I Turned this Tiny Stone Cabin into a Minimalist Micro Home (Wheelchair Accessible)

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This tiny stone cabin is just 464sqft / 43sqm. This video will show you how I turned this awkward building into a light-filled, accessible ADU tiny home. This unique house design is perfect for those looking for ideas to renovate small single storey 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 ★☆★
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.

[@gemmawheeler]

Get started with BRILLIANT for FREE for the 1st 30 days. First 200 get 20% off an annual plan by visiting this link: www.brilliant.org/gemma

[@historylover9890]

Hi Gemma which application did you use to create the house model ? I am interested to learn such applications ( without a background in architecture)

[@BriscoeJames]

Thank you so much for the video Gemma. We love the design. So many great ideas! We just need to do it now …. We’re looking forward to updating you with any progress. Maybe you’ll be a guest one day! All the best. James

[@gemmawheeler]

Great, James, thanks! I’d love that.

[@AndyTausK]

Hello Gemma, I love it! I would love to live there. Greetings from cologne Andy

[@annbrookens945]

These are such odd structures. It always seems impossible to me that they could be even remotely liveable, yet you turn them into elegant and functional homes! Absolutely magical!

[@juliamacdonald3767]

It’s always a great day when I find a Gemma video waiting for me. Thanks!

[@_Murky_]

I'd recommend adding some sort of splash back behind the cooker instead of open slats straight onto the bed, a semi see through material that will still let light through

[@elizabethlevy9496]

love the cozy fireplace area and the extended kitchen countertops into the window sills

[@lorrainethomas241]

When clever and cozy collide.

[@lostmymarsinspace2604]

Loved the sun room/living room area! The only thing I'd change is swap the cooktop and the sink around, wouldn't want the bed to be directly beside the cooker and absorb all the smell😅

[@althovio]

My first thought as well. Your bedding will smell like cooking eventually. Plus the slats will get greasy eventually.

[@angierodriguez4729]

This is so charming and beautiful :) I used to study architecture in university but for several reasons I couldn’t finish my degree, but my love for this art/science remains untouched!! I have rewatched all of your videos, there’s a special feeling of satisfaction in seeing a once neglected building turned into a habitable, cozy space again, it’s like resurrecting a house 😅 thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@AnniGetsHerGun]

This is a truly wonderful design!!! I was almost shocked when I heard the word "Austria", I dropped everything and watched the video. Now I'm sitting here and am very moved. Especially in the alpine regions of Austria, ground sealing is a big, big problem. At the same time, there are many such buildings, some were simply poorly converted, mainly for touristic purpose, but most of them left to decay. This modernization is one of the most beautiful, sensitive examples one can imagine. The utility room at one end of the house, the use of the roof space as storage, the deep window sills, the seating area for visitors on the (almost) outside of the building - these are all elements of many historic farmhouses, and it deeply touched me. It's not just functionality, it's the spatial and cultural memory which in this design continues to live on in the best possible way. I can only hope that the owners will implement the design, and I'd move in at a heartbeat if I had the chance.

[@SaldraL]

Oh Gemma this is lovely! Thank you for showing how chic an accessible-minded tiny home like this can be, while keeping the elements that gave the building character. Especailly with aging parents, sometimes it can be challenging to their sensibilities when there's too much new with the design, especially if this is an existing building they have history and attatchment with. I'd love to see many more like this

[@antimatter007]

Great design! The lighting washing off the ceiling gives a really nice glow. Love the little extension for a little more light and room. Great for a studio!

[@Abby-ug4xc]

I love this!! I hope the owners go ahead with this design, what a lovely living space it could be The way the windowsill becomes the kitchen counter, and the airy open divider between the bed and kitchen is perfect. I wish I could live somewhere like this!

[@eattherich9215]

The addition to the front is a good idea, and that is where I would put somewhere for outdoor wear as well as storage. The back could then be divided into a proper bedroom and shower/bathroom. The kitchen would become bigger with more room for cupboards and a place for the washing machine.

