These $85K Tiny Homes Come Turnkey—But You Can Still Choose Your Own Look and Layout

Welcome to Tiny Home Profiles, an interview series with people pushing the limits of living small. From space-saving hacks to flexible floor plans, here’s what they say makes for the best tiny homes on the planet. Know of a builder we should talk to? Reach out.

Since founding Minarc in 1999, Erla Dögg Ingjaldsdóttir and Tryggvi Thorsteinsson have designed small-scale renovations and large commercial projects alike. But when California passed ADU-friendly legislation in 2018, they shifted their focus to tiny homes. "Collaborations with the City of Los Angeles and Habitat for Humanity have allowed us to not only contribute to the community but also push the boundaries of sustainable design," the founders tell us. "We’ve had the privilege to transform neighborhoods, one net-zero dwelling at a time."

More recently, the Icelandic natives (and now L.A. residents) developed a net-zero efficiency construction material called mnmMOD, incorporated it into their builds, and started ERLA Construction to streamline fabrication. Here, we talk to Erla Dögg and Tryggvi about the specs of their smaller offerings and the values that continue to fuel their work.

What qualities make your tiny home stand apart from the rest?

The Minarc Tiny Home stands out from the rest due to several distinctive qualities:

1. Highly Insulated Structure: Our tiny homes feature a thermally broken metal frame, ensuring superior insulation with a wall R-value of R24 and a roof value of R40. This insulation not only provides comfort year-round, but also contributes to energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
2. Custom Interior Design: Each tiny home is characterized by wood cladding and bespoke cabinets and countertops. This attention to detail adds warmth and personality to the living space, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like home.
3. Premium Windows and Doors: We utilize high-end aluminum thermally broken windows and doors, offering durability, security, and excellent thermal performance. These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tiny home but also contribute to its energy efficiency by minimizing heat loss and gain.
4. Off-Grid Capabilities: Our tiny homes are equipped with state-of-the-art electrical systems, including DC-powered lights, controls, and appliances. These systems are directly powered by solar panels and batteries, enabling our homes to operate off-grid. Additionally, the use of a heat pump for HVAC and an electrical water heater further enhances energy efficiency, allowing our homes to achieve net-zero energy consumption.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve realized to date?

Each project we undertake at Minarc holds its own unique significance and presents exciting opportunities for innovation and creativity. From crafting sustainable homes nestled in urban landscapes to designing serene retreats in natural settings, every endeavor contributes to our journey of creating spaces that inspire and uplift.

While we cannot highlight a single project as the most exciting, we take immense pride in all our collaborations. Our clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, each with their own vision and aspirations for their space.

As we continue to push the boundaries of design and sustainability, we look forward to embarking on new and exciting projects that challenge us to innovate and inspire. At Minarc, every project is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy in the built environment.