What is a Tiny Home?
A tiny home is a small place to live around 100 to 400 square feet in size. These homes are designed to maximise space for owners while also providing all the necessary amenities for comfortable living.
Tiny homes often have clever storage ideas, multifunctional furniture, and innovative design to make the most of limited square footage.
Also, they can be stationary or mobile, and they have gained popularity as a cheaper and sustainable housing option for Irish homeowners.
Keep reading to learn more about Tiny Homes.
Micro Living: 40 Innovative Tiny Houses Equipped for Full-Time Living, in 400 Square Feet or Less
What are the Benefits of a Tiny Home?
- AFFORDABILITY – Tiny homes typically cost A LOT LESS to build, buy, and maintain compared to traditional houses. This means you can save more and spend less.
- SUSTAINABILITY – With an arguably smaller carbon footprint, tiny homes require fewer resources to build and operate, promoting eco-friendly living and reducing environmental impact.
- SIMPLICITY – Living in a tiny home encourages a minimalist lifestyle. This can lead to happiness, less clutter, and some owners can even develop increased focus on experiences over possessions.
- MOBILITY – Many tiny homes are built on trailers, which makes flexibility and mobility easy. Homeowners can easily relocate their home to new locations or travel while still enjoying the comforts of a real home.
- CUSTOMISATION – Despite their small size, tiny homes can be customised to meet individual needs and preferences, thereby offering creative design solutions and personalised living spaces.
- COMMUNITY – Tiny home living often creates a strong sense of community, as residents connect with like-minded individuals and participate in sharing resources.
Are Tiny Houses Legal in Ireland? Do I Need Planning Permission?
According to Tiny Homes, one of Ireland’s foremost suppliers of tiny homes, tiny homes are indeed legal and require planning permission since they are considered living/dwelling spaces.
On the other hand, non-habitable dwellings in Ireland under 25m² are exempt from planning permission. This may include a garden studio, garden office or storage unit.
Can I put a Tiny Mobile Home on my Land in Ireland?
According to BuildPro, a very trusted professional supplier of building contractors, you may be able to place a mobile home on your land without planning permission if it meets specific criteria, such as being used as temporary accommodation during the construction or renovation of your main dwelling.
Read more on their detailed blog post HERE.
How Much Does it cost to build a Tiny House in Ireland?
An energy Efficient Tiny Home structure is built at a guide price of €1,025 per m² or €95.23 per ft².
This means you can expect to pay anywhere between 25,000 to 60,000 euros.
Can I Get a Mortgage for a Tiny Home in Ireland?
According to Selectra, an Irish leader in all things Home & Energy, it is unlikely that you will get a mortgage for a tiny home since it is a small amount.
However, applying for a bank loan is a far better alternative.
Tiny Homes Ireland – Facebook Community***
The “Tiny Homes Ireland” Facebook group is a community with over 14,000 members dedicated to discussing all aspects of tiny homes in Ireland. It covers a wide range of topics, including sharing:
- Project Showcases – Members share pictures and updates of their tiny home projects.
- Maintenance Tips – Advice and suggestions on maintaining tiny homes.
- Planning Advice – Tips, tricks, and experiences related to planning permissions and regulations.
- Supplier Reviews – Recommendations and reviews of tiny home suppliers.
- Technical Assistance – A space to ask and answer technical questions about tiny home construction.
The group provides a platform for members to exchange experiences, seek guidance, and discover practical solutions related to tiny home living in Ireland. It’s also an ideal place for both current owners and those considering buying or building a tiny home.
You can check out the group HERE.
Types of Tiny Homes.
1.PREFAB TINY HOMES
Prefabricated and modular tiny homes are built in factory settings and assembled on-site. They offer efficient construction, custom designs, and can be tailored to specific customer needs and preferences.
2. ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs) OR GRANNY PODS
ADUs are small secondary dwellings located on the same property as a main residence. For example, say the main house is under repairs, an ADU can serve as a temporary home while the main house is being worked on.
They can also serve as guest houses, rental units, or independent living spaces for family members.
3. CONVERTED VEHICLES
Some individuals choose to live in converted vehicles such as vans, buses, or RVs (recreational vehicles). These mobile tiny homes offer flexibility and the ability to travel while still providing comfortable living accommodations.
4. TINY HOMES ON WHEELS (THOWs)
These are perhaps the most common type of tiny homes in Ireland and are built on trailers for mobility.
They typically have compact living spaces with loft bedrooms, small kitchens, and space-saving storage solutions.
5. SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES
Made from repurposed shipping containers, container homes offer a sturdy and sustainable housing option.
They can be stacked or modified to create 2-storey living spaces and are known for their rustic/industrial aesthetic.
6. TINY HOUSE COMMUNITIES
These are collections of tiny homes clustered together in planned communities or villages.
Residents share common spaces and resources while enjoying the benefits of a supportive and like-minded community. Besides the traveller community, I am unsure if there are other tiny home communities in Ireland.
7. YURTS
Inspired by traditional Mongolian homes, yurts are portable, circular structures typically constructed with a wooden lattice frame and covered with fabric or canvas.
They offer a unique and cozy living space with a central skylight for natural light.
8. HOUSEBOATS
Houseboats are floating homes designed to be lived in on the water. They range from small, compact vessels to larger, more luxurious floating yacths. They offer waterfront living with the option to either travel or stay moored.
9. COB HOUSES
Cob houses are constructed from a mixture of clay, sand, and straw, creating thick, sculptural walls that provide excellent insulation and thermal heat. These organic, energy-efficient dwellings often feature curved shapes and artistic details. Think of the Hobbits from the LOTR series.
5 Best Suppliers of Tiny Homes in Ireland
- Tiny Homes – design@tinyhomes.ie, Kilbarron, Coolbawn, Nenagh, Tipperary
- Big Man Tiny Homes – info@bigmanmodular.ie, Clancool Beg, Bandon, Co. Cork, P72 H763
- Modular Homes Ireland – sales@bigredbarn.ie, PND Business Park Foxford Road Swinford Co.Mayo.
- Irish Modular Homes – info@irishmodularhomes.ie, Unit P5, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Rd, Ballintemple, Cork
- West Cabins – jack@westbuilders.ie, Lahinch Road, Ennistymon, Co. Clare V95C3V1
Conclusion
From affordability and sustainability to mobility and customisation, tiny homes offer a lot of benefits that appeal to individuals who just want to spend less.
So if you want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle in Ireland or reduce your carbon footprint, tiny homes are a great opportunity to achieve these.
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