Kangourou: Innovation and Sustainability in Tiny Home Design

Small Home Design: Challenges and Innovations

Most tiny homes require families to make some daily compromises. For instance, residents might need to climb stairs to reach the bed or place children in very high spots near the ceiling. These limitations often make everyday life less practical and increase the feeling of discomfort.

An Innovative Approach to Floor Space

However, the French company Quadrapol has taken a different approach in designing the Kangourou home. The house was designed to feature two full rooms on the ground floor, with a total area of 19 square meters. The home extends over 8.4 meters, mounted on a triple-axle trailer. This additional length may seem modest, but it makes a significant difference when trying to provide a realistic living experience in a small space.

Exterior Materials and Environmental Resistance

From the outside, the design focuses on simplicity and practicality rather than luxury. Thermally treated wood covers the home’s structure, giving it good resistance to weather conditions without the need for constant maintenance. Meanwhile, the metal roof effectively handles any potential weather conditions, enhancing the home’s sustainability.

Internal Stability and Durability

The entire house is centered on a galvanized steel trailer, giving it clear stability. Although a powerful truck is needed to move it, the home offers a sense of security and durability when stationary. Additionally, the large windows spread across the walls help make the interior space feel wider and more open, reducing the feeling of overcrowding.

Internal Living Experience

Upon entering the home, one immediately notices a significant difference from the traditional tiny home experience. The Kangourou offers two genuine bedrooms, enough to accommodate four to six people depending on the bed arrangement, without the need to climb stairs to reach the bed. This feature makes the home highly suitable for families with young children and meets the needs of individuals who feel uncomfortable in elevated or confined bedrooms.

Flexibility in Usage

One of the bedrooms can easily be converted into a home office, where the large window provides a sense of connection to the outside, reducing the isolation that can accompany remote work. This highlights the design’s ability to adapt to daily life needs without sacrificing comfort or the home’s essential functions.

Integration of Living and Kitchen Areas

The living area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, without feeling cramped or excessively designed. The numerous windows play a key role in enhancing openness, connecting the interior with the exterior and reducing the sense of confinement often experienced in small spaces.

Balance Between Functionality and Comfort

Despite the multifunctional use of the space, the home does not feel like a mere multipurpose tool. Instead, the Kangourou presents itself as a carefully planned home, characterized by intimacy and comfort, while maintaining openness and natural flow despite its compact size.

Off-Grid Living

Quadrapol offers several solutions for living independently off the traditional grid in an integrated way, rather than as mere add-ons. Solar panels, battery systems, and rainwater collection can turn the Kangourou home into a fully self-sufficient setup. These features give users the freedom to park the home in a sunny spot while minimizing reliance on conventional utilities.

Additionally, the composting toilet contributes to practicality while reducing water consumption, reflecting the design’s focus on sustainability and everyday functional needs.

Flexibility Versus Space

The home provides adequate space for families without sacrificing individual comfort. Each person can have a bedroom on the ground floor, reducing the need to climb stairs or use impractical elevated areas. This flexibility allows the home to meet the real needs of family life while maintaining a sense of comfort and openness in a small space.

Sustainability and Smart Planning

By integrating smart energy and water solutions with a design that considers daily functions, the Kangourou demonstrates a practical example of balancing sustainability, comfort, and space efficiency. This shows that tiny homes do not have to compromise on essential functionality or quality of living.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Kangourou home offers a unique living experience within a compact space, featuring numerous practical elements such as ground-floor bedrooms and large windows that enhance the sense of openness, alongside sustainable off-grid living solutions. On the other hand, some users may find the additional length of the trailer and the need for a powerful truck to move the home pose logistical challenges, while the overall space remains limited for larger families. Overall, the home presents an innovative and comfortable solution for many scenarios, with certain practical considerations that deserve attention before deciding to live in it.

Prepared by the ArchUp Editorial Team

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