I Turned this Abandoned Tiny House into a Cosy Tiny Home

This Tiny House is only 15sqm (161sqft) so needed a really efficient design to create the perfect Micro Home. This will show you how an architect would renovate a tiny house to create a simple, luxurious cottage
#architect; #tinyhousemovement; #renovationproject
SHOP: kit.co/GemmaWheeler
COPYRIGHT:
All designs shown on the GWA KZbin channel belong to Gemma Wheeler. To acquire a license for use, please make contact at www.gemmawheeler.co
BRITAIN'S TINIEST HOUSE: www.manchestereveningnews.co....
[Please note: the seller and agent have no affiliation with GWA]
CREDIT:
Art hanging on walls by the extraordinary Beatrice Forshall: www.beatriceforshall.com
Spot her book 'The Book of Vanishing Species' in the video and buy it here: amzn.to/3Qwc7UV
(Please note: using these links to buy may send a bit of the sale my way at no extra cost to you)
👀 If you enjoy learning how to design buildings like an architect, please LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE 👀
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.

[@ginacrusco234]

Absolutely magical. As snug as a ship's cabin and more elegant.

[@fierywomanpacnw7004]

Your solutions ALWAYS thrill me aesthetically, but (more importantly to me), they ALWAYS inform me that it is always possible to create beauty and functionality anywhere.Thank you for putting these out!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you - I’m glad you enjoy them!

[@Someone36991]

@@gemmawheelerwhat gcses did you have to do to become an architect?

[@HLynnH]

Beautifully done as usual. Here’s an additional thought - make the downstairs toilet/sink combo in to an upscale wet bath similar to what’s in a caravan. Since full time living in this home is not the goal, a wet bath could be tolerated.

[@gemmawheeler]

That’s a thought!

[@chalmer31]

That's what I thought the solution was going to be. 😊

[@lagritsalammas]

Can you please explain this thought in more detail? I’m not sure I follow, but I’m curious to hear your idea.

[@mdeeaonetwothree5162]

Wonderful, as usual. But I also feel the shower would be better downstairs to make room for a more spacious wardrobe. I might be dreaming, but maybe you could put the shower in the bathroom niche with a curtain on a curved rail. A small basin might fit on the external wall if the door was hung on the other side. You could then fit an L-shaped mirrored cabinet above the basin and toilet cistern, for toiletries and to reflect light.

[@Kahli21]

@@lagritsalammas A wet room would be where the floor is slightly sloped and completely tiled with a small lip so that the entirety of the space can be used as a shower. You would put the shower head on the wall, generally done with one that's moveable in some way (like a handheld or dual). That way, you don't need an extra space for the shower. This is really common in some Asian and European countries.

[@justneedalogin]

I know nothing about architecture. But I do enjoy your videos so much, they are so relaxing complete with the slick animation, the gentle background music and your soft spoken narration with that beautiful British accent which is a pleasure to listen to. Fantastic work, thank you.

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

I agree!

[@kiwigirljacks]

Would definitely have to turn the stairs into storage drawers and unserved storage to be functional I feel.

[@davidowen2396]

I used to live 500m away from this house and saw that it was being marketed. I've walked past in many times and wondered what could become of it. I could only imagine it being a novelty for a while and then become oppressive. You've proposed a wonderful transformation with a light 1st floor; it would be a joy to lie on the bed reading and glancing up at the sky!!

[@k.s.k.7721]

It looks like there's room for storage in the bedroom, beneath the window nook. Cupboards could be built in for extra bedding, linens, etc. And under-bed storage could be added for shoes & clothing. A great little weekend getaway home.

[@lord0jackostar]

That is one seriously tight space, well done. The design makes sense, and would absolutely be liveable. If it needed to be a full time residence, it might be worth moving the sink out of the lower bathroom, since there’s another one right outside that room already, which would give just enough space for a small shower in the downstairs; which would then allow the upstairs bathroom to become a wardrobe and more storage. I do especially love that small cupboard off the stairs for coats, a good sensible space for it.

[@devenscience8894]

I like that idea. You could even install one of those water saving WCs that have a sink on top of the tank, for washing your hands with the re-fill water.