[@jmk1962]

Good idea.

[@meganclaire3385]

you are a genius! what a gift!-every renov I have seen from you is elegent, clean and innovative .Well done! Megan from FL

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@vanwesthuizen7427]

Always love when I see there is a new Video! Keep up those amazing designs and animations :)

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@cottagekeeper]

This building is stunning! In the US, there are not many structures with such lovely architectural features as this. Our father of architecture, Mr. Thomas Jefferson, would have loved this! Thanks for sharing it with us, Gemma. You've inspired me to start a channel. I lack your skills and training expertise, but I've been drawing buildings since childhood. Struggling with math and only learning the basics in high school, my guidance counselor told me I couldn't be an architect. Now, at an age where many people in the US have retired, I'm inspired to share my love of architecture like you do. Thank you so much for sharing your passion. I can't put into words how much of an inspiration you are to this old in age but young in heart cottage keeper. 💚

[@gemmawheeler]

I’m so pleased! I look forward to seeing it.

[@cottagekeeper]

@@gemmawheeler I am greatful for you and your encouragement!

[@Elisabeth-jk2nq]

Well it is good and bad to have such solid houses. I live in Austtia and always admire how easy you guys in the US restructure houses. In Austria only changing one wall is a lot if effort and costs. This is why Gemma's plans are genius again - she uses what is there and makes them so much better.

[@wakingtheworld]

Good on you, sir. Something that will spark joy, keep you motivated AND keep you young! I'd be interested to see what you come up with, so have subbed you! That's 4 of us now. Funny you mention your guidance counselor; my English teacher told me that I had no writing ability! Mud sticks, as you know. It took an astrologer.... some 20 years later.... to tell me that I had a great propensity for writing and story-telling. So poetry was born and my journey began. Good luck with your venture.

[@pynkforarmor]

amazing video!! those vaulted cellings are incredible, i think you incorporated them very well in the final design

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks they’re great aren’t they. I kept thinking about the brave builders who constructed them in what looked like quite an improvised way :)

[@rosshaxton8912]

Love the ‘in-out’ extension, would be such a nice space to look out from.

[@tkol123]

That is an old stables to house cattle. Nice little house after.

[@JaneNewAuthor]

I thought possibly a dairy.

[@LeafHuntress]

@@JaneNewAuthor While the area with the small "rooms" might have been for that use, the main area was absolutely for housing animals. You can see the ruts/gutters* in the floor & the walls have those telltale signs that they've been rubbed along by animals. The whitewash/chalk not-paint,* has been smudged in certain ways & heights. *not a native speaker, so i don't know the appropriate words in English, sorry, i hope you can still get my meaning.

[@FurnitureFan]

​@@LeafHuntressMy aunt is a farmer, and I agree that it looks like a place for cattle. Gemma has transformed it wonderfully.

[@LeannaRuthJensen]

My favorite makeover so far. It maintains the charm of the original structure but is a modern comfortable living space that is neither too open nor too cramped.

[@JustMoi7882]

I love how your brain works. This is a really fabulous and practical re-imagining of this space. I signed up for Brilliant, with your link) as I have been thinking about how to try and slow the brain aging. However, the thought of JUST doing the suggested crosswords or sudoku doesn't do it for me. So I will give Brilliant a try as the variety and increasing difficulty appeals to me. Cheers from Australia. P.S. keep up the good work. I love your vid's and love the background shot of your home too. Shelves of books and some lovely plants is always a winning combo for me.

[@Elisabeth-jk2nq]

I am always happy when you upload a new video as I am always amazed about your ideas. And than the surprise: It is even a house in Austria this time!

[@janel4582]

Excellent, I love the simple practicality and the elegant flow.

[@TwospotzArtAndCraft]

What a cody and calming space. I hope the owner goes with your suggestions. Thank You for sharing your ideas and thoughts with us. ❤

[@consideredwhisper]

You are so clever Gemma - I love your designs. Thank you for sharing this latest one with us and I hope the owners are able to realise it.

