The 'Tiny Haus' where the pool is bigger than the home

Instead of renovating their existing house, this Sydney-based family decided to build their dream tiny home… in their own backyard! What initially started as a desire for a pool, morphed into a one-of-a-kind second dwelling: the ‘Tiny Haus’.  

From the outside, it might seem like a crazy choice for a young family of four to move into a 32-square-metre tiny home in the back yard of their much larger suburban house. But for Sutherland Shire couple Marnie and Dan, it was part of a dream.

Downsizing not only meant the couple could rent out their ‘main’ house, but they could live the more minimal life they’d been craving – in a stunning, architecturally-designed home.

“The lifestyle offered by a tiny house was a drawcard for us,” Marnie says. “We would have less belongings but a greater ability to focus on what’s important. What we bring into our home now is thoughtfully curated, adds value to our life and has a place. I’ve certainly felt a reduction in my stress levels by having less stuff’.”

The Tiny Haus is slightly smaller than the pool. Picture: Nat from The Palm Co.

---

Designed in collaboration with Ironbark architecture firm, Marnie and the family splurged on a thoughtful and innovative small house design.

However, it was the outdoor area that became the biggest splurge, with landscaping, excavating and crafting an exciting space for a growing family morphing into a top priority. In fact, the pool area ended up slightly larger than the home itself, with the former occupying 34 square metres.

“We designed it with the idea that we would spend as much time outside as inside, and our architect really nailed the brief. The kitchen extends outdoors via a gas strut window, an undercover dining area and an outdoor kitchen. We also have a deck and chill-out area with big outdoor bean bags, and a seating area around a fire,” Marnie details.

There is also a grassy area for play, as well as two ‘kitchen gardens’ with fruit and veggies to harvest.

The outdoor dining area is open and social. Picture: Nat from The Palm Co.

---

The entrance to the home is via a discreet side gate, and through the pool area. Inside you’ll find an open kitchen, living and dining area, one bathroom and two bedrooms.

The main bedroom fits a large bed for the parents, which lifts up for more storage or space. Meanwhile, the kids’ bedroom has two bunk beds with space underneath to play, plus a second ‘secret door’ which is accessed by a small staircase.

The ‘vertical bedroom’ has three levels. Picture: Nat from The Palm Co.

---

“The kids’ bedroom is my favourite room,” Marnie says. “It’s a vertical bedroom – which I had never heard of before – but it’s so much fun. It sparks the imagination, not only for the girls but for me too.”

With the couples’ youngest daughter Frankie still a toddler, the space below the very tall bunk beds currently serves as a nursery, while six-year-old Ella uses the space in the main bedroom to play. Everything is made to adapt and change as the kids grow.

The Tiny Haus living room. Picture: Nat from The Palm Co.

---

Marnie and Dan also came up with creative ways to accommodate kids in a tiny house.

“We put a sheet over the lounge to create a cubby house, or we move the couches around so Frankie can roll around on the floor. We do homework or arts and crafts at the dining table, we read books in our bed, or we open the door and have a chat over the kitchen bar.

These weren’t ideas we had that informed the design, but when you’re limited on space you have more opportunities to get creative,” Marnie finishes.