Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain reveal the Tiny House, a compact residence that serves as a prototype for affordable living in Indore, India. The house, built with concrete foundations, a concrete frame structure, and brick infill walls, uses standard construction methods. Allowing for easy replication without specialized techniques or expensive technology, the building comfortably accommodates a family of four. The dwelling occupies a minimal footprint of 19.5 square meters, with an additional six square meters of spill-out space. Despite its modest size, the interior feels expansive, featuring a single large volume that adapts to various daily needs. This volume is pided into a mezzanine above and a toilet and store at the back. The building is approached from the east through a semi-open space, avoiding the conventional layout of separate living, dining, and sleeping areas. Instead, it offers flexible spaces that can be reconfigured based on the needs of its residents, such as a daybed that transforms into a double bed at night.
all images by The Space Tracing company, courtesy of Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain
The Tiny House emphasizes natural light and ventilation, with carefully placed openings on all facades. Harshit Singh Kothari (find more here) and Tanvi Jain have installed a 45-centimeter-thick double wall on the western facade, which reduces thermal gain while enhancing comfort. The kitchenette and bathroom are strategically positioned near an overhead water tank to ensure adequate water pressure and optimize plumbing costs. A foldable table opposite the kitchenette serves as a dining area and a study. The prototype is adaptable to freestanding units in peri-urban areas and dense urban settings. When clustered, these houses can share infrastructure, such as staircases, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems, further reducing costs and supporting sustainable resource use.
Remarkably, the project is constructed for just INR 4,55,000 (USD 5,424), yet it includes high-quality finishes such as marble flooring, teak-framed double-pane windows, and premium fixtures. This cost-effective design meets the aspirations of lower-income groups in tier-two Indian cities by offering multifunctional spaces and efficient resource use.
▲ Harshit Singh Kothari和Tanvi Jain设计的迷你住宅可以作为低收入家庭建房的原型
Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain reveal the Tiny House, a residence serving as a prototype for affordable living
▲ 住宅使用的是标准建房要求
Tiny House uses standard construction methods
▲ 该住宅使用的是混凝土地基、框架结构和砖石墙体,便于大批量建造
concrete foundations, a concrete frame structure, and brick infill walls allow for easy replication
▲ 该住宅麻雀虽小、五脏俱全,内部可容纳4口人居住
the compact yet thoughtfully designed residence comfortably accommodates a family of four
▲ 该住宅占地面积为19.5㎡,但是周边有6㎡的扩建空间
occupying a minimal footprint of 19.5 square meters, the house features a six square meters spill-out space
▲ 住宅虽然建筑面积小,但是内部空间布局合理且满足日常居住需求
despite its modest size, the interior feels expansive
▲ 住宅内部设计有多功能空间,可满足住户的日常需求
a single large volume adapts to various daily needs
▲ 住宅内部设计有夹层,还设计有单独的卫生间和商店部分
this volume is pided into a mezzanine above and a toilet and store at the back
▲ 建筑东面设计有灰空间,是建筑入口区域
the building is approached from the east through a semi-open space
▲ 内部空间布置相对灵活,住户可根据自身需求灵活配备布局
flexible spaces can be reconfigured based on the needs of its residents
project info:
name: Tiny House
designer: Harshit Singh Kothari | @harshitsk, Tanvi Jain | @sin.by.cos
location: Indore, India
photographer: The Space Tracing company | @the_space_tracing_company