I Turned this Tricky Abandoned Tiny House into an Elegant Two Bed Home

SHOP: kit.co/GemmaWheeler
This super skinny derelict barn measures 9m X 2.5m and only contains a ladder. This video will show you how I turned this awkward building into a well proportioned comfortable family home. This unique house design is perfect for those looking for ideas to renovate super skinny or long buildings while learning about the architect's design process.
COPYRIGHT:
All designs shown on the Gemma Wheeler Architecture KZbin channel belong to Gemma Wheeler. To acquire a license for use, please make contact at www.gemmawheeler.co
CREDIT:
Art hanging on walls by the extraordinary Beatrice Forshall: www.beatriceforshall.com
Check out her book: The Book of Vanishing Species: amzn.to/3Qwc7UV
★☆★ If you enjoyed this video please leave a LIKE, write a COMMENT, and SHARE it with your friends. Subscribe to Gemma Wheeler Architecture on KZbin and click the 🔔 icon to receive notifications for more Tiny Architecture designs ★☆★
SITE RECENTLY FOR SALE:
www.onthemarket.com/details/1...
Projector Image: GWA own photo of Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe
Music: Moonrise by Reed Mathis
DISCLAIMER:
The purpose of this channel is for entertainment only. All designs presented here are based on a brief and notional desktop study of site constraints and conditions and should NOT be taken as advice, guarantee or warrant that any planning permission or other regulatory requirement would be granted. Gemma Wheeler Architecture does not provide any legal, investment or financial advice or information and is not advising on the commercial viability or suitability of any proposals. The relevant independent expert advice regarding the relevant risks should be sought accordingly. Under no circumstances will Gemma Wheeler be held responsible in any way for any content communicated in these videos, whether by Gemma Wheeler or a third party. In no event shall Gemma Wheeler be liable for any special, indirect or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the availability, use or performance of any information communicated in these videos.

[@jacobrowe4827]

This is the kind of thing that makes me love architecture

[@FrownyMascot]

Whoa, are you satan

[@jacobrowe4827]

@@FrownyMascot na, just a fan.

[@janamoran189]

AMEN 🎉🎉🎉❤

[@e.l.france5136]

Same thoughts here on love of architecture as well as finite space planning and brilliant design execution.

[@Silverfox-oj4cw]

@@FrownyMascot?????? What!!!

[@_timmy]

I really appreciate the inclusion of these 3d render animations, because I think they really bring your ideas to life and make it easier for us viewers to conceptualize it all. Would you ever consider making a video showing snippets of the process of making such renders?

[@brandnewyorker]

I second it!!! Please share with us the process how you arrive at these beautiful presentations ❤

[@francesgrumblatt3420]

@@brandnewyorker 5555

[@TubularBelles]

So you didn’t actually do this conversion?

[@Frankie2Handz]

Totally agree

[@emunah3436]

What software did you use for this?

[@a.strongwoman3156]

Came across this by accident but it stopped me in my tracks. THIS is the ultimate show of architectural genius, I've never seen such an awkward building being so exquisitely transformed. 👏👏👏👏❤

[@alunmurison7421]

Dito

[@shirleythurston4213]

I too came across this by accident, and I’m blown away by the way in which this tiny area can be made habitable. It’s gorgeous!! Would love to see more like this so I’ve subscribed. Thank you for your incredible insight into how spaces like this can be changed 🙂

[@judithmalan1502]

By DESIGN!

[@fridayschild19]

Fantastic design.

[@rmbarnes672]

Imagine hosting friends there)!

[@rayrous8229]

I've always enjoyed architecture. Your putting the skylight over the stairs was what really made it come alive.

[@Patchy]

Amazing work Gemma! Really love your ideas and presentation style. Keep doing what you're doing. :)

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks George!

[@dmulders5347]

First thing I thought about when I saw this vid was you tiny house and now you are here

[@petemavus2948]

​@@gemmawheeler Agreed 💯% 💜

[@HappinessHouse]

So beautiful ❤

[@dmulders5347]

@Amelia yeah I saw it but this was the first video I saw from her I watch the video of George his house and I really liked it

[@skchatten]

You utilized the space in such a clever way. I just adore the 'hidden' bathroom

[@JohnnyMotel99]

I'd like to see the beds on floor runners, then they could be pulled out say 300mm away from the wall, making sheet changes much simpler.

[@PattyPaints]

I came here looking for this comment. Easier sheet changes for sure, but also an easier way to get out of bed for those middle-of-the-night nature calls without having to crawl over your partner every time. I could make do with 8"!

