low-cost replicable tiny house addresses india’s residential needs with its adaptable interior

Harshit Singh Kothari & Tanvi Jain unveil replicable HOUSING

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 18 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 divided 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 courtesy of Harshit Singh Kothari and Tanvi Jain

tiny house prototype in India features adaptable interior

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 and Tanvi Jain reveal the Tiny House, a residence serving as a prototype for affordable living

Tiny House uses standard construction methods

concrete foundations, a concrete frame structure, and brick infill walls allow for easy replication

the compact yet thoughtfully designed residence comfortably accommodates a family of four

despite its modest size, the interior feels expansive

a single large volume adapts to various daily needs

this volume is divided into a mezzanine above and a toilet and store at the back

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flexible spaces can be reconfigured based on the needs of its residents

the Tiny House emphasizes natural light and ventilation

the daybed transforms into a double bed at night

strategically positioned near an overhead water tank, the kitchenette and bathroom ensure adequate water pressure

project info:

name: Tiny House
designer: Harshit Singh Kothari | @harshitsk, Tanvi Jain

location: Indore, India

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom