During the lockdown, when many were engrossed in television shows, D’Arcy McNaughton of Acorn Tiny Homes was engaged in an ambitious project: constructing a fully off-grid tiny house for his growing family.
This endeavor, named Domek, is situated in Toronto, Canada, and serves as a testament to McNaughton’s commitment and skill in tiny house construction. The project, which began in fall 2020, reached completion by spring 2021.
Domek stretches over a 32-foot trailer, with additional 2-foot extensions at both ends, one for an atrium shower and the other for an office loft.
Despite its compact size, the Domek boasts an impressive array of spaces. It encompasses three lofts — two dedicated to sleeping and one as an office — as well as a kitchen, living room, mudroom, bathroom, and a mechanical room. Altogether, the house spans over 400 square feet and meets the International Building Code (IBC) requirements.
The house’s exterior showcases a striking combination of red pine shu sugi and steel, while the interior is adorned with red pine and drywall.
The living area, welcoming visitors as they enter, includes a sofa and sufficient space for relaxation and TV viewing. Wooden steps, thoughtfully designed, lead to each loft, serving either as sleeping quarters or a workspace.
In an innovative touch, the stairs to the lofts incorporate two detachable bottom steps. This feature not only enlarges the passageway but also serves as a safety measure to prevent their young son from climbing unsupervised.
The baby’s room, the largest of the three lofts, currently houses a crib, with plans to switch to a single bed as the child grows.
Adapting to tiny house living, the family minimized their book collection and streamlined their kitchen appliances. The kitchen is compact yet functional, equipped with essential appliances and ample storage options. It includes stools and a platform that doubles as a dining area.
One of the most distinctive features of Domek is its atrium bathroom, offering a tranquil space where one can relax and gaze at the sky.
This energy-efficient home is not only connected to water but also uses propane for the stove and includes a hot water tank. Committed to environmentally friendly living, the couple has opted for a composting toilet.
Domek stands as a remarkable example of sustainable, off-grid living, creatively maximizing space without compromising on comfort or functionality. It illustrates how tiny homes can be ingeniously designed to accommodate the needs of a family, blending practicality with an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
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