna Case Study

In countries like Australia and the USA, where natural environments provide a stunning backdrop, building a truly liveable small space enhances longevity and future-proofing. Instead of focusing solely on size reduction, when designing Casa Luna, a farmstay in the Adelaide Hills I prioritised:

1. Storage Solutions: Ample room for belongings eliminates the need for external sheds, maintaining the ethos of downsizing.

2. Connection to the Outdoors: Large windows, decks, and open-plan layouts make the space feel expansive without increasing the footprint.

3. Durability and Flexibility: Materials and designs that stand the test of time ensure the space’s usability for years to come.

At Casa Luna nature is all around, from the wild kangaroos chilling outside the windows to the Scottish Highland cows grazing at your doorstep, the challenge was to create immersion not separation, so you feel a part of the environment and life revolves more around the natural world.

Whether you’re intrigued by the idea of sustainable tourism or simply looking for inspiration to create your own liveable small space, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s redefine what small living can mean, not just for today but for the future.

If you’ve ever considered building a Tinyhome or a small accommodation, what challenges have you faced? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s start a conversation about designing spaces that work for real life.