A Transformational New Housing Trend: Nano Builds
A new approach to house building is emerging that offers a potentially transformational solution to the increasing pressure on residential space. And it also offers an opportunity to embark on a unique building project for those looking for something different or an unusual place to retreat. Nano homes or Nano builds are about optimising space and modern living with creativity and flair, whilst keeping a firm eye on the future and giving more than a passing nod to comfortable and even luxurious living.
What is a Nano home?
Nano homes are properties that occupy a very small square metre space, sometimes going up rather than out but still creating a functional and desirable home. They may be custom built or prefabricated but if you opt for a custom build, you are guaranteed something unique.
Whilst there is no definitive size for these ultra compact homes, they are generally considered to be properties built on a footprint of about 75 metres square or less. Examples that have captured the headlines include The Skip House in London (a converted builder’s skip with a timber frame roof), the two-bedroom, 83 square metre build which appeared on the TV series Grand Designs in 2020 and luxury flats in Hong Kong measuring in at just under 20 square metres.
Who are they suitable for?
Whilst it’s tempting to assume this is an extreme trend, Nano builds have a surprisingly wide appeal. Downsizers and those looking for a more minimalist approach to living are joining young couples who are bucking the trend against rising city house prices. Retirees looking for a project or somewhere to escape and retreat are also catching on to the potential for being able to create a really interesting and versatile property in a unique or quirky location.
Beating city prices
Faced with annual west London rents of £20,000, Joe Stuart and Lina Nilsson (the young couple who featured on Grand Designs) planned to build their own property on a tiny plot with a budget of £160,000. When you consider that the plot was only three miles from Canary Wharf and the plans included two bathrooms, a study, a large top floor kitchen-living area, a workshop and a roof terrace, it’s easy to see how their build was a compelling solution to their housing dilemma.
In the end, their project cost just over double the original budget, but that still doesn’t sit badly when compared to property prices at the time for a two-bedroom flat averaging between £693,694 to £861,463. And it certainly doesn’t mean that the concept is flawed.
Respect for the environment
Due to their compact size, Nano builds are usually made from modern, sustainable or recycled materials, making them an attractive option for those living in the countryside who want to make less of an impact both environmentally and in terms of the amount of space they occupy. Equally, for those who want to adopt a more minimalist approach to living, one of the great joys of a Nano home is that that although they may be small, intelligent design means they don’t involve sacrificing either comfort or style.
Key components of a Nano build
Nano builds are not just about creating a tiny home or squeezing a standard home into a small space. Nano living is where innovation, creativity, vision and sustainability meet.
What sort of plot and budget do I need?
By very reason of their compact size, Nano buildings open up a world of possibilities when it comes to your plot and your build. Innovative materials and design mean almost anything is possible.
Prefabricated
Prefabricated Nano homes can start for as little as £20,000 but you will probably have to leave creativity and individuality at the door. You will also need to find a space to fit the home, rather than the other way round.
Custom builds
Nano building gets really interesting when you’ve found the perfect space and want to build your home to fit. Of course, in assessing the suitability of a site, there will be the usual planning and building regulations to consider along with the suitability of the foundations. Early discissions with your architect and builder will be important to ensure the project runs smoothly.
Custom builds inevitably cost a little more but by working with an architect you can be confident of both attention to detail and compliance when it comes to navigating regulations and maximizing space. That said, even with the additional costs, a Nano home normally costs significantly less than its traditional housing counterpart.
Innovation, creativity and optimising for the future
Nano building is about optimising space and creating multi-faceted components. Fold away beds transform a space into an office, sofas double up as storage units, walls are moveable and even kitchens can disappear when not in use. This is about really clever and functional design.
Smart technology and sustainability
Nano builds are usually made from both smart and sustainable materials. Bamboo and recycled plastics may offer a lightweight and durable solution, thermally modified wood has enhanced durability and stability along with a natural look, and materials like hempcrete are a lightweight, breathable, and carbon-capturing material ideal for walls and insulation.
Smart technology makes comfortable and sustainable living easier, for example with smart lighting systems automatically adjusting to natural light and automated climate control systems ensuring efficient energy use.
Quicker, easier builds
Prefabricated Nano builds constructed off-site mean faster build times and less disruption and waste. Modular Nano homes may be moved, reconfigured or expanded. Non prefabricated Nano builds are also often much quicker than your average build and new and emerging technologies and materials mean Nano technology will only get better, with greater safety, smarter features and increasingly innovative design.
Whilst Nano builds will not be for everyone, they do offer some a unique opportunity to create a home or retreat that is truly your own, at an affordable price and without compromising on sustainability or style.
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