Grimshaw Architects has more than 500 staff, spread across offices in New York, London, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and Melbourne. They’re the behemoth practice behind Southern Cross Station, and are also the one currently working on a ‘once in a generation’ project at Sydney’s Martin Place.
However, it’s Grimshaw’s involvement in a much smaller scale project – though one with heart-warmingly big possibilities – that’s put them on our radar. After winning Kids Under Cover’s Cubby House Competition in 2017, Grimshaw’s Melbourne office devised a 32.5-square-metre, pre-fabricated micro home design, The Peak.
Today The Peak is being sold by Nestd, a new business arm of the Richmond-based not-for-profit, with models ranging from AU$110,000 to AU$150,000. An alternative two-storey design by NH Architecture, as well as others produced by Ortech Industries and Ravida Homes are also available.
All profits from the sales of these flat-pack mini homes go directly to support Kid Under Cover’s crucial work in preventing youth homelessness, which includes providing relocatable studios for young people in a carer’s or family member’s backyard, across Victoria, Queensland, and The Australian Capital Territory.
In striving for affordability, Grimshaw Architects haven’t scrimped on liveability or sustainability. The Peak has a six-star energy rating and is made with environmentally responsible materials. For life off-the-grid, it can support 16 solar panels on the roof, and has raised floors that provide enough room for a water bladder and composting toilet.
Despite its small footprint, The Peak is surprisingly light and airy, thanks to large glass panels and its roof form, which creates double volume over the entrance and living area. The exterior metal cladding is strikingly contemporary, whilst inside, laminated timber panelling lends warmth and texture. The Peak is also designed to be compatible with the dimensions of IKEA’s affordable kitchen, bedroom and bathroom solutions (as pictured here).
Cost-effective, sustainable and relocatable… This carefully designed tiny home, and Nestd’s wider offering, respond to the current demand for higher-density housing, and at the same time tap into a growing openness to the sharing economy and conscientious living.
This collaboration is an eagerly-searched-for shining light… of the dual-beam variety. It’s a wonderful option for anyone struggling to secure a home amid Australia’s housing crisis, and also a product funding brilliant work that is improving our society!
Find out more at Nestd.
