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Tiny House and Living Infrastructure

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Living Infrastructure Philosophy​

Home is where restoration begins. Our living infrastructure must be sustainable, affordable, and enable effective restoration work while modeling the ecological values we promote.

Core Principles:​

  • Bootstrap-First: Minimal viable comfort, maximum restoration focus
  • Off-Grid Ready: Self-sufficient systems from day one
  • Scalable: Start small, expand as budget allows
  • Comfortable: Adequate for full-time living and work
  • Sustainable: Low environmental impact, efficient systems
  • Practical: Prioritizes function over luxury

Small-Scale Pilot Approach​

This document reflects our small-scale pilot approach:

  • Housing Budget (Part of Total Year 1): Approximately €8-12k (housing is 40% of total €20-30k Year 1 budget)
  • Scale: 1-2 person living space (15-25 m²)
  • Timeline: 2-6 months to establish
  • Philosophy: Simple, functional, affordable

What This Is NOT:

  • ❌ Luxury tiny home with premium finishes
  • ❌ Grid-connected suburban dwelling
  • ❌ Custom architectural design
  • ❌ Multi-room permanent structure

What This IS:

  • ✅ Functional off-grid living space
  • ✅ Adequate workspace for restoration planning
  • ✅ Weather-protected storage and shelter
  • ✅ Foundation for long-term site development

🏠 Housing Options Overview​

Description: Purchase a pre-built tiny house or small mobile home from marketplace or specialized dealers.

Budget Range: €10,000-20,000

Pros:

  • ✅ Immediate availability (move-in ready or minimal renovation)
  • ✅ Lower cost than new construction
  • ✅ Often includes basic furnishings
  • ✅ Proven structural integrity
  • ✅ Can inspect before purchase

Cons:

  • ⚠️ May need repairs or updates
  • ⚠️ Limited customization
  • ⚠️ Finding right size/style takes time
  • ⚠️ Transportation costs (€500-2,000)

Where to Find:

  • eBay Kleinanzeigen (Germany's Craigslist)
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Mobile.de (mobile homes section)
  • Specialized tiny house dealers
  • Camping/RV dealerships

Typical Specs:

  • Size: 15-25 m² interior
  • Construction: Wood frame, insulated
  • Utilities: Pre-wired for electric, plumbed for water
  • Foundation: Trailer chassis (mobile) or skids
  • Condition: 5-15 years old, functional

Estimated Total Investment:

  • Purchase: €10,000-18,000
  • Transport: €500-2,000
  • Minor repairs: €500-2,000
  • Total: €11,000-22,000

Option 2: Self-Build Tiny House​

Description: DIY construction of small dwelling using plans, materials, and sweat equity.

Budget Range: €15,000-25,000 (materials + some professional help)

Pros:

  • ✅ Complete customization
  • ✅ Learn valuable building skills
  • ✅ New materials and construction
  • ✅ Built exactly to your needs
  • ✅ Pride of ownership

Cons:

  • ⚠️ 3-6 months build time
  • ⚠️ Requires construction skills or learning curve
  • ⚠️ Permitting challenges in some areas
  • ⚠️ Tool investment needed
  • ⚠️ Weather-dependent schedule

Build Timeline:

  • Planning & design: 2-4 weeks
  • Foundation/trailer: 1-2 weeks
  • Framing: 2-3 weeks
  • Exterior: 2-3 weeks
  • Interior: 4-6 weeks
  • Systems: 2-3 weeks
  • Total: 3-6 months part-time work

Required Skills:

  • Carpentry basics
  • Electrical wiring (or hire electrician)
  • Plumbing basics
  • Insulation installation
  • Roofing

Professional Help Needed:

  • Foundation/trailer setup: €1,000-2,000
  • Electrical final connections: €500-1,000
  • Plumbing rough-in: €500-1,000
  • Building inspection: €200-500

Estimated Total Investment:

  • Materials: €10,000-15,000
  • Tools (if needed): €1,000-2,000
  • Professional help: €2,000-4,000
  • Contingency (15%): €2,000-3,000
  • Total: €15,000-24,000

Option 3: New Tiny House Purchase​

Description: Buy a professionally-built new tiny house from manufacturer or builder.

