The tiny house movement has never been as popular as it is these days. Over the past five years, the trend of tiny living has captured the attention of people from all walks of life. Tiny houses offer affordable mobile housing solutions that address modern problems. These houses, which are essentially small houses on trailers, have a smaller physical footprint, resulting in lower monthly costs, financial freedom, and the ability to move around with the home. Additionally, living in a tiny house encourages a more intentional lifestyle, where the absence of clutter fosters a better connection with the natural environment and promotes social interaction.
One downside of tiny houses is their limited living space compared to traditional homes. However, French maker Baluchon has found innovative ways to maximize the functionality of their tiny house designs. The Ellèbore, completed in 2024, is a family home for two adults and their cat. Built on a dual-axle trailer, it measures just 6 meters (19.6 feet) in length, making it easily transportable.
Despite its compact size, the Ellèbore manages to incorporate all the necessary amenities and boasts a charming rustic cabin-meets-vacation home aesthetic. The layout of the house is unique, with the bedroom located on the ground floor and the living room suspended in the loft. While standing height may be limited in tiny houses, the reverse layout of the Ellèbore creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The bedroom, tucked away under the living room, provides a treehouse-like refuge with an oversized window on one wall.
In conclusion, the tiny house movement continues to gain popularity due to its affordability, mobility, and promotion of intentional living. Baluchon’s Ellèbore exemplifies the potential of tiny houses, offering a compact yet comfortable living space with stylish design elements. Despite the challenges of limited space, the Ellèbore proves that tiny living can still provide a cozy and inviting home.
Tiny House Baluchon has unveiled its latest creation, the Ellèbore, a compact and sustainable tiny home that offers a cozy and eco-friendly living space. The entrance to this tiny house is directly into the kitchen, which may be small but is fully equipped with a gas cooktop, electric mini-oven, fridge, and electric water heater. It also features ample storage space with cabinets and a special drawer for the cat’s supplies.
One unique feature of the Ellèbore is its storage-integrating staircase, which leads up to the living room. The first two steps of the staircase are removable, allowing for more space in the kitchen when needed. The living room serves as a versatile space, doubling as a guest room and home office. Large double-glazed windows fill the room with natural light, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
The bathroom in this tiny house is located at the opposite end of the trailer. It includes a composting toilet and a small shower cabin, although there is no sink to save space. Baluchon emphasizes that tiny living requires compromises, and this is one example of that.
When it comes to sustainability, the Ellèbore excels. Baluchon uses locally sourced wood for their builds and all-natural insulation made from a combination of cotton, linen, and hemp. Heating is provided by a wood-burning stove, reducing reliance on the grid. While the tiny house still needs to be connected to the mains for water, electricity, and sewage, its carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of a traditional home.
However, it’s important to note that Baluchon tinies come with a hefty price tag. A turnkey unit of the Ellèbore is priced between €85,000-€100,000 ($91,400-$107,600), while a shell starts at €25,000 ($26,800). Despite the cost, the Ellèbore offers a sustainable and compact living solution for those looking to downsize and embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