[@deborahcaldwell9775]

Remarkable! I was especially surprised at the sliding doors on each side of the kitchen. This is very beautiful.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

It always amazes me how elegantly you create such cozy and livable spaces. Beautiful.

[@gardeninginthedesert]

I was born not far from here. If a person wanted land they had to build a livable house with 24 hours so that's why there were many tiny houses in that area. This one is too small because it's right on the road but if it had a garden I could probably manage to live there. You did a beautiful job again.

[@Kara_2505]

💛 By extending the stair step by the window, you could turn it into a window seat? And you can make storage drawers from the steps.

[@bradwatson7324]

I’ve traveled to Harlech before. It’s a charming little town! This would be a fun rental while visiting the castle and the surrounding area. ♥️

[@e.b.4379]

It's a tight squeeze but an amazing weekend/holiday home for ideally a single person, or even a couple. I'd make use of any potential space under the stairs and install integrated storage to use as pantry and for shoes and alike.... I love that even in such limited space, there's built-in bookshelves. Can't think of anything more relaxing than reading books in front of a log-fire with a nice cup of tea.

[@nicolalang5603]

Oh yay! I emailed you this (I'm sure others did too) - how lovely to see your creative ideas for it ❤

[@gemmawheeler]

Oh thanks Nicola! I was looking for your email so I could let you know I’d uploaded but you beat me to it! Thank you so much for the suggestion.

[@designunlimited6215]

I could sit and watch your videos all day. I'm a huge fan of small space design and love watching your solutions. ❤

[@Vanessa-pl3br]

I first thought "easy, it's like a tiny house "(on wheels, I mean) but in fact, this space looks more squarish and harder to design. Once again, well done!

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

❤ the same configuration I had in a tiny studio in Paris. I loved the easy cleaning and no junk life ❤

[@lorrainethomas241]

I'm a lurking subscriber; I've never commented because my dirty secret is I play the Sims 4 and get a lot of inspiration from your videos. Given the limitations of the game, I could never duplicate this particularly clever design, but for what it's worth, several of the most playable homes I've ever built came from you.

[@gemmawheeler]

This is great! I’d love to see them!

[@lorrainethomas241]

@gemmawheeler That's so sweet. If I were on any social media other than YT (and only as a viewer), I'd show you.

[@dilleydoll1001]

Beautifully done! I, personally, could never live this minimalistic long term - but as a temporary vacation spot? Absolutely!! ❤

[@Faithful.49]

Got really excited when I saw this was uploaded lol. You really got me interested in architecture, something that I never saw coming. Thank you!

[@parkeraltman605]

You are so talented. I love this design ❤

So cute!! I would have the underside of the kitchen table as artwork to that it looks like hanged art when not in use and up on the wall. ☺

[@ccharlton8063]

Beautifully designed. Some of the ‘suggestions’ on here whilst well-meant, have often been answered in advance in Gemma’s commentary. It’s only for a very short stay - castle viewers sound ideal.

[@dianeforbes6080]

Another brilliant design!!!

[@lydiarowe491]

This tiny house is so disguised it would be missed by those passing by..you have as always made the most of what little space there is..

[@teodorapasca1566]

I study architecture, 3rd year now, and I must say that your videos are truly an inspiration. I chose an extremely long and not at all wide medieval house for this semester project, feeling that I learned a lot about how to transform such spaces from your videos. The teachers really appreciate my project so far. Still having a little trouble with the stairs, though 😅

[@AriesT1]

Extraordinary, magical design by you, Gemma. Fitting everything into such a small space is remarkable. One could even add more storage underneath the bed (tiny house style) and when swapping the shelf in the bedroom with a narrow closet. Plus another, smaller wall-mounted desk at the window seat on the ground floor as a work space. Watching your wonderful videos makes me want to study architecture. Glad I found your channel. :)

[@maybarbosa4097]

What a lovely cosy home for 1 person. You're a genius with lots of brilliant ideas. I would love to own a home like this.

[@NeilABliss]

I would buy it in a sec and do just what you suggest.....what a great little get away. The view is spectacular.

[@effingsix3825]

Needs a Stüv! You can use a collapsing coffee table that becomes a dining table!

