Clever microhome perches over compact food forest outside Barcelona

At just 8 square meters (86 square feet), a clever micro-house outside Barcelona extends far beyond its footprint with a large deck, a wood-burning sauna, a Win Hof method ice bath, and a permaculture food forest providing enough produce for a family of four.
Noah, the home’s owner, wanted something minimal, but tailored to his particular lifestyle so the entire house is built for healthy living using all natural materials like plywood for furniture, natural stone panels for the bathroom and cotton, hemp and wood-fibre for insulation. The space is also customized for electrosensitive people, so all cables are grounded and there are built-in RJ-45 ethernet ports for the Internet. All lighting is indirect with clever use of plywood to recess lights.
The home has a water reserve tank and battery system so that once unplugged there is off-grid autonomy for four days in terms of water and energy. Builder Antoine Grillon of Serena Tiny House says it’s the tiniest home he’s ever built, but it’s also the most high end. The bathroom has a heated towel rack, a rainwater shower and a sleek stainless steel composting toilet that slides out when needed and that can convert to a squat toilet (Noah is originally from Iraq). The kitchen is equipped with high-end - albeit compact - appliances and the huge windows use hydraulic tech borrowed from the car industry for easy opening and closing.
Permaculture designer Aline Van Moerbeke of La Casa Integral helped Noah design a food forest adapted to the dry and rocky soil. Since the property is small and water is in short supply (the tiny house roof is too small for much water capture), everything is planted with food or medicinals. Much of the food is planted in raised beds in order to build the soil (composting is being done on site) and for easier access to the plants. The garden is designed using companion planting and stacking functions to take advantage of the tight space.
“Permaculture often gets mistaken for permanent agriculture as a limited concept, only agriculture,” explains Van Moerbeke, “But what we are aiming at is to design ecosystems as a whole and not just our food production so if we're saying we want to have at least 10% or 20% of our own living system a productive system then that means that we want to be moving away from a consumer system so we need to also change our economy, we need to change our behavior, so we want to be changing the use of resources that may or may not be available in our ecosystem so I'm talking about water or sun.”
Serena Freeland House: freeland.serena.house/
La Casa Integral (permaculture): lacasaintegral.org/
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/heal...

[@Ben-sg5cq]

YES more food forest stories!!!! Please keep em coming!! 💚

[@jmc8076]

Agreed. Love these stories and places. More cities in more countries need to support community gardens (called victory in US.)

[@markhirstwood4190]

Those gardens, those trees, the permaculture and raised beds... love it.

[@cmbaymar]

I had a front yard doing nothing. I have planted 10 trees, 5 different berries, herbs, bananas, annuals, (I let some food drop to reseed) 2 different sweet potatoes, 3 different king of beans. Ginger, cardamom, turmeric, all pleasingly growing in my front yard. All since February. Its glorious and I have already enjoyed some of offerings.

[@graefx]

This is what I want some day. The vast permaculture garden, off the grid and green, even the ice bath and sauna. All the wired connections and ports is fantastic. Looks like such a wonderful and serene way to live. Not running away from modernity but embracing it and making it work for living closer to nature

[@serenakoleno9338]

While this is a very expensive build, if it could be mass produced without losing quality, it would be a great alternative to standard mobile homes, and for a tiny home on wheels. Kudos to all involved in creating this and filming it to share with the world. Much love and appreciation!🥰

[@GetUnrealistic]

This is absolutely stunning! Kristen, thank you for these stories. They are inspirational to us all.

[@trisnaekowiyatnikawaii3860]

This man is a genius and a humble human being. He has created every inch of his tiny house intentionally. His beautiful work reflects as much as his beautiful personality.

[@rockreader4298]

My mind is officially impressed. Just when I think your videos couldn't get better, you go and post a better one. Thank You, Dirksen Family. ( :

[@7times7seas]

I feel the same :)

[@loriturner609]

I just LOVE how so many elements were brought together on this property! They have integrated the things important to them into such a functional, beautiful system of living. Very inspiring to see what it can look like!

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

The view is breath taking, and the garden is a bonus! Wow!

[@sugarbomb26]

I'm blown away! Thank you for giving the garden some attention as I am a passionate gardener and this garden stole my heart! The mobile home looked like it perfectly belonged in the beautiful mountain environment surrounded by fruits and vegetables.

[@mizfrenchtwist]

beautiful , i bet the air smells soooooooo good . great share , thank you , for sharing......

[@janinedevilliers510]

So clever. Love everything about it. 💕 It brings me to the 12 years we waste at school. We should learn all of this at school and more so that when we finish school we are all more conscious and productive. Living the right way in harmony with our earth and each other. I have a Permaculture Certification. It changed my life. I changed from a lack mentality to an abundance mentality because when we observe nature, and grow food, we realise the clever abundance design nature has created. Well done. 👏👏😊

[@johnransom1146]

Really good features. Well presented. Cudos. I wish he’d sell the unit beside the bed with all the clever storage and tables separately.

[@londontoportugal6956]

Beautifully thought out homestead. 💚 Love the permaculture element, the lady was so knowledgable about the planting. A joy to watch.

