13 unusual tiny homes that will make you look twice
The world's most surreal and surprising tiny homes

From camouflaged huts to floating cabins, the tiny house movement has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with increasingly more unusual designs cropping up. Unconstrained by standard residential dimensions, designers are free to let their imaginations run wild and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. We've scoured the globe to bring you the most innovative tiny homes out there...
The Escape Pod, Somerset, UK

What this mini home lacks in space, it more than makes up for in personality. Designed by Dominic Ash and Jeremy Fitter of Podmakers, the rural dwelling is made from birch plywood and European oak, clad in cedar shingles. Easily transported and installed, the weatherproof pod can be positioned almost anywhere.
The Escape Pod, Somerset, UK

Manshausen 2.0 sea cabins, Steigen, Norway

Jutting out into the sea, the boxy metallic cladding of the Manshausen 2.0 sea cabins contrasts sharply with the jagged cliffs that surround them. An extension of the Manshausen Island Resort, these humble dwellings by Snorre Stinessen Architecture are in a prime location for spotting sea eagles. Each one has an eco-friendly cross-laminated timber structure and is clad in durable aluminium sheeting.
Manshausen 2.0 sea cabins, Steigen, Norway

The exact positioning of each cabin was carefully calculated, taking into account wave heights and extreme weather conditions. Each award-winning tiny house is designed to withstand the ferocious wind and sea, offering a safe haven for guests visiting this rocky outcrop. Featuring light wood panelling throughout and full-height windows, these petite properties offer a comfortable retreat deep in the heart of the Arctic Circle.
Chateau on wheels, New Zealand

An imaginative take on the campervan, this fantastical motorhome was inspired by the fairytale chateaus dotted across France. When on the road, only the two turrets at the rear hint at the extraordinary architecture of this tiny dwelling. Once stationary, the sides of the house fold out to create a spacious living area capable of accommodating an entire family.
Chateau on wheels, New Zealand

Documented by Living Big in a Tiny House, the chateau on wheels is entirely self-sufficient, powered by a combination of solar panels, gas and a wetback fire. Kitted out with everything from a composting toilet to a solar food dehydrator, it is a comfortable base for the family of three who live here. When they decide to get back on the road, the tiny house folds neatly downwards and inwards and they're ready to go!
Secluded airship, Argyll and Bute, UK

Located on the west coast of Scotland with stunning views out over the Isle of Mull, this futuristic cabin is ideal for those who want to get away from it all. Available to rent on Airbnb, the unusual home features a timber-lined aluminium frame with a glass conservatory that looks out over the four-acre plot. Quirky portholes add a touch of retro flair while corrugated metal floor tiles lend the cabin a space-age vibe.
Secluded airship, Argyll and Bute, UK

Despite its compact floorplan, the airship has everything a family of adventurous travellers could need. There's a cleverly designed galley kitchen, a queen bed and two single beds and even a separate bathroom. When you're not admiring the dramatic Scottish landscape or spotting seals in the bay, the cosy home has plenty of space to relax and curl up with a good book.
Nolla Cabin, Vallisaari, Finland

Looking to go camping but can't bring yourself to give up those little luxuries? This tepee-inspired miniature home might be just the place for you. Dreamt up by Finnish designer Robin Falck, Nolla Cabin is a mirrored A-frame holiday home located on Vallisaari Island in the Helsinki archipelago. Built using sustainable materials, the cabin is powered by solar panels and renewable diesel, ensuring guests have an emission-free vacation.
Nolla Cabin, Vallisaari, Finland

Falke was inspired by the way light trickles in through the front entrance of a tent, designing a glass-fronted shelter that allows visitors to make the most of the stunning natural scenery. Inside the tiny woodland cabin, the décor is tasteful but minimal and pared-back. With a small stove for cooking and an outhouse for washing, the cabin has everything a happy camper could possibly need for a weekend away.
The Pinecone Treehouse, California, USA

