With the crisis of coronavirus, and ecological awareness and climatic, tiny houses, which consume little energy, could be more attractive. Where do they come from? How much does it cost ? What are the regulations? Overview of miniature houses.
What is a tiny house?
A residence in nomad model, mounted on wheels. Unlike mobile homes or caravans, it leaks plastics. Wood and sustainable materials: Like wooden frame houses, it lasts a very long time, says Michaël Desloges, manager of the first French manufacturer in Poilley (Manche). A tiny house lives 50 to 70 years.
Concentrated in ingenuity (well-thought-out storage, smart household appliances, etc.), low in energy consumption, the tiny aims for self-sufficiency, economy and tends towards faultless insulation.
Is it really small?
Yes ! Many measure only 13 m2, the manufacturer of Poilley, The Tiny House, sometimes up to 33 m2. But with ceiling heights of 3.20 m and side mezzanines, we always have a meter above our heads and a lot of windows
, assures Michaël Desloges.
Where is she from ?
These micro-homes, a reaction to gigantic American style, are the result of a reflection carried out in California in 1935: in a country where homes measure 250 m2 on average, the question of a house to measure
asked a few pioneers: Lloyd Kahn, Sarah Susanka, Jay Shafer who founded in 2002 the first tiny house company in the United States (1). Emergency accommodation after hurricane Katrina , response to the 2008 financial crisis, they are becoming a current, albeit marginal.
How did she get to France?
By Yvan Saint-Jours, founder of the magazine The ecological house, in 2013. He lived in the area, says Michaël Desloges. He knew the tiny American and wanted two for his family.
Michaël tackles the site with his carpenter friend, Bruno Thiéry. The following year, they run the salons with a model house: The Tiny House was born. Their company now has ten employees and two constructions per month. Others have joined them, Ty Rodou in Finistère, Laurent Bois in Mayenne, The trendy workshop in Ille-et-Vilaine…
How many tiny houses in France?
Their number is increasing slowly: around 300, including 92 built by La Tiny House in five years. But with the Covid-19 crisis, in full ecological and climatic awareness, these mini houses could seduce with their arguments: chosen simplicity, self build, recycling…
How much does it cost?
Around € 30,000 without interior fittings, € 55,000 equipped.
Who is she talking to ?
AT a niche
, estimates Michaël Desloges, the surface of the houses tending to increase (120 m2 on average). According to its occupants, the tiny is not only a place of residence or an architectural project. It is part of a life goal,
a more global approach
. She is there during breaks, changes of course, departures of children or reception of elderly parents. It’s a tool of existence that we choose ”,
said the Manchois manager who, at 48, who himself went from commercial in the food industry to peasant baker, then builder.
Is it regulated?
Yes, by the legislation on caravans. On private, non-constructible land, whether owned or rented, the parking period is three months. The owner must then request a parking permit from the town hall. By removing the wheels, on building land, you can set up with a prior declaration of work.
(1) Tiny houses, small constructions, great freedom! by Elisabeth Nodinot, Rustica editions.
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