2023 Design + Build

Mobile Tiny House

Project Information

Client: hypothetical married couple in mid- 40’s with small dog

Location: NC State Campus, Leazar Hall parking lot, Raleigh, NC

Size: 280 sq ft

Program: Use innovative and sustainable design practices to create comfortable living, sleeping, kitchen/dining, and bathroom areas.

Materials: Structure – Reinforced dimensional lumber, Interior – White-washed pine paneling, LVP flooring, Ikea cabinetry, Exterior – Marvin essential collection windows, cedar siding, nail strip standing seam metal siding and roof, James Hardie fiber cement board

Students: Quinn Harrison, Callie Leloudis, Tyron Alford, Reagan Bray, Katherine Brooks, Clark Williamson, Barbara Espitia Toledo, Ryan Phan

Instructors: Randy Lanou, Erik Mehlman, Ruby Reeves, Adam Ward

Structural Engineer: Mitchell Fluhrer

Graduate and undergraduate students designed and built an on-frame sustainable dwelling unit or mobile tiny house. The goal of this project was to create a beautiful project incorporating sustainable features and innovative storage solutions while maximizing natural light and views. Thought and care were taken to consider the everyday livability and comfort of the future patrons of this tiny home. Faced with a limited project footprint, students developed an open-concept floor plan with multiple view corridors connecting the user to the landscape beyond. We believe this project serves as a demonstration of thoughtful, affordable, modern housing design. It will be showcased by the College of Design to the broader university community before being privately sold or auctioned.

As a result of this studio, students have experienced hands-on comprehensive learning in a collaborative team-centered work environment. Students have come to understand and build complex construction systems including plumbing, mechanical, and electrical. Because of their work on this project, students are more knowledgeable of designing for construction and are empowered to enter the working field of architecture with applied knowledge.