The Sleeping Loft
A queen-size bed takes up most of the floor space in the lofted bedroom, where a hanging shelf spans one wall. Reading lamps clamped to either end of the shelf do away with the need for a bulky bedside table.
The Window House
With a view across Sagami Bay to Mount Fuji and Enoshima, it's easy to see why Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects made a giant window the focal point of this weekend house. It stands three stories tall and measures only approximately 10 by 26 feet. The firm's objective was to keep from blocking the view from the neighborhood behind it. But is there living space left inside?
Inside the Window House
The expansive views make the small interior seem vastly more spacious. Living here full-time might pose a challenge, but the house was meant for weekend visits. The series of ladders and stairways give the space the look of a tower, with rooms located on side platforms. Keeping the furnishings (and belongings) sparse ensures the view remains unobstructed.
A Family House
In her blog, Bless This Tiny House, Kim Kasl shares how her family of four inhabits this 267-square-foot-home on wheels. The Kasl family has wholeheartedly embraced the pint-sized lifestyle; recent posts document their savings on heating costs, their kids' pleasure in living there, and their ongoing efforts to edit down their belongings.
Taking Storage to New Heights
The Kasls optimized their rooms by taking advantage of vertical space, as in this floor-to-ceiling shelving unit. Kim notes the challenge of finding shelf space that's sufficient to hold essential items but doesn't protrude too far out; this unit is deep enough to fit books perfectly. The couple also raised the couch using cement blocks and two 2x10s, so they could stow tools and extra bedding underneath.