Harvard’s Tiny House, Happiness Lies In Small Spaces

The tiny house movement seems to be spreading fast and embracing all walks of life. Started as a mostly been ad-hoc, driven by people who for various reasons wanted to break away from the standard routine: get a job, get a mortgage, get a house, it has quickly evolved into a trend as more people look at it as a real alternative model.
And since it has become so popular, students at Harvard University started a design lab which will come up with such nano-homes for a generation which has traded living stability for adventure and unique life experience. Founded by Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School and Harvard Design School students, the lab is looking at the problems of housing a generation without stability.

In pleading for such tiny houses, the Harvard students explained that such homes mean less lumber used, less building materials needs and therefore less waste created. Secondly, smaller of fewer appliances mean more money in the pocket year after year. A tiny house also means decreased maintenance, plus the ability to easily fix the home. Then, one has less space to heat and cool which leads to reduced electricity and fuel use while allowing for eco-friendly features such as solar panels and composting toilets, which also keep the house mobile. Last but not least, a small house means lower taxes and overall costs which means more opportunity for adventure, according to Treehugger.com.

The first project the lab came up with is Getaway, a cedar wood tiny house which the students placed in the woods, a two hours’ drive from the city. The interior, arranged in a rustic manner, makes the best use of the available spaces it features. The lower bed lies next to a large window for breathtaking views and a built-in bookshelf. A window shutter can be pulled inside and quickly turned into a practical and useful table. Harvard’s tiny house also has a bathroom with a shower and a composting toilet.

The stairs lead to a small attic which can serve whatever need the owner may have, whether storage space or housing an extra bed. The kitchen is rudimentary, featuring running water, alcohol stove, a cooler but no fridge. However, students designed the whole place as a retreat, a holiday rental.