[@cr8114]

dont watch this vlog.....

[@constancewalsh3646]

The element unmentioned yet without which anything would 'work' is beauty, Beauty, beauty, beauty! Outside, inside, everywhere, the senses encounter beauty. Natural beauty, environmental, above and below, and added to it the meticulous attention to materials, to scale, to form and function - all beauty. Thank you!!

[@ruthmedford5582]

I love the way she is gardening! "No-till bio-intensive gardening where we let the cycle complete itself".

[@simransandhu1969]

Absolutely ideal living! Thank you for this beautiful video, Kirsten! ❤️

[@lifeislove3427]

This is living for ME ' What NO mansion can beat . When it comes to Tranquillity and give sanity in such magical ways.

[@marinmorin]

1:29 🧐The mechanism of the hinged door. 🤔A short plate with hinges, a rail to support it for putting it in the back‼😃👍The structure was very helpful! thank you!👍

[@marzymarrz5172]

everything about that place is special. Even the light. Oh wow.

[@stephanieromaynehebert3660]

The food garden is also wonderfully aesthetic.

[@saul.t.2.969]

Kirsten, I would love to see your home. I so appreciate what you show the world. But, I would love to see what your family choose to live in. I learn so much from your videos.

[@PNWGardener]

Looks absolutely idyllic.

[@aintmisbehavin7400]

This was one of my favorites of your content. Great piece!

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Love the super adaptability of this tiny tiny house. Extreme brilliant planning and use of space. Gorgeous permaculture garden with much potential. Wonderful to hear the principles supporting a healthy garden. Thanks a lot~

[@texxstalker]

That ice bath and sauna keeps that lady beautiful 🙂

[@slimswaggerful]

I have to say I really enjoyed this episode thank you for your great finds !

[@samanthamariefreeman335]

The Europeans are so conscious! I love what they are creating! Blessings and thanks for sharing and inspiring us,

[@MaroArmoni]

Is this heaven or what?!? This place is GORGEOUS 😍😍😍

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

Beautiful indeed! Greetings from Hamburg Germany 🇩🇪 ✌️ ♥

[@markgamble7699]

Beautiful view and home setup…

[@fancyfree8228]

Barcelona is so beautiful!

[@goldenviolet]

Edible landscape is what we need more of in our lives. It would make us less dependent on stores and more independent food sources for people. Love these ideas. 🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔🌸🐞🍀🌻💔

[@brigettekillion7994]

Everything about this makes me so happy! I love what she said about not chopping everything down and just moving towards what can be while respecting the environment for what it currently is - brilliant!

[@jmcclure120]

Very clever and extremely well designed! The incorporation of the yard as extension of the house really adds to the whole property. I'm curious, how do you find people for your videos, Kirsten?

[@donwyates]

Kirsten, you show us the most interesting, beautiful, creative spaces - amazing work!

[@clayepiphany6326]

Absolutely stunning!! Thank you !

[@carolewarner101]

Absolutely amazing!

[@chrisicu4236]

Another lovely video. I’m still perplexed where and how the produce is stored both short term and long term. Traditionally where I’m from there would be a larder or cellar to store fresh and prepared foods. While the concept of this tiny house is appealing the practicality seems limited.

[@maplenook]

Farm to plate

[@kirstinseaver3462]

Wow... you have just solved some of my tiny house design dilemmas - thank you!!

[@ronsmith1364]

The table-door of storage unit combo.... The only thing was the baseboard storage unit needs to open 'up' vs downwards. Nailed using every inch for storage. Wonder about fire resistance for the organic insulation materials? Tad like the cork unit from a while back. Nested spaces embracing outdoor living nice.

[@RosaLopez-zw2ff]

Such beautiful surroundings and view. This truly was nice video.

[@stevenml5748]

Genius. Thank you.

[@dertythegrower]

Shout out to the notill farmers rebuilding the soil the right way ..and not relying on Bigag labmade seeds and chemical nutrient cocktails 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾

[@richardbunt2278]

Nice place. Is it all free tax

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

I would thumbs up this comment 100X if I could!

[@greasybumpkin1661]

Critics of contemporary agro need to get "chemicals" out of their lexicon. Water is a chemical. It makes us look stupid.

[@Danielle-zq7kb]

@@greasybumpkin1661 Most people understand the vernacular use of chemical.

[@greasybumpkin1661]

@@Danielle-zq7kb they do and mock people who use the term. Looking like you're scientifically illiterate doesn't do much to sway from images of counter culture era hippies who's communes all failed.

[@Gauvin.pictures]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much!

[@driaw7104]

This is so beautiful & serene! Love It!

[@lanlam2114]

This is the best food forest planning for me

[@TheRealHonestInquiry]

Speaking of growing vertically, I bet those Italian Cyprus would make a great trellis for many types of vining edibles! Love the combo of permaculture + tiny home

[@62Cristoforo]

I’ve also considered a few buildings for a person or for a couple, mostly as storage, workshop, solar batteries and components, garage, etc., in addition to the actual original living space

[@wisteria4981]

Extremely educational and so very inspiring too ~ Thank You for sharing💞

[@boomtao]

Another gem! Very informative!

