Three individuals residing in a compact, minimalist dwelling referred to as a "tiny house"
Jens Metzger, a political science graduate with a master's degree in "Economics for Transition" and a focus on climate change, has taken a unique approach to family life. In December 2020, when his daughter was just three months old, he and his partner moved into a compact, yet spacious, tiny house with a living area of 38 square meters.
The property, covering around 600 square meters, boasts a stunning view of a green environment. The house, which cost approximately 200,000 euros, features a high-quality construction with an enormous ceiling height of 4.20 meters. The kitchen is equipped with an island, a small table, and a cozy corner, providing ample space for preparing meals.
The house's self-construction was the reason for the project's delay, with the groundwork starting in the summer of 2022 and the house being ready in the spring of 2023. Jens Metzger and his partner undertook the interior construction themselves, including plastering the walls, building windows and doors, applying the facade, laying the floor heating, and floor.
The house is heated by a large photovoltaic system, a heating rod, and a water-powered wood gasification stove, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly living environment. The bathroom fits a bathtub and a large water tank, providing the necessary comfort for the family.
The house is considered "semi-mobile," meaning it could be moved with a heavy-duty transporter if necessary. Jens Metzger is open to the idea of building a small extension for a children's room in the future, which could be designed modularly and dismantled if necessary. One example of a modular bed system (GRID bed) suggests that children's beds can be flexibly expanded in size, providing potential for larger childrenβs sleeping areas.
The family's belongings are carefully considered before being purchased, and they have significantly reduced the number of clothes they own. Most of the space in the cabinets is taken up by their daughter's things due to her rapid growth. Climbing the steep stairs to the sleeping loft with a newborn in arms is not a problem for Jens Metzger. However, the family has to be quieter when the daughter is sleeping due to the open sleeping area.
The large terrace, which doubles the living space of the house, offers a perfect outdoor space for the family to enjoy. Jens Metzger's partner does not want to be mentioned by name or shown in photos, respecting their privacy. Despite the challenges, Jens Metzger's philosophy of life includes using as few resources as possible, including living space, for the purpose of "living so that less is more."
In this tiny home, Jens Metzger and his family are living proof that a sustainable and minimalist lifestyle can be both practical and fulfilling. They continue to inspire others with their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint and living in harmony with nature.