Budget Range: €25,000-35,000

Pros:

  • ✅ Turnkey solution
  • ✅ Warranty coverage
  • ✅ Professional construction
  • ✅ Modern, efficient design
  • ✅ Code-compliant

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Highest cost option
  • ⚠️ 3-6 month wait for construction
  • ⚠️ Less customization than self-build
  • ⚠️ May include unnecessary luxury features

Germany Builders:

  • Tiny House Diekmann
  • Rolling Tiny House
  • Kleine Häuser
  • Wohnwagon (higher-end, €40k+)

Typical Specs:

  • Size: 15-25 m²
  • Full insulation (winter-rated)
  • Off-grid capable systems
  • Modern efficient appliances
  • 2-year warranty

Estimated Total Investment:

  • Base tiny house: €25,000-32,000
  • Delivery/setup: €1,000-2,000
  • Site preparation: €500-1,000
  • Total: €26,500-35,000

Option 4: Caravan/RV (Temporary Solution)​

Description: Use a caravan or small RV as temporary housing while building or saving for permanent structure.

Budget Range: €5,000-15,000

Pros:

  • ✅ Lowest cost option
  • ✅ Immediate availability
  • ✅ Already equipped with basics
  • ✅ Can resell later
  • ✅ Fully mobile

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Less comfortable for long-term living
  • ⚠️ Smaller space (8-15 m²)
  • ⚠️ Less insulation (challenging in winter)
  • ⚠️ May need repairs
  • ⚠️ Temporary solution only

Best For:

  • First 6-12 months while building
  • Temporary site occupation
  • Limited budget starts
  • Testing site before permanent commitment

Estimated Total Investment:

  • Used caravan: €5,000-12,000
  • Repairs/upgrades: €500-2,000
  • Winterization: €500-1,000
  • Total: €6,000-15,000

🏗️ Site Preparation & Foundation​

Foundation Options​

1. Trailer Chassis (Mobile Tiny House)

  • Cost: Included in tiny house purchase or €2,000-4,000
  • Pros: Mobile, no permanent foundation permit needed
  • Cons: Requires leveling, may not be allowed in all areas

2. Concrete Piers

  • Cost: €500-1,500 (DIY) or €1,500-3,000 (professional)
  • Pros: Stable, allows air circulation underneath
  • Cons: Semi-permanent, requires excavation

3. Concrete Slab

  • Cost: €2,000-5,000 (15-25 m²)
  • Pros: Most stable, good insulation from ground
  • Cons: Most expensive, permanent

4. Gravel Pad (Temporary)

  • Cost: €200-500
  • Pros: Cheapest, DIY-friendly
  • Cons: Requires leveling maintenance, less stable

Bootstrap Recommendation: Trailer chassis (if tiny house) or concrete piers (if stationary)

Access & Utilities​

Site Access:

  • Gravel driveway: €500-2,000 (50-100m)
  • Parking area: €200-500
  • Drainage: €300-800

Utility Connections:

  • Solar system: See Technology Integration
  • Water system: IBC tanks + filtration (€600-1,600)
  • Septic/composting toilet: See below
  • Internet: Starlink setup (€450-650)

Total Site Prep: €2,000-6,000 depending on site conditions

🚽 Sanitation Systems​

Description: Waterless toilet system that composts human waste into usable soil amendment.

Budget: €800-1,500

Popular Models (Germany):

  • Nature's Head: €1,000-1,200 (self-contained)
  • Separett Villa: €800-1,000 (urine-diverting)
  • Kildwick: €600-900 (German brand, DIY options)

Pros:

  • ✅ No water usage
  • ✅ No septic system needed
  • ✅ Produces compost
  • ✅ Off-grid friendly
  • ✅ Relatively odor-free when used correctly

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Requires emptying (every 3-6 weeks for 2 people)
  • ⚠️ Learning curve for proper use
  • ⚠️ Some people uncomfortable with concept

Operating Costs:

  • Coconut coir/sawdust: €50-100/year
  • Maintenance: Minimal

Bootstrap Verdict: Best option for off-grid bootstrap budget

Option 2: Septic System​

Budget: €3,000-8,000

Components:

  • Tank: €1,000-2,000
  • Leach field: €1,500-4,000
  • Installation: €500-2,000

Pros:

  • ✅ Familiar system
  • ✅ No manual maintenance
  • ✅ Handles greywater too

Cons:

  • ⚠️ High upfront cost
  • ⚠️ Permitting required
  • ⚠️ Professional installation needed
  • ⚠️ Requires regular pumping (€100-200 every 2-3 years)

Bootstrap Verdict: Too expensive for Year 1, consider Year 2-3

Option 3: Connection to Municipal Sewer​

Budget: €5,000-15,000+ (highly variable)