[@deborahbarry8458]

And a way to secure the beds, for when they’re rocking…😅

[@dandrew430]

I really miss the use of Murphy beds. Using them in this space would allow a bigger dressing area and help address the sheet changing concern.

[@thefilipinojoe]

👏 great job. I’m a hobby architect and have been designing great little houses for many years. It’s always like working with puzzles to figure out the best use of space. Your plan is top notch ❤

[@ChooseU4ever]

Can you advise free apps I can use to design homes.

[@agnes15101968]

Absolutely genius! I am not an architect but I do share with you your passion for awkward little buildings turned into functional and beautiful living spaces.

[@sweetgrasshopper]

This was so enjoyable. It really boosts my dream of a future home. I can easily imagine I would be so happy living there.

[@barryrichardson1767]

Another fantastic design. I thought after the initial walk through of the interior that there is very little that could be done, considering all the constraints. Wow, was I wrong. Your design is truly amazing. 🙌

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Barry. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stephenmanning6542]

I'd never want to live in such a space, but you've done as well as anyone could to make it possible.

[@celestialnubian]

A talented architect is just a marvel.

[@sarahtyster7342]

are you the only architect who knows what they're doing? this is wonderful, clever, enjoyable and very very clever.

[@emilychambers]

Such a wonderful design and in the virtual tour I struggled to distinguish whether I was looking at a sophisticated mock up or the actual finished build! What a great idea for a video series, many thanks for sharing 😊

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

What an adorable little house. I love all the ideas you’ve incorporated!

[@kyliewykes9584]

Beautiful. I reckon they've made the retaining wall into a small building, to give it more structure and to pretty up a plain stone wall. A beautiful design and love your changes!!❤

[@shannon.j]

Love your style, both in the design and the video making. So delightful to watch. Thank you!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you so much!

[@randyrice1429]

An incredible plan, Gemma. You've thought of everything to make this tiny space livable. Great work.

[@emmaslow]

This one speaks to my 'tiny' multi-use heart ♥️ Wow! You have also possibly solved a layout / stair location for my own unrenovated, narrow, deep, partially underground home here in France - thank you 🙏 I have spent countless days with Sketchup trying to figure out how to make the stairs enhance the layout rather than ruin the layout - but I hadn't made the leap of taking my campervan conversion tricks and applying it to the house 🤦‍♀️ Using the sides of the staircase to become dividing walls, and on to be storage sides is such a fantastic solution. My house is also narrow and long, with fewer windows due to being terraced by another house either side, and completely underground at the rear of the ground floor. Your designs always offer great new ideas on getting light in, which I'm going to play with and trial. I wonder if you could say what the dimensions are of the floorprint area of these turning stairs, and what height between floors they reach? Stair tread heights & turn angles have given me many a headache figuring them out, so I'm definitely suitably impressed with your stair work ♥️

[@gemmawheeler]

Ah I hope you crack it! I don’t know what the stair regs are in France but these are 1m wide all the way up with a rise and going of 220mm. If you don’t have a copy already, the Architect’s Pocket Book is a great little reference manual for figuring out space layouts. Good luck!

[@emmaslow]

Thanks Gemma, that's really helpful info. Loving your videos! I really like your designs - layout, materials, colour palette, elegant introduction of light - but the fact that you share your thoughts with such clear voiceover explanations is what makes your videos so compelling for me. Thanks for your generosity. I look forward to more videos 🙂

[@Dudukina]

Agreed:) Also I feel like we don't think enough about technology solutions to low light situations in narrow spaces. They don't have to be expensive anymore! For example, DIY Perks channel has a video on how to make a realistic daylight window out of any old screens, and runs on LED strips so energy bill won't be astronomical - and it looks so so good.

[@jimspence3393]

Amazing! I love your design and material choices. This result is why it’s so important to hire the right architect. I love smaller spaces with high design elements.

[@odinedgelord5159]

​@@gemmawheeleras with Emmaslow, I'm trying to figure out where to move the staircase to best effect in my small home in Cumbria. Thank you so much for the beautiful inspiration & for the tip on the Architect's Pocketbook.

[@tesshiva]

Your vision for this space is wonderful! I like reduction of free-standing furniture for integrated built-ins. The light colors keep the space feeling larger than it is! Beautiful!

[@EmmaLindquistArt]

Ooo this is such a unique space and wonderful redesign of it. Love the idea of the staircase branching off into all the other functions and being one piece of furniture. It's hard for me to imagine using the downstairs toilet/shower that close to people eating/working. Perhaps the space could be reclaimed for living/dining and a single upstairs bathroom would be reasonable in such a small home.

