If you’re an avid viewer of Tiny House Nation on the FYI network, then you’ve marveled at the incredible feats new homeowners go through to downsize their lives. From single-dwellers to families of five, decreasing square footage is increasing in popularity across the globe.
For most of us, the fascination ends there. Others’ efforts to downsize are indeed something to admire — and perhaps even aspire to. However, the majority of us value a good stretch and are not ready to surrender our elbow room quite yet. If making the tiny plunge is not your ideal accommodation destination, there may still be room for the minuscule in your life.
What if, in addition to your current dwelling, you could own additional space or an income-generating residence with a somewhat small investment? Consider a 320-square-foot habitat that could serve as a man cave, a lady’s lair, a yoga studio, an Airbnb rental property, a playroom, an office, an in-law’s or guest suite, a writer’s den, or space for granny or the nanny. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. What if this tiny sustainable space could be yours starting at just $40,000?
Meet the Plus Hus
With tiny homes increasing across the nation, you’ve likely seen a few that you’ve considered cozy habitats. However, with the exception of buildings made by a few green builders, many of these charming dwellings are just as toxic as conventional, stick-built residences. Traditionally built homes can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fiberglass insulation, dyes, floorboards, paint, and other building materials. And their construction can generate enormous amounts of waste.
The Plus Hus is different.
Pronounced like couscous, the Plus Hus is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that’s sustainable; it is constructed with 30-percent recycled content. This, combined with the fact that the Plus Hus boasts an extremely high insulation value, makes it 40 percent more energy efficient than a traditional home.
And because the Plus Hus is assembled on site, you get a contemporary structure without the high costs, waste, and headaches of traditional new construction. This tiny structure — a mere 16 feet by 20 feet — offers flexibility by allowing easy customization to suit your preferences. For example, you have the option of including a bathroom or kitchenette with two of their three options:
- Open: A roomy space with three walls and one sliding glass door. The sky’s the limit here, and this concept works great as a yoga studio, playroom, or artist bungalow.
- Open+: Same as the Open configuration, but with the addition of a bathroom. This style is perfect for an office, lady’s lair, man cave, pool house, or guest house.
- Full: Like the Open+ configuration, but with the addition of a kitchen. This concept is ideal for an in-law’s suite, Airbnb rental, or income property.
Plus Hus Is Sustainably Manufactured
With new laws in the state of California implemented to offset the existing housing crisis, homeowners can now add ADUs to their existing property. This is exciting news, considering the cost of traditional home renovations and additions. Those costs can be downright scary when you factor in the time required, inconvenience, dust, and increase in utility bills. Other states are also coming on board with rules for permitting ADUs, too.
This tiny eco-friendly Plus Hus, on the other hand, is manufactured in the USA (Los Angeles, California). It’s comprised of mnmMOD cutting-edge panels, making the Plus Hus more energy efficient and healthier than traditional wood construction. With added strength and ease of build, the mnmMOD design provides exceptional durability — minus the mold, termites, mess, and noisy construction.
And, while we’d all love to possess Zack Giffin’s handyman talents, these mnmMOD panels are delivered directly to the construction site, requiring just a screw gun (Zack’s emoji suspenders are optional) to be assembled on site for speed and waste reduction. With long-lasting materials, the mnmMOD panels utilize Cradle to Cradle Certified extruded polystyrene coupled with 30 percent recycled steel and EPS insulation, making the entire fabrication process zero-waste. What’s more, mnmMOD consists of:
- No dyes, formaldehyde, or molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC)
- 30-percent recycled content
- Shipped flat-packed
- Simple, fast on-site installation
- High insulation value
Beauty From the Inside Out
The Plus Hus structure is as sleek and innovative as it is practical. The gorgeous exterior boasts shiplap siding (cue Chip and Joanna Gaines), while the black aluminum windows and doors offer a modern look. The aesthetically pleasing maple interior cladding creates warmth, which is accentuated by ceiling lights and heating and A/C unit for year-round comfort.
Should you opt for the bathroom addition, you’ll be pleased to know a tankless water heater is included to keep energy bills to a minimum. And, for those who choose to have a kitchenette, you’ll enjoy an induction cooktop, mini fridge, and stainless-steel dual sink encased in Caesarstone countertops.
The Plus Hus Afterlife
When we think about the homes we reside and create memories in throughout our lifetime, most people don’t consider the long-term aspects of the building materials and how they affect our planet or future generations. The Plus Hus makes that easy. The genius lies in the fact that the Plus Hus is completely recyclable at the end of its life cycle, making it a true Cradle to Cradle wonder.
Trading in your super-sized lifestyle for a tiny home may not be for you, but the addition of an income property or extra wiggle room just may be something you want to try on for size.
Feature image courtesy of Plus Hus