The Tiny House that’s Big on Style

The Neolith Tiny House rolled into San Francisco last week, and it is unlike any Tiny House you’ve seen before. Although it isn’t large, the Jeffrey Bruce Baker-designed dwelling doesn’t sacrifice luxury. Within its 500 square feet, it contains amenities such as a large wine refrigerator, a kitchen island, a living wall, a roof deck and two bathrooms. 

Another differentiating point is that it’s composed primarily of Neolith—a durable composite surface I’ve always associated with countertops, until now. The exterior, interior, sinks, showers and floors are all made of Neolith, and while that may sound like an homogenous material mix, it doesn’t feel like it. The selected Neolith slabs look like marble, Corten steel, travertine and unfinished wood. (The unfinished wood is a new type called  La Bohème, which mimics Lebanese cedar and looks and feels so much like the real thing, it’s amazing.) 

But materials are only part of the reason the house works—smart design is key here. The house is traveling around the United States on two trucks (it will make 14 stops before its done). When assembled, you enter into a petit living area outfitted with a floor-to-ceiling green wall; a long, ribbon-like skylight; and tall windows. The windows and high ceilings make the small space feel expansive.  Another space-making feature: The kitchen and living area are open to each other. 

In the kitchen, a central island with a waterfall edge coupled with high-end appliances (such as a built-in Miele coffee maker) make it feel chef worthy. Here, there are more large windows, making the entire space washed with light. There’s a bathroom at each end, one done in book-matched Neolith that resembles marble; the other with walls done in the aforementioned La Bohème.  

But, you may wonder, where do you sleep? There’s a small loft in those high ceilings, which provides privacy while saving floorspace. For guests, the sofa in the living area is an attractive option. 

On opening night, the home was packed with people who couldn’t stop exploring every nook and cranny of the small dwelling—and, if they were thinking what I was thinking, evaluating how much space they really need. It will be here until August 18, so you can have your chance too. Find it at FM Distributing, 1313 Armstrong Avenue.