If you’ve never heard of the new tiny home movement sweeping the country- and world- it’s time you got with the program.
While everyone has their own reasons for making the switch to a tiny home, people around the world are attracted to having more freedom both physically and financially, and lessening the impact on the environment.
However, downsizing to a home that is only a couple hundred square feet (the typical American home is about 2600 square feet) takes some serious life-style changes. But it doesn’t have to be as terrible as it sounds.
For example, this three-floor tiny home in Bali, called the White Elephant sits on a half-acre of land and is only 750 square feet. It’s airy design was intended to coexist with and highlight the natural surroundings.
The White Elephant was modeled after a lumbung, which is a traditional Balinese barn.
Because of the tropical climate, the space is still comfortable even with the open floor-plan with most of the rooms being partially outside.
The half-bath is the only room in the house that is fully enclosed.
Yes, that means even the bathtub is completely open. It sits just on the side of the deck, and featured curtains to provide a little privacy.
The outside deck has French windows and opens up to a garden.
The protected deck has a large day bed, which is perfect for lounging in the afternoon and early evening as the fireflies emerge.
The incredible airy feel of the White Elephant is achieved through the high vaulted ceilings made of alang-alang, a type of grass that’s also called Japanese blood grass.
“On moonlit nights there is nothing more evocative than lying in the elegantly-dressed king bed looking out the stunning glass wall to the moon as it hovers languidly behind the jungle and towering palms.”
The king-sized bed is fitted with fresh white linen sheets and is overlooked by traditional Balinese carved bidadari angles.
The third level, while small, looks over the bed and has incredible views of the area’s luscious vegetation. The cozy spot is perfect for reading or meditating.
“Fireflies dance before your eyes and at temple ceremony times the sound of Gamelan orchestras will enchant,” the owner explains.
Would you ever live in a tiny home like this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
[Featured image credit: Jendela di Bali]