[@brianneleahdiangelo]

I had the same thought about the proximity of the bathroom to the kitchen table 😅 It would be perfectly fine for a single occupant, but might be tricky if you have guests!

[@steventaylor6294]

I loved the renders, first class, but I'd love to see the actual finished build as well.

[@fisheater844]

Gemma another fantastic use of a small space.

[@derrynator]

Really loving your videos, please keep them coming!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you! Will do!

[@carriageofnoreturn.1881]

I get the vibes of a narrowboat from your design, albeit a two storey one - very similar constraints and with a similar need to build-in furniture. Lovely design.

[@andeeanko7079]

Yep, I was going to say the same thing!

[@stewartthomas970]

Magnificent design!

[@conor3000]

Absolutely first class! great work!!

[@prbowler]

These videos are amazing, so much work involved. Thank you, hope to see many more.

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Peter

[@crystalmorgan1959]

It's amazing how you transformed a narrow building into a family home. I would love to live in this building.

[@PrtySIMPLE]

This is what I love to see on my recommended page! Can’t get enough

[@jasonfisher693]

ASMR quality. Very calm and relaxing voice and presentation. Thank you.

[@jamesecroucher]

How fabulous your imaginative use of space truly is

[@EmmaStafrace]

Everything you touch is sheer perfection. Love the addition and all the purpose built furniture and storage. Simply beautiful!

[@gemmawheeler]

Wow thank you Emma 🙏

[@DIYDalia]

Wow 10/10 love what you do! This has been amazing to watch!

[@victoriapayton3447]

Love it all especially entering garden area

[@ruthdavis2955]

Really great Gemma. I wish I could find a tiny abandoned house and ask for your expertise in transforming it into a home like this. Wonderful.

[@James-In-Exile]

All your videos are fascinating, but the unusual challenge offered here made this one especially interesting. The choices you made and the solutions you found were all extremely smart. I also liked that many of your ideas echoed the very best in narrowboat design, which obviously has similar constraints with a long and narrow space to configure.

[@aguythatworkstoomuch4624]

Wow what an awesome and unique home! Great job👍

[@brianwalsh4850]

When my Sister and her Partner along with their 5 year old Son moved to Spain. They bought a Shed and converted it into a 3 bedroom home with a bathroom and kitchen along with a living/sitting/dining room. They bought it for about €15,000 and about 5 years later sold it for €75,000.

[@whyyoulidl]

Hey Gemma, stumbled upon; and what a find! Concur with many of the other comments, so a big thanks for this - will be checking out your other videos. You got yourself a other subscriber 👍🏿. Ps, I may have an interesting lead for you in a similar vein...

[@hongkongzorro]

Based on the dimension this could easily be used for a stacked cargo container home. Amazing layout

[@julieannmazzoni4490]

You are amazing, woman. Love from Dutchess County New York. People love cozy spaces.

[@wildfireintexas]

What a clever design. I imagine the little building was a barn for the house to the right of it.

[@michellebeck7832]

Love your designs Gemma, so clever

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks so much 😊

[@sadsamcq]

I love the design and the planning that has gone in to this. It is amazing work. However I have lived in a house that had two sides covered by soil, I would never want to do that again. That house was always cold and had major damp issues.

[@gailooo1895]

Maybe with radiant heating on the floors it would help with warmth.

[@jamesvoigt7275]

Good news for people living in a dry warm desert area.

[@immers2410]

There are ways to completely eliminate damp in the retaining wall and the soil itself has insulating properties, so the amount of insulation required on the walls to meet building regulations would be reduced. As a developer, I’ve renovated similar buildings with good results

[@sunflowers730]

Really? I would think it would insulate the house. After all, it worked for hobbits. 😂

[@amg9163]

@sadsamcq I bought a house a few months ago that has a mold situation, partly due to an interior bedroom wall that is an exposed retaining wall. Very moist conditions. While it's a visually interesting wall, I am considering having it sealed off. If you have any thoughts on that, I'd love your feedback. Thanks in advance for your response!

[@baronessdiannesealand5847]

Some imaginative ideas for making a comfortable small home.🎉

[@amandab.recondwith8006]

Very clever and extremely attractive. I wouldn't mind living there!

