Tiny Houses

BIG goes small with off-grid tiny house

BIG goes small with off-grid tiny house
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
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A45 was designed by BIG for a new tiny house company called Klein
1/17
A45 was designed by BIG for a new tiny house company called Klein
Klein is planning to offer tiny house designs by the world's leading architects
2/17
Klein is planning to offer tiny house designs by the world's leading architects
A45's interior includes a wood-burning fireplace, kitchenette, and a dining area
3/17
A45's interior includes a wood-burning fireplace, kitchenette, and a dining area
A45's kitchenette is designed by Københavns Møbelsnedker
4/17
A45's kitchenette is designed by Københavns Møbelsnedker
If you'd like to live in your own BIG-designed home, the A45 will eventually be available to purchase, though we've no word on price
5/17
If you'd like to live in your own BIG-designed home, the A45 will eventually be available to purchase, though we've no word on price
A45's wood-burning fireplace is designed by Morsøe
6/17
A45's wood-burning fireplace is designed by Morsøe
"A45 is the first prototype constructed in upstate New York and will be customizable inside and out for future home-owners to purchase, tailor and have the tiny house built within 4-6 months in any location, for any purpose," says BIG
7/17
"A45 is the first prototype constructed in upstate New York and will be customizable inside and out for future home-owners to purchase, tailor and have the tiny house built within 4-6 months in any location, for any purpose," says BIG
A45 is slightly raised on small concrete stilts
8/17
A45 is slightly raised on small concrete stilts
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
9/17
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
A45 is assembled on-site from prefabricated modules
10/17
A45 is assembled on-site from prefabricated modules 
A45 features a timber frame and Douglas Fir floor
11/17
A45 features a timber frame and Douglas Fir floor
A45's building materials are recyclable
12/17
A45's building materials are recyclable 
Once A45 is available to purchase, customers will be able to customize their home with lots of options
13/17
Once A45 is available to purchase, customers will be able to customize their home with lots of options 
The prototype model A45 pictured includes two beds
14/17
The prototype model A45 pictured includes two beds
A45's bathroom
15/17
A45's bathroom 
A45 has an interesting triangular form inspired by the classic A-frame that offers a maximum ceiling height of 13 ft (4 m)
16/17
A45 has an interesting triangular form inspired by the classic A-frame that offers a maximum ceiling height of 13 ft (4 m)
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
17/17
The prototype A45 model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York and measures 183 sq ft (17 sq m)
View gallery - 17 images

High-profile architecture firms rarely show any interest in the small living movement. However, if this project by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is anything to go by, that's a shame. The Danish firm has created a very appealing prefabricated tiny house/cabin that will eventually be made available for purchase.

The tiny dwelling, named A45, was designed by BIG for a new company called Klein, which plans to sell tiny houses made by leading architects, though there's no word yet on when it will be up for sale, nor its price.

The prototype model pictured is currently installed in Upstate New York. It has an interesting triangular form inspired by the classic A-frame that offers a maximum ceiling height of 13 ft (4 m) and a total interior floorspace of 183 sq ft (17 sq m).

Inside, it includes a wood-burning fireplace, a kitchenette and a dining area. There's also a downstairs bed and another loft bedroom reached by ladder. Elsewhere lies a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. The furniture is high-quality and made by interior design firms like Morsøe, Carl Hansen, and Københavns Møbelsnedkeri.

A45's wood-burning fireplace is designed by Morsøe
A45's wood-burning fireplace is designed by Morsøe

A45 is assembled on-site from prefabricated modules and consists of recyclable materials, including its timber frame, wall panels, and the triangular floor-to-ceiling glazing. The floor is Douglas Fir, and the home is slightly elevated on four concrete piles.

BIG does make mention of off-grid equipment so we'd guess that some kind of solar power array and a composting toilet will be available, though we've no further information on it yet. There will also be other options on offer for owners to tailor the home to their needs, such as materials and appliances, for example.

It's a fascinating move for a firm best known for large-scale projects like the Lego House and Via 57 West, though not totally out of character. BIG has previously shown a willingness to use its considerable design expertise on smaller projects, like its Urban Rigger shipping container-based student housing, for example.

Sources: BIG, Klein

View gallery - 17 images
2 comments
2 comments
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really nice.
Johannes
Ironic - designed by BIG for a company called "Small". I like it - height can sometimes compensate nicely for lack of floor area in the feel of a space.