The Matchbox is a tiny dwelling, designed by Jay Austin, that aims to make an efficient use of space while minimizing occupants' footprint on their environment.
The Matchbox measures 2.2 x 5.8 meters and has a flat roof with the slightest of pitches, which allows rainwater to fall into the gutter. The water is then directed into a trio of 80 gallon tanks below the house, from where it is piped into the home to be used for showering and washing dishes. Grey water is also collected for other forms of reuse, while a solar array takes care of electricity needs.
The house is sheathed in red cedar wood that is charred to give it a warm, dark aesthetic while also making it fireproof, insect-proof and weatherproof.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Efficient Use of Space
- The Matchbox tiny home demonstrates the trend of efficient use of space by maximizing functionality in a small footprint.
- Sustainable Living
- The Matchbox showcases sustainable living trends through its rainwater harvesting system, grey water reuse, and solar array for electricity needs.
- Eco-friendly Materials
- The use of charred red cedar wood in The Matchbox highlights the trend of utilizing eco-friendly materials for fireproof, insect-proof, and weatherproof construction.
Where This Applies
- Tiny Homes
- The Matchbox represents an opportunity for the tiny home industry to adopt space-saving designs and sustainable living features.
- Green Building
- The Matchbox provides inspiration for the green building industry to incorporate rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse, and renewable energy systems into their designs.
- Construction Materials
- The innovative use of charred cedar wood in The Matchbox opens up potential opportunities for the construction materials industry to offer fireproof, insect-proof, and weatherproof materials for sustainable construction projects.