[@ginacrusco234]

Gemma, yours are the ONLY videos I always watch twice through. My favorite idea here is the integrated ladder accessing a hatch to the loft -- so sympathetic to the original structure and so practical for modern living at the same time. The interior is lovely with its vaults, timber walls, and elegance; I'd happily live here.

[@anna-taniatransylove5762]

perfect... cause you made the best out of the excisting windows and you added a big enough shower, even the house is small, the overhang looks like it s part of the house 👍

[@FurnitureFan]

Yes, that extension was beautifully done.

[@lorrainefitzmaurice6386]

Thank you for looking at accessibility!!!

[@lallan7054]

Stunning. I could live in each and every design of yours. Thanks for sharing x

[@margaretm1067]

I am impressed with the workmanship of the vaulted ceiling in a building used for animals. I assume it is difficult and costly to do and unnecessary for this type of building. Is it something that is common to the area in Austria? I love the design that you have come up with. It looks very warm & cosy.

[@gemmawheeler]

I agree! It’s so striking isn’t it. I wondered if it’s something to do with warmth for the animals kept in there in the winter. So solid walls and ceilings for thermal mass, but vaulted to allow condensation to run down the sides and not drip down the farmer’s neck?! 😂

[@esalenchik]

Yet another inspired solution, Gemma. I really appreciate your sympathy for existing structures, and yet your creative additions seem to make each building feel cosy, fresh and welcoming.

[@urbankayaker]

gemma, another beautiful reimagining of what was a sad and neglected space into a bright and attractive dwelling. one thing that i am curious about and not sure that this is something that you would feel comfortable offering, but it would be very interesting to hear what a rough estimate of the overall cost of turning your beautiful designs into a reality for the various projects that you present on this channel. thanks again for such inspirational transformations.

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi, thanks for your suggestion. I know that’s a key concern for most people but unfortunately it’s not something I feel qualified to comment on. Construction costs vary so hugely by region let alone country and economic climate that I feel I’d be misleading if I put a number to my projects. I hope you understand. The best advice I can offer is to speak to contractors local to you about their cost per sqm/sqft for a mid to high end project.

[@jmk1962]

Aah my Gemma fix.😊 Love this cosy studio home and the vaulted ceilings. ❤ I'd be tempted to carry the glazing in the new extension all the way across rather than just half way and would fit a spiral stairs instead of the wall ladder up to the 'storage space'. I'd also be tempted to fit a few Velux windows up there so that it could be used as additional bedroom space for kids if it was being let as a AirB&B. Some mattresses and bean bags would make it a fun place for a sleep over for little people. Hope the owners do go ahead with your suggestions and that they stay in touch and update you if they do.

[@gemmawheeler]

Hi! I agree it would be a fun place for kids! I think the idea of it being a house for an elderly person was in my mind the most when I was working on it, so hence the ramp and a covered external bit. But I think for Airbnb you’re right it could be more dynamic!

[@FurnitureFan]

I love the look of a helical staircase, but to bring storage boxes up to the roof space & retrieve them, I'd suggest a winch? Of course, perhaps they have a forklift at the farm.

[@FurnitureFan]

​@@gemmawheelerI agree that the space as designed is primarily for one person or a couple. The open design means less privacy for a crowd of people 😊. However, I can imagine younger people staying over with a handy hammock slung in the roof, as long as the grandparents still have a chamber pot for under the bed!

[@BrendaOsif-zk4fp]

Just love seeing your work❣️

[@cheska9999]

Always so glad to see a new video with your usual magic. Thanks as always.

[@marioncapriotti1514]

Another delightful tiny home that looks so warm, welcoming and lovely, while managing to be both contemporary and respectful to the very old tradition the building originated in. Gemma is brilliant!

[@cosydow]

Amazing! The possibilities brought visually to life just let me realise the actually achievable ❤

[@comosatan1538]

I just LOVE your design style, and your use of materials speaks to my soul. Just.... yes.