[@neacaisa6028]

I would love to live there and that view is perfect. The shade in the evening is perfect for gardening. Best video ever!

[@user-hz8uc9iu8c]

Very impressive and beautiful. Well-thought out!

[@goeblkunst]

Thank you for that wonderful video! You did it lovley!

[@Tinhihi]

Amazing spaces and project! So many nice ideas - inside and out!!

[@eugenio1542]

WOW ! one of your "Best". Thanks for the "write up" too, very well done and appreciated.

[@michellelivingstone904]

Remarkable! Just stunning.

[@jacobtimothyvlog3628]

Beautiful, it’s a million dollar view. Love the video thank you.

[@julieatilano8233]

Amazing place to learn a lot of things about tiny house and be self sufficient go happy, and healthy

[@f0t0b0y]

1:17 “relatively full size fridge” 🧐

[@adrianac3258]

Omg this is beautiful ❤️

[@susanhoward2906]

WOW,so nice n the view is spectacular!!!

[@BatisteBieler]

Lovely place, really cool and compact tiny house. Those 2 are a little bit kooky with their Wim Hof (the ice man charlatan), good energies and no radio waves... I get a GOOP feeling there... Also, nobody else see the contradiction with the minimal lifestyle and the proximity to the airport? Yoga/ice bath in the morning, party and shopping in London in the evening?

[@wozziesgirl]

Quite. And where does the ice come from? And if how does the energy use to produce so much ice fit in with the lofty environmental aims. Though I suppose it palls in comparison to the frequent international travel. I wonder who does the work of looking after all the gardens if the owner is travelling overseas so much? Of course the tiny living space makes much more sense in the context of someone who isn't actually there full time. Not much kitchen space to be preparing and processing large amounts of fresh produce form scratch either. I think this might be a bit like Marie Antoinette's hamlet.

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Thoroughly enjoyable, thank you 😊

[@fgansell]

A great video. Thanks

[@MichaelMartinussen]

GREAT inspiration again😃

[@MBMCincy63]

I really like the getting back to nature but lets try not to ruin as we do it. Wonderful building and gardening. Thank you again for the eye opening information.

[@dama9150]

Some good ideas with that house. The overall narrative of this would have benefitted from some context from the start as to the people involved.

[@ThreeRunHomer]

Brilliant garden.

[@tylerdiap]

Nice one, I live in the area and this is as lovely as shown. About the size of the tiny, the tiny-houses belong to the “camping” from an administration point of view and the city halls don’t always grant the permit to put one in your garden. Moreover the Spanish regulation limits the tiny size to max 12m2…

[@huckleberryeast]

I don't see the location specified in the video description. I assume from your comment this is somewhere in Spain. What part of Spain specifically is this? (It is so beautiful I would like to visit)

[@tennesseeterri]

@@huckleberryeast near Barcelona, they need to be close to airport

[@Momabear1]

I Love their property!❤

[@Dliz_empire]

This looks lovely

[@taptapindustries2580]

Fantastic !!!

[@sandraslate7043]

This is wonderful.

[@djdos83]

such a clever design!

[@lovingmayberry307]

Best video! 👍

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

Such a neat build.

[@Horrordelic]

That is one impressing home :)

[@zaddynumber5]

this is absolutely neat.

[@assenavogneram6213]

Its Nice....i love the garden ...the house is ok....i like alot of space 🤣🤣🤣🤣.....

[@catherinehummel9644]

Wow. really like this.

[@charmsurprise]

whoa! this place is killer! love it, love it. really!

[@kasondaleigh]

Nice. Thanks!

[@naturgewalten]

This view is breathtaking

[@jacqueline5424]

Gorgeous

[@cherylreid2964]

Love this❣️

[@bendrover]

Awesome building systems i love water

[@ackla861]

Amazing tiny house and Permaculture garden, so nice :D

[@nathan1459]

Nice garden.

[@draztiqmeshaz6226]

Your kids are getting the finest education imaginable! I hope they appreciate it!!

[@jgllrd454]

Wow… thank you for such content, it is incredible to see so many ways to live free of the chains of the present world in your channel. Thank you for broadening the horizon, I can dream again. All the love and best wishes.

[@luisphilippsen6677]

These guys literally built my dream.

[@Tejah]

I love the sauna. It reminds me of the house they carved out of a California redwood.

[@wagwanbennydj6003]

This ❤ this is life!

[@angelasaunders9424]

amazing!

[@leebeedav]

Genius! Love the WIm Hof tub, permaculture gardens, sauna, Indoor/outdoor no sitting environment and low to no EMF's. Thanks for sharing and expanding my mind on what is possible!

[@BCruise-rs9xy]

Thank you

[@7times7seas]

Most impressive on all accounts.

[@deroux]

The gas tank shouldn't be below the bed. I love everything else. Lovely garden.

[@jensbreathetothrive9753]

It's the water tank that is below the bed! The gas tank is outside in the technical cupboard. Both tanks have a security exit for just in case.

[@agunggalunggung6630]

Wow ....nice