2024-11-04 23:00:00
Families need a lot of space for their offspring over around two decades. After that, the need decreases.
Living space for young families must meet increasing demands. Not only the personal needs of the residents, but also ecological and generational issues. It is often expected that new living space should be built using natural building materials, emit no pollutants and also have a climate-friendly energy system. But large construction projects are often not yet prepared for this.
Thought leaders are revolutionizing sustainable building
That’s why we need pioneers like Theresa Mai and Christian Frantal, who more than eleven years ago wanted to bring new impetus to what they believed to be a rather rigid construction industry. Their idea was to shake up the way things were built: resource-wasting and cheap. In the end, living space with only a moderate living climate was created. The questions that Mai and Frantal asked themselves instead were: Which principles have to change so that people can afford housing, which recyclable building materials should be used, and to what extent is it possible to become self-sufficient from the electricity supply? Another important question was what costs would be incurred after construction – for heating, electricity, maintenance.
The prototype of their mobile home was created, which can be used as a tiny house, but should also work equally well in a community. “We wanted to open our eyes to lively villages,” says Theresa Mai. She and her business partner initially didn’t expect the idea to take off like it did. Eleven years later, they have completed 200 projects.
Families prefer well-thought-out living space
Their solutions are particularly well received by families. They plan well-thought-out living space for them that is 20 to 40 percent smaller than the average living space size. They have withdrawn their original idea of 100% self-sufficiency – from water recycling to electricity independence – says Theresa Mai: “Our realization over the years was that you can implement it, but it also requires a lot of technology, which in turn has to be maintained and everything makes it more complicated. Our customers are also happy if they are only 80 percent self-sufficient.”
They have further developed their prototypes, which can be modularly expanded with up to five modules. Around half of the houses sold are tiny houses, the smallest at 28 square meters comes in a turnkey version for 136,800 euros. The other projects are single-family homes or shared houses with two to three residential units. The trend towards wooden construction is boosting sales figures, says Mai.
Sustainable house building overcomes the crisis
Sustainable house building is like the topic of “organic” in the supermarket: “It takes a while until it gets everywhere.” Mai and Frantal are satisfied with the situation; they have survived the construction crisis well so far “thanks to a great community”.
Your plans? May: “We want to build larger units with five to ten residential units according to the same principle: smaller areas, natural materials, more communal space. And we want to double our sales in the medium term.”
Modular construction is generally very popular with young families. Firstly, you can save money on construction and only add those elements that are currently needed, and secondly, some parts can be removed later or even rebuilt in a new place.
Tiny houses offer flexible living solutions
Numerous manufacturers of tiny houses are currently demonstrating how this can work. The idea that you can dismantle your own home and build it somewhere else is particularly appealing to many people. Because the career path is often still uncertain and convoluted, it is of course attractive when a property becomes movable. And even if everything stays in place, it makes sense if living space that is no longer needed can later be used as a nursing home, for example.
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**Interview with Theresa Mai, Co-Founder of Eco-Space Solutions**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Theresa. It’s great to have you here to discuss the rising interest in sustainable tiny homes, especially in light of the current economic climate.
**Theresa Mai**: Thank you for having me! The interest in tiny homes has indeed surged, and we’re excited to be part of this movement.
**Interviewer**: In recent reports, over half of American consumers are considering alternative housing due to high prices and interest rates. Can you share how your company addresses these issues?
**Theresa Mai**: Absolutely. Our aim has always been to create affordable, sustainable living spaces. By focusing on small footprints, we reduce construction costs and environmental impact. The tiny homes we design are not just about size; they’re about thoughtful design that meets the needs of families while being budget-friendly.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of design, you mentioned that your homes are often 20 to 40 percent smaller than average. How do you ensure that these smaller spaces meet the needs of families?
**Theresa Mai**: Great question! Our design philosophy revolves around maximizing efficiency and functionality. We create spaces that feel open despite their size, often integrating modular elements that allow families to expand as needed. It’s all about rethinking how we use space and what is truly essential.
**Interviewer**: You’ve also talked about the importance of sustainability in your projects. Can you elaborate on the materials and energy systems you incorporate into your homes?
**Theresa Mai**: Certainly! We prioritize natural, recyclable materials that minimize pollutants. For energy systems, we aim for homes to be around 80% self-sufficient, incorporating renewable technologies like solar power while ensuring the systems are easy to maintain. This way, our homes remain accessible without over-complicating the living experience.
**Interviewer**: It’s refreshing to see innovation in the construction industry. How has the market responded to your approach, especially in light of shifting consumer preferences?
**Theresa Mai**: The response has been incredible! Eleven years ago, we didn’t anticipate how much our ideas would resonate. Families today are more conscious of both environmental impacts and the long-term costs of living space. With 200 completed projects, we’re seeing a growing demand for homes that are not only sustainable but also community-oriented.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, what’s your vision for the future of sustainable housing, particularly in the context of the tiny home movement?
**Theresa Mai**: I believe we’re on the brink of a housing revolution that values sustainability and community. I envision developments where tiny homes are part of larger, vibrant neighborhoods rather than isolated units. By fostering community living and promoting ecological stewardship, we can reshape how we think about housing for future generations.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Theresa. Your insights highlight an important shift in the housing market, and we look forward to seeing how your projects evolve.
**Theresa Mai**: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about what lies ahead in sustainable living.