House a Half: A Mini House Designed for Offline Living

A Unique and Sustainable Approach to Urban Living

House a Half, also known as the Mini House, is a groundbreaking design by renowned designer Hide Lin. Inspired by the desire for a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle, this innovative project offers a unique approach to urban living. With its compact size and eco-friendly features, House a Half is a testament to the possibilities of offline living in a fast-paced digital world.

One of the standout features of House a Half is its use of camphor wood chips, which not only add a touch of natural beauty but also serve as a natural insect repellent. The designer's intention was to create a living environment that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By incorporating movable multifunctional stoves, a wooden tub, and a minimalist closet, House a Half removes unnecessary clutter and encourages imagination.

Unlike traditional urban apartments, House a Half is designed to prioritize offline living. It serves as a retreat from the constant connectivity of the internet and the demands of city life. The small container of life becomes a vessel, while the larger container becomes a building. This unique approach to offline living is inspired by the designer's belief that living away from the city reduces the desire for material possessions. House a Half is a place to live, not just a space to accumulate belongings.

The realization of House a Half involves a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The design can be assembled into a wooden house by following detailed instructions. Working in collaboration with a woodworking factory in Kochi, Japan, the designer utilizes computerized design drawings and models to produce the necessary wood unit parts and hardware for the cabin. The materials used in the construction of House a Half are sourced from Kochi forests, which have been sustainably managed for several decades.

With a floor plan of 45 square meters, House a Half offers a comfortable living space. The second floor features a common area with a living room, kitchen, dining room, and bathroom, while the loft space on the second floor serves as a bedroom. The total area of 60 square meters, spread across 1.5 floors, provides ample room for relaxation and privacy.

House a Half is not just a physical structure; it is an experience. The design incorporates a smokeless flying saucer-type fireplace, which adds warmth and ambiance to the cabin. By burning alcohol instead of wood, the fireplace eliminates smoke and burning smells, reducing environmental damage. The real flame provides a cozy atmosphere, making the offline cabin the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

House a Half was built in March 2020 in Taiwan. The design is a result of extensive research and a desire to create a dialogue between individuals and their surroundings. By utilizing elements such as honeycomb curtains, House a Half allows for the filtering of natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The design also encourages a connection with the outdoor environment, allowing occupants to experience changes in light and the flow of wind.

Despite its compact size, House a Half overcomes various challenges to provide a functional and versatile living space. The inclusion of a portable ladder, which can be pushed out when needed, allows for easy access to the loft space. When not in use, the ladder doubles as a hanger, maintaining a light and transparent texture within the cabin.

House a Half embodies the core spirit of offline living, offering a retreat from the distractions of the digital world. By extending living spaces to the outdoors and incorporating sustainable materials and technologies, this design creates a harmonious symbiosis with the environment. House a Half is a testament to the possibilities of a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.

Image Credits: OS Photography Studio

Intellectual Property Notice: Copyrights belong to doT & associates, 2020.

Awards and Accolades: House a Half was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2022. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, as well as its contribution to improving the quality of life.