Prototype Tiny Home banner

Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Area: 15m2
Completion date: 2014   
Design company: IQ Container Homes Ltd www.iqcontainerhomes.co.nz
Photography: Hayden Spurdle        

Motivated by a desire to create an off-grid tiny house to live in while a larger home could be approved and built, this father-daughter project provided hands-on experience with design and construction and served as a learning curve and test model for container-based construction. 

The home is wired 12v with power supplied by 2x150w solar panels and 2x6v batteries stored in a utilities cupboard on the covered porch. This also houses the fuses, solar inverter controller, and small pump which provides water to the home collected from the roof into 2 external tanks. Water is heated via an instantaneous gas califont.

The main living area is <10m2 and shows what can be achieved in a space small enough to not need consent based on local NZ legislation. The final design features a ground floor bedroom with double bed and plenty of storage for clothes. Curtains can close this room off from the rest of the home. A mezzanine floor accessed by stairs, which also include storage, features a TV/DVD player and couch that not only has built-in storage but converts to a double bed for guests. Large windows overlook the stunning bush setting and provide natural ventilation. LED strip lighting illuminates the room at night. 

A compact desk provides a practical workspace. Opposite this the kitchen features a gorgeous turquoise acrylic splashback and high gloss kitchen cabinetry. Due to local restrictions, cooking facilities are not allowed so a BBQ and portable gas burner are provided for outdoor use.  The bathroom is external and accessed off the covered porch. From the outside it looks like a shed with no windows but upon entering you are greeted with plenty of natural light & warmth due to the clear light roofing, showcasing the overhead trees and birdlife and creating a sense of being at one with nature.

IQ Container Homes
Waikato
Tour of home courtesy of Living Big in a Tiny House

Professionals used in
Prototype Tiny Home

About the
Professional

IQ Container Homes are the experts when it comes to Container construction with over 8 years experience in the design and supply of quality container based homes and structures.

Corten steel containers are incredibly strong and durable, recognised as earthquake, hurricane and fire resistant. A perfect low maintenance shell for the construction of a structurally sound, watertight, warm, energy efficient home that will last for many years.

Container homes can easily and affordably be transported and craned into position. They are suitable for pile foundations, making them an ideal solution for sloping sites.

We have a range of standard designs and can also assist with custom designs. Please Contact us for more information or to discuss how we can assist turn your container home dream into a reality