How to DIY your own tiny house

A new mini series, starring celebrity UK architect George Clarke, has been launched to help Kiwis DIY their own tiny house.

The architect first partnered with building supplies company Mitre 10 to help one Kiwi couple fulfill their own tiny build - a luxury holiday home, within a mere 35sq m plot.

Now, he's back starring in a second four-part series teaching Kiwis how to design their own tiny 2.4m x 7.2m house and build it from scratch.

The concept of a tiny house has become increasingly popular, not just for those looking for a luxury bach, but for those looking for a cheaper, smaller alternative to a larger house.

In this series, Clarke, along with Mitre 10 builder Stan Scott, will take viewers through the paces as they build a tiny house that is then taken on a public tour around Auckland city.

But despite being so small it can easily fit on a trailer and carted around the city, the 18sq m tiny house comes with all one needs in a house.

It has a large kitchen, washing machine and dryer, bathroom, master bedroom, a kid's bed on a separate mezzanine as well as a lounge dining area.

Scott said it was about making every little bit of space in the house count.

"The brief was spacious, so we had to maximise every bit of space and the final result is surprisingly roomy."

Clarke said living small can bring with it so much freedom.

"I know it's a tiny house and it's not the biggest dimensions in the world...[but] it feels really big and it's mainly due to the height. There's storage everywhere, a great size kitchen and no compromise on the shower room whatsoever."

Clarke, who has visited many tiny houses across the world, said this project was different in the sense that it gave him the chance to share the phenomenon with others.

"This project was all about bringing a tiny house to the people and inspiring them as to what can be achieved."

UK architect George Clarke in front of one of the Mitre 10 Tiny Houses he has helped with. Photo/Mitre10

Mitre 10 and George Clarke's tiny house building top tips

Storage is crucial - think under seats, inside tables and all corners

Take the time to plan properly - the more thought that goes into the design the smoother the build

Keep the interiors light to create a feeling of space

Don't be afraid to ask for help - even if you are wanting to DIY your project an extra set of hands can be helpful

Be crafty with creating space - build high, rather than out

Go to www.mitre10.co.nz to get your own Tiny House plan