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Downsizing as a philosophy of life the Tiny House Trend
Downsizing, which can be translated with the German term Gesundschrumpfens, is a holistic approach. The aim is not only an ecological way of life, but also to concentrate on the essentials.
Increasing living space means more costs and more work. The Tiny House aims to limit the living space to what its occupants really need. This saves costs and time.
In short, less effort for maintenance, more freedom to live.
Owners who buy a Tiny House gain financial freedom by significantly reducing the cost of living.
This trend developed in the USA, mainly in California first. But in the meantime also in Europe and especially in Germany more and more people have the desire for downsizing as a philosophy of life.
Ecological living is increasingly important in times of climate change. According to a study by the American Colby University, a Tiny House with 17 sqm produces only 7% of the CO2 emissions of one with an American size with 241 sqm:
| CO2 emission of a house: | with 241 qm | Tiny House 17 qm |
|---|---|---|
| Heating: | 3.628 kg | 253 kg |
| Electricity: | 7.257 kg | 519 kg |
| Cooling: | 1.814 kg | 130 kg |
| Total: | 12.699 kg | 902 kg |
In the USA, the following regulation on "Tiny Houses" was anchored in the building law in 2017:
A dwelling with up to 400 "square feet" of floor space (excluding the lofts). Generally speaking, houses with the equivalent of 37 square feet or less are considered "tiny". After all, especially in the USA, the difference in size compared to average-sized single-family homes is immense.
