If one of the attractions of tiny living for you is downsizing for a more eco-friendly life, you will be intrigued by the Flex House.
Green Builder Media writes, “Green Builder Media and Shelter Dynamics proudly introduce the Flex House, a model for “Right-Sized” living in a small, flexible space that is connected, intelligent, resilient and sustainable.”
Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media says, “What I like about the Flex house is we’re not asking people to sacrifice; we’re just asking people to not use any more than they need.” The company envisions a future where there could be whole communities of Flex Houses as portrayed in this concept image.
The house measures 760 ft.². This provides enough space for two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, two main living areas, and a “niche” room which can be designated for any number of uses.
Usually, a tiny house is defined as a home with a footprint of up to around 500 ft.². So, while this does break that definition, it is still pretty small compared to typical suburban homes. It is also clearly in the spirit of tiny building.
A lot of people like the idea of a tiny house, but have needs which cannot be served by a standard tiny home. They may desire more privacy for a growing family, for instance. Or, they might have a special interest which requires an additional room.
For example, my best friend and her husband fancy the idea of a tiny house. They want to scale down and have a smaller home which is easier to maintain and clean. But being as one of their passions is music, they need a full room for all their instruments and synthesizers. It just isn’t feasible in a house measuring the 300 ft.² which is more typical for tiny homes.
But a home like the Flex House with its “niche” space might be ideal, the perfect way to strike a balance between reducing their footprint while still being able to engage in what they are passionate about.
While you’ve been looking at concept images, you can see a mock-up of the home here.
This stacked washer and dryer set by Bosch helps to save space. Other Bosch appliances in the house include a ductless mini-split HVAC system and a condensing high-efficiency low NOx gas tankless water heater.
The kitchen appliances you see also are by Bosch, and are designed to fit in a small space. At the same time, this kitchen is able to offer a lot more room in which to work than a standard tiny house kitchen. There is a fridge/freezer, an oven, a cooktop, a double sink basin, and more. Sustainable and low-emissions materials were selected for every surface you see here.
American Standard plumbing appliances keep water flow to the minimum required for it to be functional and prevent waste. Nexus e-Water provides the greywater system. Your greywater is recyclable, and can be used in your toilet or to water your lawn.
The extra space provided by 760 square feet really opens up each room in the house, especially the bathroom. Check out how large the shower is! It also has a seat, making it safe and accessible for all.
You can use voice control to control the lights in the home and more.
The Jinko-manufactured solar panels you see on the roof here allow for off-the-grid living if desired.
The unique shape of the home is aesthetically pleasing. I has a flowing, organic quality to it, with a thoroughly modern appearance.
Here is one of the house’s living rooms. As you can see, it is super roomy!
The dining nook is built into the home.
Here is one of the home’s two bedrooms. I love how the head of the bed is nestled inside that recessed nook. The unique shape of the window is lovely, and brings some of the organic lines of the home’s exterior into the sleeping area. Built into the wall are a set of recessed cabinets and drawers.
Here is what the other bedroom looks like. Both for reasons of accessibility and privacy, I love that this house has enough square footage to accommodate two downstairs bedrooms.
If you own an electric automobile, you can charge it using the built-in charging station. Also, the door features a smart lock and doorbell.
Maintaining your yard is easy and eco-friendly with solar battery storage and Greenworks solar-powered tools.
The kitchen, like so many other rooms in the home, boasts a number of smart features.
This wall features Notable wall paint, making it easy to write and erase on (perfect for your family command center).
With these dimmers and switchers from WeMo, you can optimize energy use.
The stylish ceiling fan is designed by Emerson.
You can control the solar power system using this Tabuchi Electric interface.
The base model for the Flex House should start between $85,000 and $100,000. That cost is quite reasonable considering that there are tiny houses measuring about half that size selling in the same general price range. It is also inexpensive compared to the cost for a regular full-size suburban house, even in a relatively affordable neighborhood.
If you want to learn more about the Flex House or you are interested in purchasing your own, visit Green Builder Media.