Conceptualized as a University project and realized as a hermit house for living in solitude, it is an easy and cost-effective DIY category house built using standard sized plywood.
Designers of this DIY house are Dutch deo Daniel Venneman and Mark ven der Net who have put all the concerned materials in the form of a kit enabling DIY enthusiasts to construct a customized own house featuring a zigzag floor plan with a multipurpose interior, having a reasonable space of 150 square feet (14 square meter) footprint.
Design:
According to the creators, this is a folding structure design which has brought with it strength and beauty despite the materials used being inexpensive and light-weight. “ After elaborate research and study, we hit upon this design having cost and convenience in mind,” they claim. ”
Facilities:
Having the motto “ Life Unplugged” ( far removed) to the hermit house, the creators visualized and implemented the house offering personal space where people could relax and remain far removed from the madding crowd. The home has single open interior space facing large floor to ceiling glass windows with an outdoor opening, filled with abundant air and light.
Available in eight different versions, the house could be customized and constructed to include eco-bathroom and kitchen. These tiny homes are handy for use as studios, holiday retreat, guesthouse, temporary festival pavilion and backyard office.
Using Computer, customized models are created, and installation kit prepared and manuals finalized for such houses. Cutting plans for floor construction, ceiling and wall panels is also easily prepared using a system which altogether enables easy installation. Correct sawing and meticulous adherence to installation manual is the key to successful installation of a DIY house, according to the designers.
Materials:
These houses nicknamed as hermit houses use natural and recycled building materials which are mostly wood. But, as “necessity is the mother of invention, further research on house designs continues and we endeavour for less energy and less material intensive designs to cater to different purposes,” the designers point out.
Their latest houses have solar power, wood stoves and compost toilets. They add, “ Our next aim is to incorporate shower facilities in the hermit house.” Designs are also available in the DIY category to construct strong houses for which insulated wooden ribs are specially added, according to Daniel and Mark. When all the new additions are made, the hermit house would easily become a low budget full-fledged small house, note the creators. This hermit house has lifespan extending over ten years depending upon the type of materials used.
House-Purchase:
A hermit home is available for purchase also in the form of pre-fabricated kit. More improvised materials, good interior finishes and better insulation for safety are its special features. “One could buy it for about $936 per 10 sq ft. (or Euro dollar 700 per sq meter) excluding VAT, installation and transportation charges,” quote Daniel and Mark.
The kits are also quite compact for shipment by containers or vans, now within European Union. However, Daniel and Mark have ambitious plans for future by taking it to global market by adding bed and breakfast facility, and by renting it out for travellers.