[@BrendaOsif-zk4fp]

Well done Gemma. Love seeing your ideas❣️

[@DeborahLanglois-zz5zw]

I love all of your videos. Thank you for sharing your ideas. If I were to live (or visit), a comfortable place to sit before the fire would be essential. What about utilizing the window seat with a high ottoman and cushions at the back?

[@legadillo]

Put a sink and a toilet in the upstairs shower, then take some space from the downstairs powder room-put in a sink/toilet combo and make it really microscopic-and enlarge the kitchen.

[@AndrewKendall71]

Unbelievable how livable you've made this tiny space. Wonderful.

[@scottcapon9971]

Beautifully done, makes me think of a weekend cottage or guest house. My first thought was to use this space as an office with one desk upstairs and another downstairs (or the same sitting area you have). Could work depending on its location in town. I also wonder if putting the bedroom downstairs would also work. Could then fit a sofa where the bed is and a similar kitchenette instead of the shower. could possibly do a Murphy bed downstairs to help use the space better.

[@pontimin4173]

or have a sofabed

[@DawnDavidson]

⁠@@pontimin4173possibly, though Murphy beds are usually more comfortable than most sofa beds I’ve found. IKEA has at least one sofa bed that isn’t bad, though (we own it at our condo), and has some under couch storage as well. Another option might be one of those bed-over-couch Murphy beds I’ve seen. Or possibly a bed/desk Murphy. One of each upstairs and downstairs might allow for extra guests (e.g., children). Not sure where you’d put it downstairs, though, unless you chose one of the Murphy styles that has a pull-down desk/table on the front (aka the underside of the bed), and located it on the wall where the pull down table is now. I could see that working.

[@user-qy2kw9kx3o]

❤ I would personally swap the shower and the toilet I think. Based on how many times I have to get up in the night.

[@mathildameier8340]

Very clever design.. Would love to see pics or a clip of the outcome.

[@elisekuby2009]

A very cute hobbit hole! That being said, the Tatami rooms that one finds in Tokyo are about this size. The 'room' is about 9 feet by 12 feet, while the 'water areas' - kitchen, toilet room, basin, washing machine, shower/bath may be equal in size to the room - or less.

[@jeremypearson6852]

Wow, what a challenge. You almost have to treat this space like a Winnebago and use fold down tables etc. I can see it being a weekend escape for someone, but as a full time residence, storage space really is an issue. Definitely a home for a minimalist! An expat watching in S Florida.

[@M-LFC491]

Brilliant! great drawings /graphics / presentation/style. And to the point, nothing superfluous - just like your work. Love your videos.

[@Relatedonthate]

Goodness, but that was quite a challenge! Beautifully done, as always.

[@lunatickgeo]

I love this so much! My red flag is thinking I'm neat and tidy enough to live in this space and not turn it into a nexus of chaos after three days 😅

[@schweizermadel3810]

Simply great, just like all your wonderful projects! Love your channel!

[@thefarawaycloud]

amazing, its such a treat to watch your videos. i was wondering if all those stairs could be storage too?

[@gemmawheeler]

Oh yes the lower ones could be little boxes/shelves or something maybe?

[@LeafHuntress]

@@gemmawheeler I must admit than when you spoke about the stairs, storage & when i saw the wood, i expected drawers in them. Wouldn't tight iron spiral stairs, think Victorian factory, save even more space in some of these houses? Not this one obviously, there'd be no space to win back with the kitchen etc. but in general. Thanks for these videos. 🙂

[@TheMinimalistTherapist]

​​@@gemmawheeler Great ideas 💡 Love the wall mounted fold down table! I watch a lot of "tiny house" channels and it's quite common to have the stairs as drawers or to have hinged treads which would really make a difference to the storage space available here. It's a shame that regulations don't allow for a toilet upstairs here or a wet room up there would have meant a larger more livable kitchen space downstairs.

[@seedsoflove7684]

​@@TheMinimalistTherapistif no WC is allowed upstairs (that is odd), then could u make the downstairs the bedroom and bathroom, with storage, and upstairs the living room and kitchen with one sink?

[@DawnDavidson]

@@seedsoflove7684that might have some privacy issues, I think? But not a bad thing to consider, for sure.

[@dndndndndn419]

Ooo yay! Just what I’m in the mood for!

