Ultra-Compact Tiny Home Reveals a Stylish Take on Versatile Tiny Living

The man who founded Highlands Tiny Homes was already operating a successful construction company when he began to explore the tiny living phenomenon. The movement spread quickly across the US and far beyond its borders, reaching places like Australia, where it was received with enthusiasm. Michael's second construction business, dedicated entirely to tiny homes, was founded in 2003, and in 2016, his eldest son Matthew also joined its ranks. They are not only pioneers in Australia but are proud to build tiny homes from scratch, including trailers, on their own land, using local resources and therefore supporting their community.

The HTH range includes versatile options for various needs and lifestyles, with various sizes, layouts, and styles. Additionally, future owners can choose between standard, deluxe, or deluxe+ finishes and can also opt for a fully customized design. The largest models can be up to 7.8 meters long (25.5 feet) and sport a two-bedroom configuration. At the opposite end, the brand's pod design is only 4.8 meters long (15.7 feet) and ideally suited for a single owner and temporary accommodation.

What makes pods so versatile? First of all, they're one of the most affordable living options for first-time homeowners or folks in their golden years looking to downsize. With a small initial investment, owners can enjoy the full functionality and comfort of a real home, along with unrestricted freedom. A house like this is also much easier to maintain, and the drastically reduced costs associated with living in a pod make it an ideal option for those who are saving money for the next step. It's also one of the most sustainable choices, perfect for eco-aware minimalists who are committed to minimizing their environmental footprint.

The HTH Pod comes on a steel skid instead of wheels, and it's designed to be installed or leveled on a basic pier system. This makes it easy to relocate. As a pod, it can easily be used as an ADU in a regular backyard, and it's also great for renting. In other words, with minimal investment and minimal hassle, owners can obtain a second income stream or a simple, safe, and stylish individual home for a teenager or an elder in the family.

Inside, a modern kitchen sits in the center, with an open-style bedroom at one end and an enclosed bathroom at the opposite end. Although compact, the kitchen is ingeniously designed to provide sufficient storage in the form of classic cupboards and a decent-sized countertop. The standard appliances include a good-quality microwave and a mini fridge. The space above the fridge was wisely used to add an extra closet for convenient storage.

To add functionality, a contemporary dining nook was added to the kitchen area. It's a compact version of the classic Aussie breakfast bar with two seats and excellent placement in front of a large awning window. Plus, unlike a standard breakfast bar, it features built-in storage underneath – in a super-small place like this one, adding storage wherever possible without upsetting the overall balance is highly important.

The HTH Pod features multiple awning and sliding windows throughout, which maintain a high level of natural light and proper cross-ventilation, not to mention the great views from all angles. The dining nook could easily double as a work area or a relaxing reading nook. On the other hand, the bed can be turned into a daytime bench since there's no separate lounge area. Every main area of the pod has multiple uses (the kitchen is also a storage area, for instance), which adds functionality to a very limited floor space.

A lockable pocket door ensures full privacy for the bathroom, which is just as well-equipped as a bigger tiny house. It comes with a flush toilet, a shower cabin with an inset tiled floor, and a tiny vanity under the sink.

The standard finishes pictured in the gallery include things like the white laminate cabinetry in the kitchen and bathroom, laminate kitchen countertops, standard light fixtures, and tiled flooring for the shower section. This version costs as little as AUD 54,900 ($36,000). Customers who opt for the more luxurious materials and finishes available in the deluxe and deluxe+ packages will add $2,000 and $5,000 to the starting price. Even with these premium features, the HTH pod is highly affordable for a single owner and temporary living without compromising comfort and style.