Design is part aesthetics (making stuff “look pretty” as one of my coworkers likes to put it) and part problem solving (making it function well). As a web designer, this is something I know intimately. But most problems can be solved in more than one way. So how do you choose from multiple solutions?

I encounter such design problems every day, and my approach to these situations is to try and find solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. In fact, I think the best designs are the ones that blur or entirely remove the line between function and aesthetics and can give a functional justification for the aesthetic choices made. But what about when there’s more than one solution that’s both functional and aesthetic, or when different solutions solve different aspects of a problem to varying degrees? In these cases (i.e. most of the time), we need goals to help guide our design decisions. It’s about setting your priorities up front and checking your solutions against them whenever you need to make a choice.

Every client has different goals. A good design choice for one client is not always going to be right for another. I can see that this is especially true in architecture, where everyone has different preferences (does the client prefer more bedrooms or a bigger kitchen and living space for entertaining? Do they prefer a sense of warmth and privacy or a huge bank of floor to ceiling windows? How many occupants does the structure need to house comfortably? Are the occupants minimalists, or are they going to need lots of storage space?)

Every design is different, because different people have different priorities, and that’s a-okay.

Now that I’ve completed my tiny house floor plan, I’m able to go back and see the goals and priorities that helped guide my decisions. Here are a few of them:

1. A spacious feel. The eyes are good at playing tricks on the mind, so I want to use this to my advantage. This was a fun challenge for me. I avoided creating narrow spaces that might reinforce the small width of the structure, or suggest the feeling of a bus or RV. Thus, the kitchen is oriented along the shorter wall and the living space contains a huge bank of windows/doors placed along the longer wall of the room, suggesting that the room continues out beyond the wall of windows and opening up the living space to the outdoors (both visually and literally with the outdoor deck space). 

Windows are prevalent throughout, allowing in lots of natural light, and the walls and window trim are bright white. A high ceiling adds to a feeling of spaciousness in the living room. The house has both a front and back door like most homes, which are placed along the longer walls instead of the shorter ends of the structure. I avoided obstructing the open floor plan, opting for “floating” stairs up to the loft rather than adding storage space underneath them. The rooms are not so much minified or compromised, but are designed to be ‘just right’–no more and no less than is needed to be reasonably comfortable.

2. Simplicity and ease of construction. This is my first time building something like this, so a simple, box-like shape with shed roof will simplify the construction process, make it easier for me to visualize the framing requirements, and leave less room for mistakes. It also maximizes the available space and headroom throughout the structure. I’ve favored the simplest solution to any given problem whenever and wherever possible. For example, I’ve raised the height of the floor in the living space to cover the wheel wells and prevent them from intruding on the open floor plan, while keeping the kitchen and bathroom at a lower level to maximize headroom. This also makes the walk up the stairs to the loft a bit shorter.

3. Convenience. A kitchen island might seem like a space-consuming luxury that would typically have no place in a tiny house. But by giving it multiple purposes-a kitchen prep area, dining surface, workspace, and undercounter storage space–it becomes a very practical and elegant space-saving solution. The seating at the counter is also multipurpose–spin the stool around and you’re part of the living space with a great view of the TV. The seating and layout in the living space allows everyone to see each other, the fireplace, TV, and the outdoors. The couch side table also serves as the first step up to the loft. The windows in the front of the home are small and raised, providing some privacy in contrast to the large bank of glass in the back.

The bathroom is also HUGE for a tiny house. (Dare I say it’s full-size!) Normally this might seem wasteful, but by adding a closet with washer/dryer unit and room for clothes storage, the bathroom becomes a place where you can change in privacy, wash your clothes, and hang them up all in one space without ever having to move a laundry basket. This is a big plus when all that you have for a bedroom is a loft. And let’s face it–the bathroom is a pretty important part of what makes a house livable.

4. Energy efficiency. The large windows are at the back of the house, allowing it to be oriented for maximum/minimum solar gain for passive heating/cooling, depending on the season. The house will be heated by a slim propane fireplace mounted and vented against the wall, a heating solution that should be both efficient and very beautiful on cold nights. Water will be heated on-demand with a propane heater. A composting toilet will reduce water use. I’d also like to implement solar and possibly rainwater catching with water tank storage under the elevated living room floor, but haven’t worked out the details yet!