[@Dogsnark]

Very nice. It looks very inviting. I’m not sure about full-time living in such a small space, but I think it would be cosy as a weekend home.

[@ccc-pj9xg]

🤩 Well done! Love your work.

[@PostImperfect]

It's always a delight to see what you create

[@kfx216]

I thought stone walls provided insulation, so it wasn't necessary to insulate or put plasterboard on them. One wall was left as is - is it true stone walls don't have to be insulated? Nice reno and interesting idea for plumbing in a very tight space.

[@whyyoulidl]

Fantastic! How you continually excel yourself with these seemingly impossible scenarios I'll never know. Just so inspiring 👌🏿

[@corinnecoombs2956]

Gemma, amazing as always! Almost tempted by wales...

[@cindyheazlit938]

It’s gorgeous, but I wonder if you couldn’t do a few changes upstairs: Use the area over the stairs for a floating (hanging?) closet that comes 1/2 way down from the ceiling. This will still allow headroom on the stairs Use the space currently taken up by the narrow closet as room for the toilet. It could be a wet room, or even use a collapsible folding shower? The kind with the folding glass panels? Edit: I wonder if you couldn’t also have the lower stairs flip up for extra storage. Especially for shoes etc. And storage under the bed. Love your designs. They are so practical.

[@kathrynaston6841]

Storage under the bead would be massive

[@gregorydaines]

You’ve done it again! Love this house. Love the tiny house movement philosophy too.

[@carolynmullet1726]

Love your designs!

[@lindaroyal8161]

What a unique quirky building, but it's adorable. Your designs are so amazing and that you're able to include all necessary needs.

[@elizabethtatum-soprano]

Your designs are always brilliant!

[@MsNarutosuchti]

It would be a bit more unconventional but I would have seating cushions on the ground floor and then a lower dining table (think more japanese style). That the amount of people to have over is more flexible. The kitchen is really tricky, i don´t really know how I would improve it much, your ideas are always great! Maybe chance location with the bath and have it extend a bit on the back wall to offer a full sized stove and oven combo (I can live without a microwave) Honestly love the bedroom and shower combination!

[@sineadohara4085]

Another beautiful design! I could watch these videos all day, such gentle narration and always clever and thoughtful spaces.

[@CuriousCalligrapher]

Love this design!

[@janeb3024]

I love this but I, also, love to bake so the lack of oven would be challenging for me.

[@djpitts8810]

A very well considered and thought out space, that's sensitively allows light to permeate through. Its always great to see hiw such a space can be redesigned to be a comfortable living space. I did, i admit, whilst watching the video a few thoughts that i thought might go a way to help improve the usability of the space. With regards to the small kitchenette, if you to amend the countertop a little, you could have a pull-out work top area just underneath the two ring hob. That would give you effective extra preparation space as well. For storage: Perhaps in step storage, to increase ground floor storage or to enable acess for plumbing? The upper floor: you could have either have a lifting bed frame or pull out drawers to increase storage under the mattress. Small additions that would help improve an amazing design.

[@fc4660]

Stunning, kept the magic of the space with the use of clever practical elements!

[@thierryploum5923]

I enjoy the simplicity of each of your designs, and all the hidden effort you put in them to make it look simple! Your viewers want to tweak them to get an even better experience in their minds, which must mean they also agree you found the conversion that fits.

[@WillWatches]

Great stuff as always, idk if I could see myself somewhere like this permanently as I think I'd need a bigger kitchen (I also feel id be far too lazy for any configurable spaces like that dining table, id just leave it in one position XD) but this would be a great holiday home. Did you ever consider a walk-on glass floor light for the bedroom? to let some of that southern light down into the living space

[@gemmawheeler]

Oh I like that idea!

[@pricklypear7516]

Exactly. This is designed as a dandy short-term rental, but NOT as a home. I'd ditch the living room altogether and make it all kitchen (which is where the REAL living takes place anyway).

[@christine2014]

Your videos are always eagerly awaited - so interesting and enjoyable to watch. This property is quite a challenge! In your design, everything looks in proportion and how wonderful to have a real fire in this space. Would it be the only form of heating? And where would the water heater be fitted?

[@StephanieJoRountree]

Adorable. Looks like a dresser would fit upstairs or a wardrobe.

