With the awareness of sustainability and energy-efficiency constantly increasing, more and more homeowners are preferring to cut down on their living to find creative solutions in ‘tiny living’. The concept of these ‘tiny homes’ or ‘prefab on wheels’ has been tremendously making headlines – and why not? They definitely prove to be a great futuristic solution considering the needs and requirements of humans and the planet. Due to this concept and the construction methodology of ‘prefabs on wheels’ – it makes it suitable for these prefabs to allow tiny living for the buyers.
Yes, Prefab on Wheels are for a tiny living since they are movable and don’t have a specific stagnant location. Limited in size and shape, the main idea behind ‘prefab on wheels’ is tiny living. However, there is a possibility to find customized solutions to enlarge the homes to accommodate more needs of the buyers. This concept also outgrows numerous advantages from maintenance, to purging of the belongings, more functionality, affordability, and constant connectivity with nature. Let’s see what these tiny homes have to offer.
What is the Layout of Prefab Homes on Wheels?
Well, these prefabricated homes could either be residential caravans, RV, park homes, or simply trailer homes that are built in a factory under specific controlled conditions on a permanently attached chassis. They could either be used as permanent homes or temporary vacation homes to be moved from one location to another. Many homeowners are also transforming these into absolutely stunning Airbnb’s for travelers.
Now that we know the Mobile Homes or Prefab on Wheels are meant for ‘tiny living’ – it is a given that the layout is quite flexible with tremendous space-saving technologies incorporated. These small-sized homes are designed to be assembled in any and every location. And since the primary purpose is the transportation and mobility of these homes – they are constructed keeping in mind the widths of the roads and highways. However, there is no way the designs of these prefab homes are compromised.
The layout mainly comprises of an open floor space plan with an open concept one walled kitchen, one or two bedrooms, a bathroom and half, and most importantly, ample semi-open spaces such as balconies and patios. In the case of double-heighted prefab homes, a staircase is provided underneath which a dedicated storage space is created. ‘Dreaming big and Living with less’ is the main mantra of a prefab on wheels. Can you imagine a home that is 2.3 meters by 3.6 meters?
These homes mainly worship practicality and simplicity in design. From strategic planning to interior finishes and play of furniture, there is a subtle maximization in smart utilization of space. These compact cabin homes are mostly even off the grid with total reliance on solar energy – mainly, helping the planet heal. By strictly limiting to the essentials, a more sustainable mindset is fostered while offering a new way of living for the homeowners. Let’s discuss a few real-time examples of the Prefab on Wheels to examine the ‘tiny living’ offered.
Examples of Prefab on Wheels
Let’s discuss a few real-time examples of the Prefab on Wheels from across the world to examine the ‘tiny living’ offered.
Auckland’s Tiny House
Even though these mobile homes offer ‘tiny living’ – but the quality is yet not compromised. The interiors of the home are painted in bright white to create an illusion of a bigger space. Whereas a smart understanding of the scale and size of the home leads to the utilization of higher ceilings to transform into a bedroom space.
The main ideology of ‘quality over quantity’ was preached. Hence, limited yet clever storage was provided along with various seating and relaxation zones to enjoy the outside panorama. The furniture used provides two functions in one body. For example, the coffee table pulls itself into two stools and the outdoor coffee table can be easily pulled indoors when guests pay a visit. The built-in couches can be used as extra storage and can also be folded into a desk.
Moreover, the idea of green technology is also well appreciated in these prefab homes. All the greywater is reused from the rainwater tank to water the soil and nearby plants. The owners also went a step ahead to install composting toilet systems and avoid any usage of treated timber on their site.
Hatteras by Modern Tiny Living
This stylish and customizable compact prefab home on wheels features a 240 square foot home based on the concept of ‘tiny living’. The home solely relies on the idea of reducing down to essentials and living a comfortable and meaningful life. The interior walls are cladded in natural wood to help create a bright and lively space.
IKEA Flat-Pack Tiny Home
This home offers a king-sized loft bedroom that is accessible by staircases on top of the secret storage. The one-walled kitchen offers numerous storage options and a stylish sink nd electric hob to refine the appearances of the prefab home.
This eco-friendly prefabricated home on wheels is a classic example of tiny yet stylish living. The 187 square foot of interior footprint is designed to be easily transported from state to state. It is quite likely to observe some of the smart space-saving hack features, whether it is the optimization of vertical height or the storage from underneath of the furniture.
This prefab home on wheels is too equipped with an eco-friendly composting toilet, on-demand heated water supply, and solar panels on the roof. The open concept floor plan is equipped with a bedroom at one end and the bathroom on the other. Whereas there is a collapsible work desk, table, furniture, paneled walls, and plenty of windows to let in ample natural light.
This flat pack tiny home by IKEA is priced at $47,550 making it one of the most aesthetically appealing, sustainable, durable, functional, and affordable prefab homes on the wheel in the prefab catalog.
Benefits of Tiny Living in a Prefab Home With Wheels
This is definitely a given that prefab homes with wheels are as functional and aesthetical as a tiny traditional home or a generic prefab home. These homes are equipped with wheels to specifically target the homeowners who either travel tremendously or are completely aiming for a permanent reduced size living. Well, undoubtedly there are various benefits provided by these prefab homes on wheels apart from the futuristic and sustainable concept of tiny living.
1. Affordability
As compared to a traditional tiny home or a generic prefab home, these homes are comparatively more affordable in the short as well as the long run. Their initial purchase values are much lower, and in the long run – they comparatively require lesser resources to run. Most of these homes are off-grid and that is why the utility bills are much lower than expected. And mortgage for land? Well, mobile homes can be adjusted in very small patches of land with minimal off-the-rack prices.
2. Functionality
Functionality is one of the major advantages offered by prefab homes on wheels. Well, there is no better utilization of space in a home than these. Every function in the home is right at the spot – for example, while having a meal in the dining, you are just an arm away from the refrigerator to fetch some water. Or when it comes to laundry – there is no hauling up of going up or down the staircases.
3. Maintenance
Due to the extra small and compact size of these homes, it requires a lesser area to clean and maintain. Thus, in return saves ample energy and time – which can thereafter be spent on traveling or spending valuable time with family.
4. Connectivity with Nature
Mobile homes or Homes on Wheels offer tremendous advantages of direct connectivity with nature and biophilia. Due to the presence of humongous windows, foldable doors, and sliding windows – there is an utmost feeling of inside-out at all times. This is also a great way to invite a fresh and wholesome vibe indoors with also tremendous positivity.
5. More Purging
Since there is only a limited storage opportunity in the prefab homes with wheels, it is essential for the homeowners to lessen the hoarding of extra belongings and products that may not be required. Hence, it is important to ‘purge’ or get rid of the extra items that may be stored unnecessarily. It feels positive and lighter to not have those extra items in your home so as to feel carefree and productive in your functional mobile home.
Conclusion
Now that we have discussed a few aspects as to why prefab homes on wheels are suitable exclusively for tiny living, do you feel the need to adopt this new concept in your daily life? Due to the restrictions imposed on the building regulations of mobile homes, it is a given that Prefab on Wheels has to be compact and tiny in size. So, if you are looking to buy one, do let us know your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