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Fantastic work! My first thought was that this would have to be treated like a boat. But the way you made the central stairwell the main feature extending on both floors and throughout into beautiful built in furnishings and storage made it a lovely livable piece of architecture. The way you highlighted the curved wall, placed the glazings and made the possible extension harmonize perfectly with the existing building is so interesting and thoughtful, it would be hard to imagine one couldn't get permits for that little bit extra. It looks like there's quite a bit of garden space in the back, especially if the row of shrubs closest to the street is cut back a bit, which makes a huge difference to this tiny house. I'd however imagine the cost of all this work being a bit wasted on a very small property without any views unless it's in an area where property is very scarce and very expensive. That's considering this property has no plumbing, and isn't kitted out for living, only storage. It's very inspirational as you say, showing a great solution for a very narrow space and I can imagine many looking at building tiny houses on other land can find some really great ideas from this example! Super 3d rendering btw, makes all the difference really. Bravo! 👏👏👏

[@brendareynolds8042]

The land outside that comes with this property is only 2 metres wide - hence the row of trees! She mentioned it.

[@Mrjudsonjames]

Just exquisite. Though I would hope the boundary extended for the second bedroom and bathroom, as I cannot think of anything worse than having guests over for dinner and needing to use the toilet on the ground level literally right next to where we would all be sitting! I would want to head upstairs! So brilliant idea adding that second option. I would buy this place in a heartbeat!

[@stevebethhayward858]

Thank you so much for bringing this up. Absolutely enjoyed almost every inch of this walkthrough until I imagined entertaining in the dining room.... Possibly the neighbors and then having someone have to use the Loo during dinner? Oh my goodness. However, this design is so brilliant. I'm sure there is another solution. On the positive side, of the bathroom design I really love the application of the wall to the bathroom. Keeping it very unobtrusive to the rest of the room. Well done! Please redesign with the bathroom or possibly a very small guest bathroom/ powder room somewhere else. Neighborhood relations are important! ❤️ Subscribe to your channel and I really am looking forward to watching the rest of your posts! You have a gift. Love your designs.

[@brendareynolds8042]

Lots of old cottages & houses have a toilet immediately off the kitchen. Maybe the kitchen should be that end & dining area by the door

[@daliafel2020]

I scrolled and scrolled for this comment wondering if I was the only one that noticed that. Such a lovely area and terrific architectural work put into it, with that ONE EXCEPTION, in my opinion, of course. Many people here in America have lately begun with tiny homes, but THAT is one of the things that throughly discourages me. Hopefully I'll eventually find a floor plan that is SO amazing as this, but with bathroom issue redesigned into another spot writing the home. Terrific work Gemma has here, though. 💕

[@59tomatotrico]

seems like the perfect week end house

[@Hollyfae]

Wow, this is absolutely gorgeous. ❤️

[@Danika-mg2ix]

I like your other work, but this one seems extra special. I actually would love to live here!

[@gemmawheeler]

I wish I’d managed to get this video out before it sold as was on for £65k!

[@grigorisgirl]

@@gemmawheeler I shall keep an eye on the local paper planning apps to see what they do with it.

[@mike_hayes]

@@gemmawheeler what part of the country?

[@gemmawheeler]

@@mike_hayes It’s in Somerset - I popped the advert link in the description.

[@kiwigirljacks]

When can I move in?!? 😁 gorgeous design! The dimensions are very similar to tiny homes (albeit taller allowing for second story rooms as opposed to lofts), but I adore all of the design elements and feel a lot of these could work for standard tiny homes. Fabulous!!

[@user-hd2fr5pi6t]

This is pure creative genius. Every inch of this home is well thought out and works beautifully. Nice🙏

[@njtze]

I am actually crying. I need this in my life! It looks so peaceful. Mesmerizing

[@ScissorsAndSmiles]

Just found your channel. Absolutely stunning work.

[@magnum3107f]

Great renderings - have you thought of "upside down house" with bedroom downstairs next to shower and hallway and upstairs kitchen with living space open plan ...

[@GemmaOrangeArmyMHFA]

As I was scrolling through redesigns of mobile homes, I noticed this video, and honestly thought it would be a good result, I was actually astounded by the quality of the end result. Bravo indeed. I only hope I can afford you when I retire to my cottage in the future. I bow down to your Magnificent Architecture. Oh and Love your Name btw.

[@kille7543]

Ohh lady, you have so many great ideas, respect!

[@jenmooney16]

This is an amazing design -- so clean and minimalist, yet very stirring to the imagination (even the soul)! Thank you for sharing it.

[@Spectreblindfolded]

I like the little living area on the first floor. I’ve not seen a first floor log burner before - would that be sufficient heat or would you need to consider underfloor heating on the ground floor as well? If so, where would you place services? Thanks again for the great content!

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi! I think there’d need to be more heating than that. I’m always a fan of underfloor heating so would propose that. Maybe the manifold could go in either the entrance or under stair cupboard?

