# Highlands Tiny Homes Debuts Ground-Floor Bedroom Model The Cali 9.6 prioritizes main-floor sleeping over traditional loft-style tiny house designs. - **Source:** [Yanko Design](https://brifing.si/source/41d28791-ef47-4e0b-a40a-2a5efca0c11b) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/bcdffb6f-8f09-45b3-9ae6-519d08a035c4 ## Innovative 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. ## Structural 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. ## Interior 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. ## Kitchen 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. ## Bathroom 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. ## Bedroom 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. ## Market 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. ## Strategic 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/11/10/this-tiny-house-trades-a-sleeping-loft-for-a-ground-floor-bedroom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=this-tiny-house-trades-a-sleeping-loft-for-a-ground-floor-bedroom — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._