The Tigín Tiny Home is an initiative launched in 2022 by Common Knowledge, an Irish non-profit social enterprise, to address Ireland's housing crisis. Designed as an oversized, transportable caravan, the Tigín—the Gaelic word for 'small cottage'—is an affordable, sustainable, and consciously designed housing alternative. Beyond simply selling the tiny homes, Common Knowledge's project empowers people by sharing the necessary construction skills through their educational programs.

The Tigín Tiny Home is a compact yet airy micro-dwelling of 20 square meters with a smart, two-level layout. High ceilings and large, double-glazed windows create a sense of space and connectivity with nature.

Kitchenette: Includes an oven, gas hobs, and a sink, with Iroko hardwood worktops.

Seating/Sleeping Area: A window seat converts into a double bed for guests.

Bathroom: A shower and a composting toilet enhance the home's self-sufficiency.

Storage: Cleverly integrated shelves and cabinets provide ample storage.

A ladder provides access to a cozy loft space large enough for a king-sized bed.

Sustainable and locally-sourced materials

The Tigín's construction focuses on minimizing its carbon footprint through the use of natural and locally-sourced materials. Corrugated hemp panels from Margent Farm provide a lightweight, biodegradable, and sustainable alternative to traditional cladding. The walls are insulated with breathable cork, which naturally regulates temperature and humidity. The floor is finished with natural rubber linoleum tiles.

A timber frame provides the structural support.

The tiny home is constructed on a custom-built, triple-axle trailer, making it mobile and highly adaptable. Its design prioritizes energy efficiency, with some reports suggesting it uses up to 30 percent less energy than a standard UK home, thanks to strategic glazing and thermal performance.

Involved people and organizations

Developer and Designer: Common Knowledge (Ireland).

Co-Founders: Harrison Gardner, Fionn Kidney, Erin McClure, and Spider Hickman.

Lead Designer: Shantanu Starick.

Materials Partner (Hemp Cladding): Margent Farm (Cambridgeshire, UK), which pioneered the use of hemp in sustainable construction.

Collaborators and Build Team: Nico Bigatti, Jordan Allen, Cillian O'Gaora, Ian Tobin, and Enda Grogan, along with numerous students from the Build School program.

Photography: Shantanu Starick.