[@alexandraaubertin]

Totally blown away by the cleverness and beauty of this design!! Well done 👍

[@tarotbyamber7233]

This is truly a hidden gem

[@StonedustandStardust]

This would be a great AirBNB, but too small for anything else. Beautifully done, Gemma.

[@catherineskis]

Try being the cleaner of the place and having to make the beds!

[@volkerbosch9078]

Everything is wonderful ! But the Bathroom with the Toilette in the near of theTable .... hmmm

[@gemmawheeler]

Haha I know! I’m all ears for where else it could go :)

[@jigpig6184]

I would just eliminate the downstairs loo, space is too precious! But my goodness is your redesign wonderful overall 👏

[@moniquethe0G]

Amazing design. Not 1mm of wasted space. Just beatutiful. What a serene dwelling.

[@charliegardner6804]

Wow ! What a talented lady. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@EasyExplained]

This is real architecture!

[@susanadams-wauro6716]

I love the vision here. Clean lines, light, light airy profile of utility pieces. Truly well thought out. T

[@marioncapriotti1514]

Gemma is a genius - what a beautiful little home, with such extraordinary design features. I couldn't manage the stairs, but in my dreams, I'd love to live in such a lovely space.

[@gerrymaurer]

brilliant, cozy, beautiful, comfortable!

[@bonniefrench9884]

Intelligent, beautiful, functional, practical, well thought out solutions. Well done !

[@Tina-qp7py]

It's really beautiful outdoors so the setting is perfect for this minimalist home.

[@jayneneewing2369]

I so appreciate your saving of so many structures.

[@nadiaw246]

Wow this is magical! You have outdone yourself!

[@sherrystone3307]

dear Gemma I can't tell how much I enjoyed this video ! I live by my self and am an artist that works on big canvas so I need a little big of space ; but as you know everything that is built is done for women who want to spent their life in the kitchen . or the houses have too many bedrooms which a wast of space for a single person. You have given me some great ideas. Thanks

[@flange3]

This is so beautiful! But I think it's a one-person home. I agree with the other commenters about the toilet's close proximity to the dining area; I would not care for that when guests come over. The only addition I would ask for (if I was fortunate enough to live in this home) would be a railing for the stairs, which I'm sure Gemma could render to complement the design. If I ever win the lottery I would definitely hire Gemma to redesign my tiny, 350 sq ft tenement apartment. Thank you for sharing your work and ideas.

[@angeloarroyo3559]

This is what good design looks like!

[@bedardpelchat]

You're a genius. Such a sensitive and great imagination taking on challenges. I love it.

[@carlstanford7607]

Beautiful work. Love it.

[@sandragruhle6288]

It is adorable, unique, and well-designed, but I could never live without my walk-in closet!

[@classifiedinformation6353]

From time to time, I return to this peculiar little structure. I can’t seem to see enough of it. The size and shape present a challenge, and this challenge is similar to what I am working with in my property. John in Bethel, Missouri. USA

[@jamesallen7750]

Videos like this are what really make me appreciate the KZbin algorithms. Inspired and inspiring.

[@gerrywouters84]

Again, gorgeous

[@JR-gh8lp]

Appreciate the hand drawings and the computer models

[@kareninkster1831]

Wow….what imagination you have…I love it

[@sarkycutt9611]

Amazing content! My 8 yr old daughter told me last night that she wants to be an architect. I subbed so we can watch yr videos together. 🎉❤

[@JanesOracle]

I think you're brilliant. I have to admit though that I feel a more traditional look would fit such historical buildings better. Much love to you and hope to see a less modern design (though they are gorgeous in their own right) perhaps in future ❤️❤️❤️

[@talesfromtuscany]

Absolutely wonderful architecture and perfect use of space and flow. Just love it!

[@tdouwd9517]

A cleverly designed bespoke retreat!

[@elisabethm9655]

Lovely, minimalist by necessity, but a nice use of the space presented.

[@m.r.3912]

A landbased, twostores narrowboat. Charming

[@TheOnlooker65]

This is lovely. I so hope it got built. One day I may have to live in a single storey building 10 x 20.ft!!! You've given me ideas...

[@sarahholt397]

I could listen to you talk all day.

[@familiekastermans1297]

WOW and Beautiful and Efficient!! ❤

[@dwttexjw4796]

You my dear are just brilliant! Always thoughtful and great designs. I love the dirty nails. Shows that you are well 'grounded' :)

[@gemmawheeler]

Omg 🤣 Busy mum the rest of the time

[@jagodaperich-anderson5058]

Brilliant design for such a challenging space.

[@nancyschuessler9989]

Very creative use of such a unique space!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you! 😊

[@ellenolmstead5026]

Excellent!! Making over old buildings this small, your very clever.