Innovative Tiny Home going on show in Melbourne

RACV has partnered with award-winning architect Peter Maddison to design a tiny home that will enable Australians to better understand their own homes and the way they live.

Launching at the Open House Melbourne Weekend next month, the concept home is fitted with what is claimed to be some of the most advanced technology options on the market.

RACV Home Program Manager Bess Nolan-Cook said developing the Tiny Home was about sharing ideas on how Victorians can create a comfortable home that’s more affordable to run.

“We invest a lot of time into creating the perfect space at home, yet household running costs and rises in utility prices are an ongoing concern for most of us,” she said. “Our Tiny Home demonstrates why it is so important to understand what makes your home tick and provides practical examples of what people can do in their own home.”

Maddison, an Open House ambassador, said designing RACV’s Tiny Home was challenging but highlighted the importance of great design inside and out.

“Our mission in designing the RACV Tiny Home was balancing the requirements and energy demands of modern living with reduced running costs and improved materials,” he said. “Together, we’ve created a home that reflects forward-thinking design ideas that people can apply in their own homes to be economical and sustainable for the future.”

Smart design and technology features include high-efficiency solar panels used to power the fridge and the bathroom, voice-activated energy-efficient lighting, blinds and power points. Kitted with a 4G wireless network, the home also features Chromecast 4K and external smart security cameras. All are easily managed from one smart tablet.

Emma Telfer, Open House Melbourne Executive Director, said the partnership with RACV on the innovative Tiny Home project supports the program’s mission in encouraging people to advocate for better design outcomes — at home, at work and for the city.

“Small-footprint living is a reality of modern life,” she said. “As our cities rapidly grow, space is increasingly at a premium, and the environmental and financial benefits of ‘living small and smart’ are significant.”

The RACV Tiny Home will be launching as part of the Open House Melbourne program from 28–29 July, where those in Melbourne will be able to explore the Tiny Home and test the features for themselves. Maddison will also be taking part in a discussion on 28 July about living small and smart in the city.

For more information, visit www.openhousemelbourne.org.

Pictured: Peter Maddison — award-winning architect, host of Grand Designs Australia and designer of RACV Tiny Home.