Tiny houses: The latest trend in minimalist living

KUALA LUMPUR - For retiree Mat Zin Ali, 64, nothing brings greater joy than celebrating Aidilfitri with his large family of 12. However, the house he built five years ago struggled to accommodate everyone comfortably.

With only four bedrooms and three bathrooms, space was limited. To ensure his children, in-laws, and grandchildren could still gather under one roof while enjoying more comfort and privacy, he decided to build two tiny houses next to his main home.

By constructing the tiny houses near his main home, his children, in-laws, and grandchildren who return for the festive season can still gather in one place while also enjoying more comfort and privacy.

That concern led him to construct the tiny houses in 2022. The concept, he explained, is both affordable and practical, offering a modern design while maximizing space. He said the cost ranges from RM15,000 to RM25,000, depending on size.

"What parent wouldn’t be happy to have all their children, in-laws, and grandchildren celebrating together? It’s wonderful, but I felt sorry seeing them struggle for space-competing for bedrooms and bathrooms, and lacking privacy, especially the women,” Mat Zin told Bernama.

Despite embracing a modern concept, Mat Zin-fondly known as Pok Suzin-incorporated traditional Malay village house elements into his two compact homes. One unit is slightly larger, accommodating three to four people, while the other is designed for two adults.

Both tiny houses are thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities, including beds, fans, and chairs, ensuring comfort for family members of all ages.

"I also took the opportunity to turn these tiny houses into roomstays for visitors looking for a unique lodging experience. This not only benefits guests searching for alternative accommodations but also provides me with a source of side income,” said Mat Zin, who hails from Terengganu.

This tiny house trend is gaining popularity among those looking for cost-effective housing options or additional space for large family gatherings. Additionally, it has become a favourite spot for capturing picturesque OOTD (Outfit of the Day) photos during festive seasons.

Yuslan Ibrahim, 46, owner of Cottagehomespd, said demand for tiny houses spikes during festive seasons. His units follow a modern cottage concept, blending English country home aesthetics with minimalism and natural beauty.

"I have two tiny house units, and the idea to build them came from my fascination with small home designs on Pinterest, particularly the Nordic, cottage, and cabin styles. So far, we receive many bookings during festive seasons like Aidilfitri.

"I have two tiny house units, and my inspiration to build them came from my fascination with small home designs on Pinterest, particularly Nordic, cottage, and cabin styles. So far, we receive many bookings, especially during festive seasons like Aidilfitri,” said Yuslan, who has been in the business since 2019.

"Most of our guests are families wanting to spend time together, and they also love taking pictures around the cottage due to its charming design and scenic surroundings,” he said.

Architect Kahar Ambok Lalek, 25, said the tiny house movement began in the early 2000s in the United States as a response to limited land availability, with homes often built on trailer frames. Over time, tiny houses have gained popularity among those seeking a minimalist dream home.

"In Malaysia, demand for tiny houses is mainly concentrated in orchard and farm areas, where they are used as vacation homes or guesthouses. Despite requiring only a small plot of land, these homes can feel surprisingly spacious inside,” he said.

"There are no fixed size limits-it all depends on the owner’s needs. The architectural principle of ‘less is more’ ensures that the space feels open and functional.

"Living areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and lounge work just like in a regular home, but some spaces are designed for dual purposes, and ceilings are lowered to maximize the area,” he explained. - BERNAMA