Suspended from the canopy of a magical redwood forest, this amazing treehouse in Northern California was designed to help visitors reconnect with nature. Handcrafted from steel and timber, the structure boasts panoramic views of the surrounding forest thanks to the floor-to-ceiling plexiglass panels. Dangling a precarious 35 feet above the ground, this tiny home is not for the faint-hearted.
The Pinecone Treehouse, California, USA

In the centre of the pinecone is a comfy king-sized bed that allows guests to stargaze as they fall asleep. The open-air bathroom facilities are located in an additional treehouse accessed via an elevated bridge. Available to rent, this off-grid woodland retreat is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the fast pace of the city and live out their very own Swiss Family Robinson dream.
3D-printed tiny home, Texas, USA

Why build a house when you could print one? That's the question that ICON asked themselves when they set out to create Chicon House, America's very first 3D-printed home. Built in collaboration with New Story, a non-profit organisation working to combat homelessness, the tiny home is made from a concrete composite that is resistant to extreme weather conditions and natural disasters.
3D-printed tiny home, Texas, USA

Exbury Egg, Hampshire, UK

Do you dream of drifting languidly down the river, enclosed in your very own egg-shaped residence? So did artist Stephen Turner. Inspired by the seabirds nesting on Hampshire's Beaulieu River, Turner commissioned a local boat-builder to construct a fully buoyant egg-shaped dwelling that could function as both a workspace and an occasional home.
Exbury Egg, Hampshire, UK

The Hunting Lodge, Hordaland, Norway

With its grass-covered peaks, crystal-clear waters and views over the mountains, Hordaland has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Norway. Nestled by the water, the Hunting Lodge has a curved roof covered with turf that allows it to camouflage into the surrounding countryside, seemingly hiding in plain sight when viewed from afar.
The Hunting Lodge, Hordaland, Norway

Built in 2013 and designed by architecture practice Snøhetta, the hut is formed from two curved beams and clad with hand-cut timber logs. The interior is spacious with a central fireplace and room for up to 21 guests. The décor is simple but stylish: warm wood contrasts with soft grey furnishings, creating an inviting space that offers shelter from the wild weather common to this part of Norway.
Varden cabin, Hammerfest, Norway

Designed to promote hiking in the mountains near Hammerfest, this cabin blends in seamlessly with its rocky surroundings. Commissioned by the Hammerfest chapter of the Norwegian Trekking Association, the hut is a collaboration between SPINN Arkitekter and FORMAT Engineers. The two firms worked together to create a cabin that could survive every challenge this extreme climate can throw at it.
Varden cabin, Hammerfest, Norway

The Bird’s Nest, Harads, Sweden

The Bird’s Nest, Harads, Sweden

Available to rent out, tiny portholes in the treehouse's walls offer glimpses of the world outside. Despite the lack of windows, the cabin is bright and airy with pale wood panelling and inset lighting. There's a separate toilet and a cushioned seating area, perfect for watching the sunset in the evening before you retire to your treetop bunk for the night.
Artists' residence, Fleinvær, Norway

Huddled at the edge of the Norwegian Sea on the remote island of Fleinvær, this artists' residence by TYIN tegnestue Architects takes tiny living to new and somewhat precarious heights. Consisting of nine buildings including a sauna, kitchen and creative room, the bijou community offers shelter to the creatives and travellers who come to explore the remote archipelago. Capable of housing 12 guests at any one time, the residence is a prime example of out-of-the-box thinking.
Artists' residence, Fleinvær, Norway

To deal with the incredibly hostile environment, each cabin is raised on stilts, helping to mitigate the impact of the strong winds and extreme temperatures. Inside, visitors can enjoy incredible views of the coastline, safe in the comfort of the insulated huts. Despite the harsh and often inclement weather, the Fleinvær Refugium is a little slice of paradise for the artists who come seeking inspiration.
Flat-pack mirror house, Estonia

Now you see it, now you don't! Clad in reflective glass panels, this spectacular mirrored home is designed to be the ultimate chameleon by blurring into the surrounding landscape. The brainchild of Estonian architectural firm ÖÖD house, the prefabricated property can be assembled in less than 48 hours. It can be customised to suit the owner's individual requirements and offers a snug 200 square feet of living space.
Flat-pack mirror house, Estonia

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