Big Ideas for Small Houses showcases twenty striking small homes that range from 34 square metres to 100 square metres, and it shows how clever New Zealanders can be with small homes. It’s full of fresh inspiration for anyone thinking about building their own small house. Each building featured has beautiful photos, the background to the project, and how the owners achieved the building they were after. It includes design notes, the costs and a fact file, as well as the floor plans.
It’s hard to choose some favourites as all the properties are stunning, but these were standouts for me:
The house that features on the cover is stunning, and is only 34 square metres. It’s in Wellington, and it makes the most of wide views and all-day sunlight so the home feels larger than it really is. Its steeped pitch roof enables a bedroom that is large enough for a queen-sized bed.
Another stunning property is Studio 74, which is also in Wellington and only 45 square metres. It is a back-yard addition built to provide extra accommodation and a work-from-home studio, that cleverly minimises the effect of the wind from the south, while also making the most of the light.
Finally, I love the look of the container house in Auckland, that has turned shipping containers into a wonderful home with a large covered deck. It’s got loads of space saving ideas too!
Anyone interested in house design should get a copy of this beautifully presented book. It’s got invaluable ideas and all the information for you to do the same things in your own home if you wish.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Published by Penguin Random House