Tiny Home Is a Light-Filled Modern Gem, Simplified for Do-It-Yourselfers

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Updated October 11, 2018

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Tiny homes need not be overly quaint, rusticated coffins, and we've seen a number of more modern examples to that effect. Looking unassumingly non-distinct on the outside, the Hikari Box by Portland, Oregon's Shelter Wise hides a luminous and spacious interior that feels quite open compared to some of the tiny homes we've seen. Here's a (very) quick tour of it, by Shelter Wise designer-builder Derin Williams:

© Shelter Wise

© Shelter WiseMeasuring 24 feet long and 263 square feet in total (there are two additional lofts, one for sleeping and another for storage or a twin bed above the sitting area), the Hikari takes it name from the Japanese word for "light-filled." And so it is, thanks to the generous smattering of fourteen windows, two of which are skylights.

© Shelter Wise

The stair treads are quite large, thankfully. The staircase itself also hides storage cabinets, which are modelled after Japanese tansu chests. The minimal metal pulls are a nice touch.

© Shelter Wise

The shed-style roof allows for more headroom in the sleeping loft, which can fit a queen-sized bed, and still have some room to spare. The low wall here also doubles a storage space with extra shelving for bedding or clothing.

© Shelter Wise

The bathroom is simple and no-frills -- definitely not for people who like palatial-sized bathrooms, but functional.

© Shelter Wise

According to the company, the Hikari is a composite design that combines all their favourite details from previously built tiny homes, plus a few other ideas to simplify construction, to make it easier for DIYers to build. For instance, the shed roof eliminates the fussiness of building gable roofs. All the plumbing is in one corner of the structure, to cut down on any superfluous plumbing. The kitchen is designed to hold a large pantry and regular-sized refrigerator -- definitely made for those who love to cook at home.

It's a lovely, uncomplicated design that uplifts the spirits, bringing in light and space to what might have been seen as small, and which now instead feels airy, roomy and almost like a blank canvas, to customize to one's own tastes. Plans can be purchased via PAD Tiny Houses, see more over at Shelter Wise.

[Via: Tiny House Talk]