AL-KO chassis for Tiny Houses: Square, practical, sustainable

According to a recent survey by Germany’s Tiny House Association, 83% of those questioned said that reducing life to the essentials was the most important reason for buying a Tiny House. They want to save space, reduce their needs and use fewer resources. The experts at AL-KO Vehicle Technology also see this new form of living as an ongoing trend. “New, modern living environments call for innovative solutions. Tiny Houses are a splendid example of how sustainability, minimalism and individuality can be combined”, says Karlheinz Spägele, Vice President Sales CT & LCV at AL-KO Vehicle Technology Group. The Tiny House has thus almost become a symbol of a sustainable lifestyle. But how much more sustainable is life in a mini-home really?

Small house = Small ecological footprint
One of the key features of a Tiny House is of course its size. These mini-homes are compact, limited to the essentials and make efficient use of existing space. Studies show that people in Germany occupy on average on 46.5 square metres per person. In a Tiny House, this number is limited to 25 square metres. In the case of a mobile mini-home, Germany’s road traffic regulations also prescribe maximum dimensions and a maximum weight, which means that this variant usually uses even less space. The AL-KO chassis for Tiny Houses offers the optimal solution with its modular frame concept. “Thanks to the chassis’ high dimensional accuracy, the body for the Tiny House can be prefabricated. This allows for different body lengths as well as individual configurations.The hot-dip galvanised chassis components and a multi-stage inspection process also guarantee durability and the highest degree of safety," Spägele says of the advantages.
A Tiny House therefore produces fewer CO2 emissions simply because of its small size. Ongoing maintenance also requires significantly less resources, as there is no excess living space that needs to be heated, which again reduces CO2 emissions.

The right mix for sustainable living
The Tiny House’s small surface area also means that less material is used in its construction. Valuable resources such as wood, metals and other materials can be saved. Natural materials and renewable raw materials as well as insulation materials are generally used in the construction of Tiny Houses. "These are more expensive than conventional building materials, but since it is a small living space, this hardly matters," Spägele comments. Due to the small area and the resulting low energy requirements, many Tiny Houses are also completely self-sufficient. Solar cells on the roof generate electricity, collection tanks collect rainwater for internal water treatment and the toilets can be filled with compost. All this contributes to making life in the Tiny House even more sustainable.

Less space = less consumption and lower costs
Ultimately, less space also means less consumption. Interior design costs are kept within limits, as space for furniture and other furnishings is limited. "In a Tiny House, thanks to sensible and practical fixtures as well as specially made furniture, you will definitely find everything you need, but no more," says Spägele in summary. Moreover, you only need a small plot of land for a Tiny House. Even though the price per square metre is the same for a mini home, its small area means the total costs are much lower than for a conventional dwelling.

Sustainable! Or is it?
One thing is certain: a smaller house produces fewer CO2 emissions. There are no unnecessary emissions caused by heating excess living space. The resources needed for construction are also kept within limits. If the materials are sustainable too, you can move into your home with a clear conscience. One argument against the sustainability principle, however, is that a room with four external walls plus the ceiling and floor could lose a great deal of heat through its surface area in the cold months. This is especially true if the house is not really properly insulated. "Thin walls are often used to make the Tiny House easier to transport. In addition, this can save a considerable amount of weight, which leaves more options for the furnishings," Spägele explains. If, on the other hand, you opt for good insulation, you will have to accept a greater weight, but your Tiny House will also contribute a bit more to sustainability.