Highlands Tiny Homes Debuts Ground-Floor Bedroom Model
The Cali 9.6 prioritizes main-floor sleeping over traditional loft-style tiny house designs.
1Innovative Layout Shift
The Cali 9.6 tiny house, built by Australian firm Highlands Tiny Homes, departs from standard loft-based designs. By placing the bedroom on the main floor, it eliminates the need for ladders during nightly routines. This 9.6-meter long structure reserves the overhead crawl space exclusively for storage, prioritizing convenience over vertical sleeping arrangements.
2Structural Dimensions and Profile
Measuring 9.6 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, the home sits securely on a triple-axle trailer. Its exterior features a cottage-like profile with a pitched roof, combining horizontal siding with vertical paneling. Large sliding glass doors open the living area, creating a seamless transition between the interior space and the outdoors.
3Interior Design and Palette
The interior utilizes a timber-lined ceiling that follows the roof pitch, preventing a boxy feel. Designers selected a restrained palette featuring pale grooved walls, soft green cabinetry, and wood-look flooring. Black ceiling fans and brass-toned handles provide necessary visual contrast, while the layout maintains an open, airy atmosphere throughout the living zone.
4Kitchen Functionality and Planning
A central kitchen peninsula serves as both a breakfast counter and a preparation surface. It effectively marks the kitchen boundary without fully enclosing the space. Standard inclusions provided by the manufacturer feature faux stone benchtops, a two-burner gas cooktop, an under-counter four-in-one oven, and a ducted range hood for improved air quality.
5Bathroom as a Connector
The bathroom serves as a functional compromise, acting as the primary passage between the living area and the bedroom. It houses a glass-enclosed shower, vanity, and laundry appliance. While this design choice removes the need for a separate hallway, it requires residents to pass through the bathroom to move between rooms.
6Bedroom Storage and Access
The bedroom features a double bed situated beneath the pitched timber ceiling. Storage is concentrated around the headboard through built-in drawers and wall-spanning cupboards. Wall-mounted reading lights preserve surface space on bedside tables, and the room includes its own dedicated exterior glass doors, allowing for private access to the outside environment.
7Market Pricing and Inclusion
The Cali 9.6 is currently listed starting at US$100,000, a price that includes the Goods and Services Tax. This investment covers the full build on the triple-axle trailer and the integrated interior features. Prospective owners should weigh the cost against the specific benefits of having a permanent, ground-level bedroom in a compact home.
8Strategic Design Trade-offs
The primary value proposition of this model is the priority given to a permanent bedroom within a narrow footprint. While the walk-through bathroom is a notable design trade-off, it enables a more accessible living experience. Buyers must carefully consider if this circulation pattern aligns with their daily lifestyle needs and space requirements.
Original article: Yanko Design — Highlands Tiny Homes Debuts Ground-Floor Bedroom Model