By definition, tiny living is about downsized spaces, more mobility with the home in tow, fewer costs, less material possessions, and overall a less stressful life. Also by definition, though not explicitly so, tiny living has an initial entry price that's higher than what you'd expect for such a compact footprint.
The latest unit from U.S.-based builder Tru Form Tiny is a brilliant example of all these, down to the prohibitive asking price. But it's also an outstanding example of downsizing done right, with minimal compromise in terms of comfort, convenience, or functionality, and an extra helping of style that would make the owner the envy of all his friends.
Tru Form Tiny is perhaps one of the most popular boutique tiny house builders in North America. They offer a range of models that can be customized to an incredible degree according to each buyer's needs, preferences, and budget.
The most impressive Tru Form units are park models because their larger footprint allows the team of designers to really show off their skills and turn those interiors into gorgeous mini-mansions. The Urban Park Studio model is one of the few more compact units they have on offer. As it turns out, that same team of designers really doesn't need all that much space to work their magic.
Photo: Tru Form Tiny
Urban Park Studio was introduced as a model a couple of years back, but this unit, which is a variation on the standard spec, is brand new. We're assuming it was built on commission but never picked up, so Tru Form is selling it with everything but the mattress in the loft and the chairs in the kitchen.
Not that it matters: we can still enjoy it in the ol'-fashioned way of window-shopping.
The unit is 18 feet (5.5 meters) long and offers 248 square feet (23 square meters) of total living space. It's not much compared to a city apartment, but for a tiny house, it's actually decent-sized.
Photo: Tru Form Tiny
The house is built on top of a triple-axle trailer and comes with an RV-style hookup for utilities. The exterior is black cedar with white paneling, while the interior is white panels with French-inspired black contrast walls and plenty of hardwood furniture pieces.
The layout is a standard single-loft one, which means that sleeping is relegated to the "upstairs" in a small loft with no standing height, while daytime activities and bathroom facilities are on the ground floor. So far, it doesn't seem like there is much to make this unit stand out from the crowd, but that's where Tru Form's distinctive styling comes in to make a difference.
All units from this builder are immediately recognizable thanks to smart design, the use of quality materials, and the focus on integrating as much functionality as possible in the space, no matter how compact. This also applies to the Urban Park Studio, which, as its name says, was designed as a work-from-home alternative or a permanent home for a young couple.
Photo: Tru Form Tiny
This design can actually sleep as many as four people in total, though only on an occasional basis. The kitchen is to the left as you enter the space, with a built-in slide-out two-person dining table hidden into a larger piece of furniture and everything from a drawer fridge to an electric cooktop and convection microwave with an air-fryer included. There's prep for a washer and dryer unit in one of the cabinets, and there's still enough space left to offer plenty of storage.
Because this is a tiny house in the truest sense of the word, the open plan kitchen opens directly into the living room, built around a Furrion electric fireplace with space on the wall for a TV and a large L-shaped couch that can turn into a guest bed.
Because the entire house comes with plenty of glazing, every space is brightly lit, which, in turn, makes it feel more spacious. The same goes for the loft upstairs that's basked in light from all sides and, as such, doesn't feel claustrophobic in the least.
Photo: Tru Form Tiny
The bathroom is under the loft, accessible by walking down a very small hallway that offers even more storage options at the end. There's a spice rack, a compact freezer, and larger cabinets there, making this area feel like an extension of the kitchen.
The bathroom is also compact but specced with the basics: a one-piece walk-in shower, a flushing toilet, and a sink sitting on a small vanity that offers even more storage. Again, compared to what other tiny houses are offering, including those of a larger size, this one feels luxurious.
Below is a complete video tour of the latest variation of the Urban Park Studio from Tru Form Tiny. It's clearly a good example that all tinies from this builder are beautiful and functional in equal measure, no matter their footprint. At the same time, it's also a good example that these units are priced as premium tinies: this one is asking $139,800.
Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends. Full profile
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