[@GoogleAccount-hz2co]

Joy watching your videos, and the talent you have for design for small spaces.

[@DKBarie]

Over all, another very well conceived design concept. Congrats are in order. A few suggestions: Utilize a wood stove with built in wood storage capacity, like the QUADRA-FIRE DISCOVERY III for example. Also, having the fire box higher would help with child safety concerns. Remove the wood storage and reconfigure the adjacent wall shelves/storage to make room for a TV, a game console and a small sound system facing the bed. The chair/ottoman seems like it is taking up valuable space. Perhaps substitute a large bean bag(s) since they could be pushed to the wall or placed in a closet when not used. Perhaps add a floor-to-ceiling curtain at the foot of the bed for a bit greater sense of privacy. Also, angling the slats at the counter, and/or making them operable louvers would add to privacy as well. Access to the upper storage space seems impractical. How about an alternating tread ladder that is fixed with hinges at the opening, and that can be raised and lowered with a pulley system? It appears that the pendant light restrict access the the storage area further??? LEDs on top of the beams might be a better solution. The open area of the covered space addition would be a wonderful spot of an outdoor grill/aux. kitchen. Cheers.

[@hannetang]

Lovely, I hope the owners go ahead 👍🏻

[@martinapaolucci5905]

Very brilliant like your past works👍🏻 I really like how you transform old buildings into modern one without alter the caratteristic part. But I notice you that the storage above the external area is impossible to open while someone climbing the stairs. Maybe a slide open or another type of open is better. However, very beautiful work😍 Sorry for my english😅

[@FurnitureFan]

Hi, I see plenty of attic doors that are opened with a long stick + a hook on the top. Then the ladder or stairs can be pulled down with the hook - before anyone goes up. Hope this helps you to imagine accessing such a space.

[@ReduxGarage]

You never cease to amaze with your incredible designs. I just wish I had a building so I could hire you to give it a go.

[@christinaeconomou1378]

I'm always so excited to see your work! ❤

[@drstevemarson]

I bought a house with a dishwasher that was stationed at eye level. It was great! It didn't require any bending over and I could see the back of the dishwasher without difficulty. Elevating the dishwasher is particularly helpful for those who have back problems and the elderly. Have you ever tried that?

[@lindaroyal8161]

Your designs are just so amazing. Each one is so unique and beautiful. I love your videos. TY

[@gaelle4328]

Loved this, including that it is really accessible, would work for an electric wheelchair or walker and that you can park it and charge it outdoors but under a roof, indoors in the veranda or in the wardrobe area and rotate according to weather which is great also love the two indoor outdoor spaces as well as living room . with the light coming in . really nice.

[@sibylles4800]

I really enjoy watching your videos and was very happy about this one! I'm from Austria and always had in mind that it would be wonderful seeing your design on an old Austrian building. Your way of designing these spaces is truly amazing. Greetings and well wishes from Austria :)

[@CH-zt7dr]

Thank you so much for your videos! I've never seen so many unbelievably beautiful designs! And I love the approach to work with existing, old, quirky, weirdly shaped material. I almost always have to cry because I'm so moved by the beauty and naturality and serenity of your small houses. I wish I had one of these!

[@lolapage1105]

I'm always happy to see your videos. They never disappoint. I really like this space and the extension really works to let the outside in. It looks like a really cozy space and perfect for a holiday let. 🥰

[@BryanB0308]

Another great design Gemma. Great little guest cottage.

[@ChristopheDeBoeck]

Great ideas , again. I love the extension and idea of ladder and hatch to access the storage area. The only downside I see is the cooktop, and more precisely the inability to put an extraction fan over it without damaging the ceiling.

[@peggybryan1966]

I love to see what creative ideas flow from your pen! Such a cozy, beautiful space. Your attention to detail is delightful. Love your work and your videos, Gemma!

[@helenedansereau9255]

If the owner goes ahead with this project, it would be great to get a follow-up and see what he keeps from your great concept, and what it eventually looks like in reality.

