A family has built and moved into a second home they built in their backyard – which is smaller than the family’s swimming pool – so they can rent out their original house for a second income.
Dan, 38, and Marnie Prowse, 36, from Sydney, are part of the ‘tiny house’ movement – with the total floor plan of their new home is 32 square metres.
A new Sydney home averages 183 square metres, which is five times the size of their home.
However, instead of being pokey, the house – which is one square metre smaller than the family’s swimming pool which is 33 square metres – is stylish and upmarket.
‘The idea of a smaller house was really appealing to us,’ Marnie told FEMAIL, which comfortably houses the couple and their two young children.
‘Small space living offers the opportunity of fewer belongings, more time to focus on what’s important and the ability to build an architecturally designed home with the quality of finishes we wouldn’t have been able to afford had we built a “traditional” home.’
Sydney-based parents Dan, 38, and Marnie Prowse, 36, are believers in the ‘tiny house’ movement, and live in a home that is less than 32sq metres – while the pool is 33sq m(pictured)
The young family (pictured) designed their own home with a vision of living with less – and they wanted ‘more time to focus on what’s important’
An aerial view of the property (pictured) fully showcases just how big the pool and outdoor area are compared to the interior of the home
‘The idea that a smaller house promoted was really appealing to us,’ Marnie told FEMAIL (pictured: their outdoor space)
The stunning home, called ‘Tiny Haus’, was built by Dan, a builder, after being designed by Ironbark Architecture + Design.
The home uses every centimetre of space inside the 32 square metres, and makes use of natural light the entire way through to make it feel more spacious.
‘The house has really delivered in what we had planned to create,’ Marnie said.
‘We have more time to spend as a family, enjoy the outdoors, our stress levels have reduced and we still have a beautiful home.’
Crafted by Dan – who is a builder – and Ironbark Architecture + Design , the home dubbed ‘Tiny Haus’ is a feat in design – it uses every square metre of space and prioritises natural light
Because of the large windows, there is a feeling of open air space and living about the property that means it never feels small, even though it is
The home was designed by architect Chris Freeburn in 2016 – with the family moving in just two years later.
‘One of our best mates, who is a builder, helped create it. We knew he would be able to deliver the level of detail we wanted,’ Marnie said.
‘We also added a few privacy details so we feel like we’re in our own little private oasis when we come down to our home. We now rent out the original house, which gives us a little more income each week.’
‘We have more time to spend as a family, enjoy the outdoors, our stress levels have reduced and we have a beautiful home,’ Marnie told FEMAIL
First planned in 2016 along with architect Chris Freeburn, the family relocated into the home – which is situated in their old back garden – a year ago – they now rent out their old property
The tiny house features enough space for the family of four, as well as a garden for the family to enjoy outdoor space (pictured)
The tiny house features a triple-storey bunk bed for both of the children as well as a play area on the bottom bunk, a master bed tucked neatly into a corner, a kitchen, table and chairs and seating area.
There is also a generous outdoor dining area with a barbecue, as well as the pool area complete with sun loungers and space.
‘I’ve felt a reduction in my stress levels by having less stuff,’ Marnie said.
‘It also certainly helps my bank balance by putting thought into every single purchase.’
The couple have documented every aspect of the renovation on their Instagram page, Tiny Haus , which, Marnie said, is all about ‘living life in a beautiful small space’
‘If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be living in 32 square metres with two kids, I would have laughed! But now that we are here we wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Marnie said
There are also countless benefits to small space living, including the fact that either Marnie or Dan are able to vacuum and clean the entire space in 10 minutes
There is also a generous outdoor space, where the family have enjoyed countless days and evenings and entertained guests
The couple have documented every aspect of the renovation on their Instagram page, Tiny Haus, which is all about ‘living life in a beautiful small space’.
‘If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would be living in 32 square metres with two kids, I would have laughed! But now that we are here we wouldn’t have it any other way,’ Marnie said.
There are also countless benefits to small space living, including the fact that either Marnie or Dan are able to vacuum and clean the entire space in 10 minutes.
‘If you want to create your own tiny house, then start with a list of non-negotiables,’ Marnie said.
‘For us, it was a bedroom for myself and my husband and a bedroom for the kids, great flow the outside and an awesome outdoor space.
‘For someone else, it might be a large wardrobe or a bath. Plan from there, but always come back to your non-negotiables. If you don’t waver on these, you’ll love what you have at the end.’
She also said you should think about ‘furniture at the start of the process’ and what will work where.
‘It’s a good idea to mark up your house before you build to get a feel for the space,’ she said.
The family have proven that it is possible to live in a tiny house, but it can still look amazing and upmarket (pictured)
She also said you should think about ‘furniture at the start of the process’ and what will work where
‘As a family of four, we are not just living, we are thriving in our tiny house,’ Marnie said – they said they didn’t want an ‘average home’, but were searching for something different
‘As a family of four, we are not just living, we are thriving in our tiny house,’ Marnie said.
‘We didn’t want an average home, we were searching for something different, something that would push us to be outdoors, something that would bring our family close.
‘Our Tiny Haus certainly ticked these boxes. We entertain, our kids have play dates and we build cubby houses in the lounge room.
‘Each space in our home is used every day for a variety of reasons; our dining table is not only a place to eat, but to do homework, craft, work or just sit with a cup of tea and look out the window.
‘There is no space within our home that is unused. I’m still amazed as to what we can do in our small space and how it is evolving as our needs change.
‘In the 15 months we have lived here, we are yet to experience a single moment of regret,’ Marnie added.
‘People ask how long we’ll be able to stay in our Tiny Haus and my response is: “No idea, as long as it works and we’re happy”.’
To follow the Tiny Haus family on Instagram, click here.