Tiny houses...Malta style

With urban density and rising rent prices firmly on top of the Maltese agenda, now’s the time when creativity and good design can help to solve some very real problems that the those wishing to rent anywhere in the islands are facing.

There is a case for doing things differently in Malta, to provide affordable housing for those challenged by the current high rents and unable to get onto the first rung of housing ladder.

‘Tiny homes’ are becoming popular across the world. As the younger generation in particular find it harder and harder to find viable rentals for a shrinking budget as prices increase, these stylish micro spaces are becoming increasingly attractive. Here are some examples of ‘tiny homes’.

1. Tiny homes

Young, Maltese increasingly want to move out of their parents’ home, but their needs require much less space than traditional Maltese properties provide. Micro-apartments if designed wisely and creatively, can make otherwise small and pokey apartments into lighter, brighter, healthier and move liveable spaces.

See link here

2. Container-living

Commerical shipping containers have enjoyed some vogue for a number of years. The beauty of them is their flexibility and relative cheapness. Containers can be acquired as either the 20’ or the 40’ versions. They can be added to, cladded, insulated, made into multiple units, windows added, and unique design features. See here for examples.

3. ‘Smart’ housing with AI features

What about if instead of building extensions and/or bigger houses, we found a way to make our houses smarter? Why not tuck a bed away when it’s not being used? Seems like thinking laterally could allow us to live in the kind of spacious homes we really want. See more here.

6. Capsule homes

People complain about boat houses and illegal temporary structures in Malta – but creating single unit homes is not a bad idea if they’re made beautifully. See the link below for the full article and images. See here for link.

This article has been abridged and part transcribed from an existing article on Loving Malta, by “Ann”, September 25, 2018Original article complete with images can be found here