Pros:

  • ✅ No onsite maintenance
  • ✅ Most convenient

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Very expensive if not nearby
  • ⚠️ May not be available in rural areas
  • ⚠️ Ongoing monthly fees

Bootstrap Verdict: Unlikely to be viable for remote restoration sites

🍳 Kitchen & Cooking​

Essential Kitchen Setup​

Cooking:

  • 2-burner propane stove: €100-250
  • Propane tank + regulator: €50-100
  • Propane refills: €15-25 per tank (2-3 months)
  • Alternative: Electric induction (if solar adequate): €150-300

Refrigeration:

  • 12V DC refrigerator (solar-friendly): €400-800
    • Dometic, Engel, ARB brands
    • 40-60L capacity sufficient for 2 people
    • 30-50W power consumption (700-1,200 Wh/day)
  • Alternative: Propane fridge: €500-1,000

Sink & Water:

  • Small sink: €50-150
  • Manual or electric pump: €30-150
  • Greywater collection bucket: €10-30

Storage:

  • Cabinets (DIY or built-in): €200-500
  • Shelving: €50-150
  • Food storage containers: €50-100

Cooking Equipment:

  • Pots, pans, utensils: €100-200
  • Dishes and cutlery: €50-100

Total Kitchen Budget: €1,010-2,630

Realistic Bootstrap Kitchen: €1,200-1,800

🔥 Heating & Climate Control​

Winter Heating​

Option 1: Wood Stove (RECOMMENDED)

  • Small wood stove (3-5 kW): €300-800
  • Chimney pipe + installation: €200-500
  • Fire-resistant pad: €50-150
  • Total: €550-1,450

Pros:

  • ✅ Affordable fuel (firewood)
  • ✅ Independent of solar system
  • ✅ Very effective heating
  • ✅ Can cook on some models

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Requires firewood sourcing/storage
  • ⚠️ Daily tending needed
  • ⚠️ Chimney maintenance

Wood Requirements:

  • 2-4 m³ per winter (Germany)
  • Cost: €100-300 if purchased, €0-50 if sourced locally
  • Storage space needed (dry, covered)

Option 2: Propane Heater

  • Vented propane heater: €200-500
  • Propane consumption: 1-2 tanks per week in winter
  • Cost per tank: €15-25
  • Winter fuel cost: €400-800

Pros:

  • ✅ Easy to install
  • ✅ Clean burning
  • ✅ Thermostat control

Cons:

  • ⚠️ Ongoing fuel cost
  • ⚠️ Propane delivery/refill logistics

Option 3: Electric Heating

  • Space heater: €50-150
  • High solar demand: 1,000-2,000W continuous
  • Not viable for most bootstrap solar systems

Bootstrap Recommendation: Wood stove for primary heat, backup propane heater for mild days or when away from site

Summer Cooling​

Passive Cooling:

  • Good insulation (essential)
  • Cross-ventilation windows
  • Shade cloth or awning: €50-200
  • Fans (12V DC): €30-100 each

Active Cooling:

  • ⚠️ Air conditioning not viable on 3-5 kW solar
  • Focus on passive strategies and site selection (shade, breeze)

Total Climate Control Budget: €600-1,750

💡 Interior Lighting & Electricity​

LED Lighting System​

Main Lighting:

  • 6-10 LED bulbs (12V DC, 5-10W each): €60-150
  • Light fixtures: €50-150
  • Wiring and switches: €50-100

Task Lighting:

  • Desk lamp: €20-50
  • Reading lights: €30-80
  • Under-cabinet lights: €30-80

12V System Advantages:

  • Direct solar integration (no inverter loss)
  • Lower power consumption
  • Safer (low voltage)

Total Lighting Budget: €240-610

Electrical Distribution​

DC System (12V/24V):

  • Fuse panel: €50-150
  • DC outlets: €30-80
  • Wiring: €50-150

AC System (120V/230V):

  • Included in solar inverter setup
  • Standard outlets: €30-100
  • Breaker panel: Included in inverter

Total Electrical: €160-480 (beyond solar system costs)

🛠️ Storage & Workshop​

Essential Storage​

Indoor Storage:

  • Closet/wardrobe: €100-300 (or built-in)
  • Under-bed storage: DIY or €50-150
  • Wall shelving: €50-150

Outdoor Storage:

  • Tool shed (small): €300-800
  • Alternative: Cargo container (used): €1,000-2,500
  • Weatherproof boxes: €50-200

Workshop Space:

  • Workbench (DIY): €100-300
  • Tool organization: €100-300
  • Lighting: €50-150

Total Storage Budget: €800-4,250

Bootstrap Recommendation: €1,000-2,000 for basic storage

🪑 Furniture & Furnishings​

Essential Furniture​

Sleeping:

  • Bed frame + mattress: €200-600
  • Bedding: €100-200

Seating:

  • Small sofa or chairs: €150-500
  • Desk/workspace: €100-300

Dining:

  • Small table: €80-200
  • Chairs (2-4): €80-200

Optional:

  • Rugs: €50-150
  • Curtains/blinds: €50-150
  • Decor: €50-200

Total Furnishings: €810-2,500

Bootstrap Approach: Mix of IKEA basics and used furniture (€1,000-1,500)

📦 Budget Framework for Year 1 Bootstrap​

Total Year 1 Budget: €20-30k

  • Housing infrastructure: €8-12k (40% of budget)
  • Site costs & restoration: €5-9k (25-30% of budget)
  • Tools & equipment: €3-5k (15% of budget)
  • Operations & contingency: €4-4k (20% of budget)

Housing Budget Tiers (Subset of Total)​

⚠️ Note: Housing is one component of total Year 1 budget. Below are housing-only options that must fit within the €8-12k housing allocation (40% of €20-30k total).

Tier 1: Minimal Bootstrap Housing (€8-10k)​

Target: €8-10k from total €20k budget

  • Used/basic tiny house or mobile home
  • Minimal utilities (solar, composting toilet)
  • DIY construction where possible
  • Suitable for 1-2 founders living on-site during pilot

Components:

  • Structure: €4-6k (used mobile home or DIY tiny house)
  • Solar system: €1-2k (1-3 kW basic setup)
  • Water: €1-1.5k (rainwater collection, basic filtration)
  • Sanitation: €0.5-1k (composting toilet)
  • Insulation/weatherproofing: €1-1.5k

Tier 2: Standard Bootstrap Housing (€10-12k)​

Target: €10-12k from total €25k budget

  • New basic tiny house or upgraded mobile home
  • Standard utilities (improved solar, water systems)
  • Some professional installation
  • Comfortable for 1-2 founders Year 1, expandable Year 2

Components:

  • Structure: €6-8k (basic new tiny house or good used)
  • Solar system: €2-3k (3-5 kW)
  • Water: €1-2k (improved rainwater + filtration)
  • Sanitation: €0.5-1k (better composting system)
  • Interior/comfort: €1-1.5k

Tier 3: Comfortable Housing (Year 2+ Only)​

Target: €15-20k from Year 2 expanded budget

  • Not applicable for Year 1 Bootstrap (€20-30k total)
  • Requires Year 2 expansion funding (€250-500k total)
  • Professional construction, full utilities
  • Suitable for small team (2-3 people)

Note: This tier exceeds Bootstrap Model v2.0 and should only be considered after successful Year 1 pilot secures expansion funding.

🎯 Total Year 1 Bootstrap Investment (€20-30k)​

Budget Allocation​

CategoryAmount% of TotalNotes
Housing€8-12k40%Tier 1-2 only (on-site living)
Site Costs€5-9k30%Land lease/purchase deposit, legal fees
Restoration€3-5k15%Initial seedlings, soil amendments, fencing
Tools & Equipment€2-3k10%Basic hand tools, used equipment
Operations€2-3k10%Insurance, permits, utilities, contingency
TOTAL€20-30k100%Year 1 total budget (housing is part of this total)

Year 2+ Expansion Budget (€250-500k)​

After successful Year 1 pilot secures expansion funding:

  • Larger housing: €15-30k
  • Professional solar: €20-40k
  • Expanded restoration: €50-150k
  • Professional equipment: €20-40k
  • Team salaries: €80-150k
  • Operations: €65-90k

Critical Distinction​

Year 1 Bootstrap (€20-30k):

  • Proof of concept, minimal viable infrastructure
  • Founder-operated, on-site living
  • Focus: Learning, documentation, proving model
  • Risk: Low financial exposure

Year 2+ Expansion (€250-500k):

  • Professional operation, revenue generation
  • Team expansion, professional infrastructure
  • Focus: Commercial viability, scaling
  • Risk: Higher investment, requires Year 1 success