[@chrisgreek4285]

Oh wow, Gemma - that looks SO inviting❣️❣️

[@theresagariepy1505]

Thank you Gemma for another fabulous video. One question… I am thinking for investing in my late mother’s small house in Canada… it needs a major gut with alterations to enlarge the rooms. Do you work with clients in Canada? Thanks so much Theresa

[@gemmawheeler]

Thanks Theresa. I do! If you’d like to drop me an email via my website (www.gemmawheeler.co) we could discuss further.

[@preciousbey]

I wonder could a bed fit at the back end where u have the deep storage? I like the idea of an enclosed bed space it would feel cozy in this building.

[@gemmawheeler]

Yes I think you could

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Beautiful and clever, as always!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you! 😊

[@54mgtf22]

Nailed it! Love your work 👍

[@EH23831]

🙌🏻 love these videos Gemma - please never stop! 😊

[@ellenfoster9764]

I absolutely love your plans!

[@chantalmenzi641]

Your videos always calm me down. Thank you so much for your beautiful content! ❤

[@whyyoulidl]

Wow Gemma what another great masterpiece!!! Thank you for your continued creativity and inspiration 🤗

[@seandesmond5560]

Brilliant design Gemma!!!

[@FredLaFaro]

Absolutely brilliant as usual

[@jjames0143]

I will follow you FOREVER -- your ideas are so practical yet unique and are SO well designed. Thanks for the video.

[@royer_redos]

Love it!!

[@mee5ful]

Love your work been waiting for a new video.

[@danieltobias9742]

So inspiring!

[@hellencumber562]

Brilliant outside the box design again. So taken with all you make.

[@gailpool4042]

Fascinating!

[@estherstephens1858]

Absolutely beautiful

[@julieforbes7593]

Another lovely design.

[@vargavideo]

Brilliant! So enjoy your videos!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you, I’m so glad!

[@brentdobson5264]

Clear exciting productive analysis ❤ .

[@deejaytori]

What a beautiful, cozy space. And I love the space above accessible by the hatch!

[@sukeyfrugalfrau]

I love what you do with these spaces. So well thought out, a great example of form and function that works beautifully.

[@suzykeene9298]

It looks lovely

[@mrs.manrique7411]

Yay!!! Another upload! ❤❤❤

[@thierryploum5923]

Once again, you have generated a delightful sequence of living spaces, culminating in that timber extension with great views, and tidied the interior into a very functional layout that is generous, for all that. I was intrigued by your solid top half of the extension enclosure under the roof, instead of glazed louvred to recall the existing open slatted gable, and for high light penetration throughout both halves of the extension, experiencing it as a single space. It is tempting to loose the first vault (ie 1/3) to an occasional upstairs bedroom over the entrance since there is an upper window, with a pull down attic flight to it.

[@dogcounter]

amazing as always

[@karendooks6244]

That is lovely 😍

[@junehulton9776]

Excellent ideas .... beautiful inside and out.

[@rayguffey7593]

Амаzing project ! What I like most of all is fuctionality and declutter in Gemm's projjects! Thank you for your wonderfull creative spirit ! USA,❤

[@gemmawheeler]

You are very welcome!

[@isaaccpt6643]

Sooo copy! Love it!

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

I love this series ❤

[@tigercasey1554]

Amazing ❤

[@AwakeThriving]

Wow, just wow!!

[@lacarlotta6290]

Brilliant!

[@lagringa7518]

Love this one!

[@corlisscrabtree3647]

Thank you 🙏

[@zuzanatauvinkl5195]

I want one!!!!

[@derynellis9937]

I love this channel!

[@aislingdillon4603]

super, thanks for this

[@Gray-Today]

Your work is great.

[@dianewassell7693]

Fabulous design.

[@pamelamolina5623]

Oh yes lovely 🥰

[@htimsid]

Delightful!

[@tonitichauer4723]

Thanks!

[@gemmawheeler]

Thank you!