Non-profit social enterprise Common Knowledge has taught 120 people to build mobile tiny homes using innovative hemp corrugated panels and other eco-conscious materials
The tiny home movement has taken off across the world. More than just a type of house, it’s based on a philosophy that advocates for downsizing living spaces. With less focus on material possessions, living tiny is a growing trend for those seeking a more modest way of life.
Non-profit social enterprise Common Knowledge, based outside Ennistymon on Ireland’s beautiful West Coast and led by co-founder Harrison Gardner, aims to demonstrate why tiny homes can provide a solution to the global housing crisis.
On a mission to empower people with the skills to build affordable, sustainable and beautiful homes, Common Knowledge provides hands-on learning programmes, community projects and the research of sustainable and ecological materials and processes.
Using a design blueprint that will be made free to all, Common Knowledge has now taught 120 people to build mobile Tigín tiny homes using innovative hemp corrugated panels and other eco-conscious materials.
Tigín, often interchanged with teachín, is Gaelic for a small house or cottage, and the first Tigín prototype was unveiled earlier this year in March. By May, the team was able to incorporate parts of the build into their Build School, which provides people with the necessary skills, such as bricklaying, carpentry and welding, to build a tiny home themselves.
To build the home, the designers worked with earth-friendly materials, including sustainable cork insulation, natural rubber linoleum floor tiles and natural hemp cladding grown and manufactured in the UK, which reduces the overall carbon footprint of the house.
Meanwhile, the compact space calls for lowered energy consumption levels, and is fitted with a compost toilet for an eco-conscious way to dispose of waste. Tigín’s minimalist design and layout also encourages a mindful approach to consumption of material goods.
With the cost of housing running €5,000 per sqm in Dublin and more than €15,000 per sqm in London, Tigín’s tiny home offers a sustainably built and consciously-designed mobile space for less (€2,750 per sqm).
Showing that a little creativity can go a long way, Common Knowledge is creating more affordable housing options for a growing group of people looking to enjoy simplified lives.
Later this year, the plans and materials lists for Tigín Tiny Homes will be open source, free and available for use by anyone who wishes to build their own.
For more information, visit ourcommonknowledge.org
Photography by Shantanu Starick