[@bellabompi8886]

Love your videos ❤

[@cheska9999]

Once again, sheer brilliance. I always want to, if not live, At least stay in every one of your creations.

[@mitterpe]

Again a brilliant solution for a difficult project. Bravo!!! I could watch your videos for hours!!!

[@Tesjhkyayy]

When I watch your videos I really think I chose the wrong job. I also love to imagine how a run down place could be modernized etc. and I always get more inspiration from your videos!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I would either make the bathroom a wet space for the shower downstairs as has been mentioned here, or take the entire bathroom upstairs and have a little more room near the fire. Someone already mentioned drawers under the stairs and the bed for extra storage. It’s a really cute little place.❤️🤗🐝

[@januarysdaughter6664]

Excellent! I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@trstquint7114]

Great design! And it matches 1to1 to my tiny courtyard house from 1616 in The Hague, Netherlands Same floor space, kitchen under the stairs, shower upstairs, and hardly any storage. No fireplace but central heating! You did a wonderful job and I would like to see some pictures as it is now.

[@21Kuranashi]

Impatiently waiting for more ❤

[@k.j.2481]

Wow, well done.

[@lydiarowe491]

As always creating more with less..a project that hopefully will restore this unused tiny home..❤

[@teapot1991]

Love your work. ❤

[@kathlenewang539]

Just beautiful: bright, clean, and very homey.

[@timallen6025]

I love your ability to do detail and solve the geometry simultaneously ..

[@jmk1962]

Great for an AirB&B. Not sure you could live in it permanently as it lacks storage unless you were an extreme minimalist. 😅

[@gemmawheeler]

I would agree!

[@reginamtzv]

Wow... you did it again, beautiful!!!

[@handmadebyshirley3715]

Absolutely amazing, so cleverly compact, elegant and very modern whilst still keeping some of the older features of the property. 😊

[@reejoyce6305]

Yep, it's absolutely practical and beautiful. You are so very clever.

[@emidala1]

Wonderful! ❤

[@luschlyfe]

Gemma Wheeler you’re amazing! I love it & would so love living there in Britain’s tiniest tiny house😊

[@markanthony3275]

Very cool! The perfect balance for the space!

[@judit1783]

I love this space design. I never put things under a bed, bad Feng Shui. I would add a few pretty hooks between window and railing in bedroom only for nice looking clothes not crowded. I am a live small person in all areas including clothes.

[@twilde3754]

Nice. I'm not sure I would like the humidity of the shower in the bedroom. I think I'd rather have the small kitchen on wall adjacent to the fireplace, but I'm not the expert. Love watching your ideas!!!

[@emmaainger7474]

It's just stunning. I love your work!

[@theicybladeee930]

i love your work! such an inspiration for tiny house. im impressed!!

[@danwhiteman2529]

What an Awesome Design.

[@rogerjob2780]

WOW……what a fantastic design. Many thanks for sharing. 😉🚍⚓️🇬🇧👍

[@lz738]

Amazing!!! You are so creative!

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

An absolute gem of a renovation, the wet bath I was a very good idea

[@debbiemueller7067]

I’m curious that regulations require a WC and basin on the ground floor. Do you know what the logic behind that regulation is? I would want to switch the WC/basin with the shower - I get up at least once every night to use the WC and climbing down and back up stairs would wake me up thoroughly and dramatically interfere with my sleep.

[@gemmawheeler]

It’s to do with the risk of a homeowner becoming unable to climb the stairs and restricted to living on the ground floor. Ideally you’d have a wc on both levels really. Ultimately though, the house is so tiny that that in itself may not comply for making it a full time residence in which case there would perhaps be an argument against the ground floor wc.

[@grigorisgirl]

⁠@@gemmawheelerInteresting, personally I’d rather have the loo next to the bedroom at my age and have a shower downstairs. Another great video with so many good ideas. I’d happily stay there for a few days break.

[@conniebruckner8190]

@@grigorisgirl I'd then switch the bedroom downstairs and put sitting room +kitchen units upstairs.

[@laurenmallon4963]

sweet! love it !!!

[@spikey8t]

Love this channel and your work...beautiful!

[@lynnerodgers4461]

Perfect! your designs are always spot on. I always want to stay in every place you have designed!