What Is a Minimalist House?

Construction

• Some minimalist house building companies will supply you with minimalist housing plans while others will actually build the house for you. Building your own minimalist house is generally cheaper, and you can customize the house plans to your liking. You can even add on a small porch if you enjoy sitting outdoors. However, these specialty builders know minimalist housing construction techniques and are less likely to get stuck on construction problems than the first-time builder.

Mobility

• Wheels can be added to minimalist house plans so that you can move your small home via a large pickup truck. The minimalist house is towed behind and is hooked up to utilities at the next stop while the furnace and cooking stove are hooked into propane tanks. Or you can opt to build your minimalist home on a concrete slab and make its location more permanent by adding electrical lines and service.

Sleeping Area

• Minimalist house plans either put the sleeping area in a loft near a gabled roof or downstairs on a fold-out couch or futon. The sleeping loft has a built-in ladder for easy access and may have low railings to prevent people from falling out of the loft. The downstairs fold-out couch or futon fold up during the day, and there may be a built-in closet to hold bedding and other nighttime necessities.

Bathroom

• Minimalist houses may combine a composting toilet and shower area in one watertight cubicle. The shower head is hung or pushed back into the wall when not in use. The toilet seat is lowered while the shower is in use and allowed to dry when the shower is completed. The floor has drain holes to get rid of the waste water. The bathroom may also have a small sink or the kitchen sink does double duty.

Living Area

• A built-in table may function as both a dining table and a computer station. Window seats can provide storage areas for more portable seating. The built-in bedding closet may also hold clothes and books. A loft ladder can be turned into a set of small steps that act as storage boxes. The cooking area may consist of a propane cooktop and a microwave that is hooked up to an electric line or portable generator.