Timber iQ August - September 2020 // Issue: 50 August - September 2020 | Page 11

FEATURES
Tiny homes can cater to any income level.
Tiny Homes: A South
FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION
African perspective
By Peter Bissett, director: SA Timber Homes
A solution to cater to all income groups, from the affluent to addressing the
housing shortages we see in South Africa.
A
tiny home’s definition will vary depending on who you speak
to. Essentially, it is a fully-kitted home on a small scale, and
is usually also the primary dwelling unit. The size of a tiny
home would normally be less than 50m², and a maximum of 60m².
They can be static or mobile, and up to two levels. For many South
Africans, a tiny home could have completely different definitions.
WHO LIVES IN, OR BUYS A TINY HOME?
This is typically the perfect solution for young professional couples,
who do not want to be tied down with a huge mortgage. Also, people
(normally the younger generation) who are able to work from
anywhere and like the freedom a tiny home could offer.
This is also a popular option for retired couples, or couples who are
‘empty-nesters’. People who are concerned about the environment
are also a key target market – because small homes consume far
less energy and are often classed as off-the-grid units.
SOME OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF
LIVING IN A TINY HOME
• Your boundaries become visible and therefore more
manageable.
• A tiny home is movable which gives a sense of freedom.
• Living in a tiny home allows you to de-clutter your life. You
don’t have endless storage places full of ‘junk’. Clutter is
proven to negatively impact thought patterns and selfesteem.
• Increased communication becomes possible because you
cannot hide yourself on the other side of the house.
• The small space forces you out to be more active – theatre,
movies, walks, cycling.
• Studies have also shown that people who live specifically in
timber homes, are calmer and happier than when they live in
homes of other types of construction materials.
www.timberiq.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020 9