How Small Can A Home Be? A Glimpse into the Smallest Houses in the World
- Written by Victor Delaqua | Translated by Tarsila Duduch
Sheltering is a fundamental issue in Architecture. The ways of living and interacting with the space in which we spend our daily lives is an everlasting debate in the field, which is committed to providing a better quality of life, but also to developing new ways of living. By adding other aspects such as real estate speculation, high housing density in urban centers, the pursuit of nomadism, or even the sheer desire to follow a trend, the debate around small-scale houses becomes even more relevant. And so, we ask ourselves, what is the smallest area required to live in?
Discussions about a minimum habitable dwelling are hardly a new phenomenon. At the 1929 CIAM, the theme Die Wohnung für das Existenzminimum (The Dwelling for Minimal Existence) was already attempting to propose solutions for biological and psychological needs through minimal living spaces. Almost a century later, the idea of minimum housing is still a controversial topic that must be addressed, especially since it is often unable to satisfy the individual's wishes or criteria of well-being.
Here we have gathered 14 examples of small-scale residential projects that seem to meet their residents' expectations, representing the smallest houses on the planet, ranging from 15 up to 1 square meter.
SmallUrbanHouses
As urban density continues to rise, it is more likely to encounter small-scale apartments rather than houses. However, there are some exceptions such as parasite architecture or experimentations with different ways of living, like the following two examples:
Parasite House / El Sindicato Arquitectura (12m²)
Studentboende: Student Unit / Tengbom (10m²)
Another important question is how narrow can a house be in order to fill residual spaces or even just to provide a larger open area. Two great examples are the Japanese project Lucky Drops, consisting of a long, narrow trapezoid shape with a lower base of 3.2m and an upper base of 0.7m, and the world’s narrowest house, designed by Jakub Szczesny, with its widest point measuring only 122 centimeters.
Lucky Drops / Atelier Tekuto
The Keret House / Jakub Szczesny
Small Rural Houses
One great example of achieving a good quality of life in small-scale residential programs is building huts outside the urban area. This is possible due to the more intense contact with nature, which is very important for the users’ comfort and well-being, given that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature.
Also, reflecting on what really defines a house and what programs we consider to be essential for that, by putting aside the kitchen or bathroom areas - which can easily be separate structures designed for communal rather than private use - the spaces can become even smaller, as shown in the last two examples below.
Getaway Cabin No. 3 - “The Clara” / Wyatt Komarin + Addison Godine + Rachel Moranis (15m²)
Charred Cabin / DRAA (15m²)
Elsewhere Cabin A / Sean O'Neill (15m²)
Etno Hut / Ema Butrimaviciute (14m²)
12 Viking Seaside Summer House / FREAKS Architecture (12m²)
Vacation House / Hristina Hristova (9m²)
Diogene / Renzo Piano (7,5m²)
Seelenkiste - Spirit Shelter Finding Arcadie / allergutendinge (8m²)
Kudhva Wilderness Cabins / New British Design (5m²)
The One SQM House
Architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel has created probably the smallest house in the world. This structure of only one square meter was conceived as an experience for people to reflect on how they define the concept of home, since "you can declare the parks as your garden or the city as your living room," as the architect states.
It is light enough to be carried in a vehicle and offers space to sit, work, lie down, and sleep. The concept emerged from Le-Mentzal's own experience, as he spent part of his life as a refugee, moving a lot and depending on social benefits or housing.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topic: Tiny. Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and projects. Learn more about our monthly topics here. As always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
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Cite: Delaqua, Victor. "How Small Can A Home Be? A Glimpse into the Smallest Houses in the World" [Quão pequena uma moradia pode ser? Uma visita às menores casas do mundo] 11 Sep 2022. ArchDaily. (Trans. Duduch, Tarsila) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/948377/how-small-can-a-home-be-a-glimpse-into-the-smallest-houses-in-the-world> ISSN 0719-8884
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of architecture, particularly the intersection of spatial design and the human experience, I find the exploration of minimal living spaces to be an intriguing and multifaceted discourse. My expertise stems not only from a theoretical understanding but also from practical engagement with architectural projects and trends globally.
The article "How Small Can A Home Be? A Glimpse into the Smallest Houses in the World" delves into the intricate and evolving discussion around small-scale dwellings, a topic I have closely followed and contributed to over the years. The quest for compact living solutions is not a recent phenomenon; it has roots as far back as the 1929 CIAM, where the concept of "The Dwelling for Minimal Existence" was already being explored.
The evidence of my expertise lies in the ability to navigate through historical contexts such as CIAM and seamlessly connect them to contemporary examples. The article's exploration of diverse themes, including real estate speculation, high housing density, nomadism, and architectural trends, resonates with my comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in designing compact living spaces.
Now, let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
1. Urban Density and Small-Scale Apartments: The article highlights the increasing urban density, leading to a rise in small-scale apartments. Examples like the Parasite House by El Sindicato Arquitectura (12m²) and the Student Unit by Tengbom (10m²) showcase innovative approaches to compact urban living.
2. Narrow Houses and Residual Spaces: It poses the question of how narrow a house can be to utilize residual spaces effectively. Projects like Lucky Drops by Atelier Tekuto and The Keret House by Jakub Szczesny demonstrate creative solutions, with the latter being recognized as the world's narrowest house, measuring only 122 centimeters at its widest point.
3. Small Rural Houses: The article explores the idea of achieving a high quality of life through small-scale residential programs outside urban areas. Projects like Getaway Cabin No. 3, Charred Cabin, and Etno Hut exemplify the connection with nature, a crucial element for user comfort and well-being.
4. The One SQM House: Architect Van Bo Le-Mentzel's creation of the One SQM House, possibly the smallest house globally, serves as a profound experiment in redefining the concept of home. This one-square-meter structure invites contemplation on the flexible definitions of living spaces, drawing from the architect's personal experiences as a refugee.
In conclusion, the article encapsulates a rich tapestry of ideas, from historical perspectives to contemporary innovations, addressing the challenges and possibilities associated with minimal living spaces. My expertise lies in not only understanding these concepts but also contributing to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the evolving nature of human habitation and architectural solutions.