→ Financial overview: Complete Budget

📅 Implementation Timeline​

Phase 1: Planning & Acquisition (Weeks 1-8)​

Weeks 1-4: Research & Planning

  • Define needs and budget
  • Research housing options
  • Visit sites/sellers
  • Compare quotes

Weeks 5-8: Purchase & Preparation

  • Finalize purchase
  • Arrange transport
  • Order essential systems
  • Site preparation begins

Phase 2: Setup & Installation (Weeks 9-16)​

Weeks 9-12: Structure & Utilities

  • Tiny house delivery/placement
  • Foundation/leveling
  • Solar installation
  • Water system setup

Weeks 13-16: Interior & Systems

  • Composting toilet installation
  • Kitchen setup
  • Heating system
  • Lighting and electrical

Phase 3: Finishing & Move-In (Weeks 17-20)​

Weeks 17-18: Final Systems

  • Test all systems
  • Final repairs
  • Storage setup

Weeks 19-20: Move-In

  • Furnish interior
  • Stock supplies
  • Final safety checks
  • Move in!

Total Timeline: 4-5 months from decision to comfortable living

🛡️ Legal & Permitting Considerations​

Germany-Specific Regulations​

Building Permits:

  • Tiny houses on wheels: Often classified as "recreational vehicles"
  • May not need building permit if <50 m² and temporary
  • Check with local Bauamt (building authority)

Land Use:

  • Agricultural land: May allow temporary agricultural worker housing
  • Residential land: Full permits usually required
  • Forest land: Generally not allowed for permanent residence

Registration:

  • Must register residence (Anmeldung) with local authorities
  • Tiny house must meet minimum habitability standards
  • Address required for legal residence

Insurance:

  • Tiny house insurance: €200-500/year
  • Liability insurance: €50-150/year
  • Contents insurance: Optional, €100-300/year

Recommendations:

  • Consult local Bauamt before purchase
  • Consider agricultural land designation
  • Plan for potential permit costs (€500-2,000)

→ Legal framework: Legal Guidance

♻️ Sustainability & Maintenance​

Ongoing Maintenance Costs​

Annual:

  • Chimney cleaning: €80-150
  • Composting toilet supplies: €50-100
  • Propane (cooking): €150-300
  • Wood (heating): €100-300 (if purchased)
  • Insurance: €250-650
  • Repairs/maintenance: €200-500
  • Total: €830-2,000/year

Lifespan & Upgrades​

Expected Lifespan:

  • Tiny house structure: 20-30 years with maintenance
  • Wood stove: 15-25 years
  • Composting toilet: 10-20 years
  • Refrigerator: 10-15 years
  • Solar system: See Technology Integration

Year 2-3 Upgrades:

  • Improved insulation: €500-1,500
  • Better windows: €800-2,000
  • Expanded storage: €500-1,500
  • Upgraded appliances: €500-1,500

✅ Quality of Life Features​

Making It Home​

Essential Comfort:

  • Good mattress (€200-500) - worth the investment
  • Adequate heating (don't skimp on wood stove)
  • Proper ventilation (prevent condensation/mold)
  • Good lighting (affects mood and productivity)
  • Personal space (even in small dwelling)

Mental Health:

  • Natural light (windows, skylights)
  • Connection to outdoors (deck, porch)
  • Personal touches (photos, plants, art)
  • Comfortable workspace
  • Social space for visitors

Physical Health:

  • Clean water system
  • Adequate ventilation
  • Proper sanitation
  • Temperature regulation
  • Ergonomic workspace

Don't Compromise On:

  • Structural integrity
  • Water quality
  • Heating capacity
  • Electrical safety
  • Sanitation

Can Compromise On:

  • Aesthetic finishes
  • Premium appliances
  • Extra furniture
  • Decorative elements
  • Luxury features

📚 Resources & Further Reading​

Tiny House Communities (Germany)​

Online:

  • Tiny House Forum Deutschland
  • Facebook: Tiny House Deutschland
  • Tiny-House-Community.de

Manufacturers/Builders:

Off-Grid Living Resources​

Books:

  • "Off-Grid Living" by Günther Gerzabek (German)
  • "Tiny House Deutschland" by Various Authors
  • "The Good Life" series (UK, applicable to Germany)

Websites:

  • Selbstversorger-Forum.de (self-sufficiency)
  • Autark-Leben.de (off-grid living)
  • Permakultur.de (permaculture principles)

Composting Toilet Information​

Suppliers:

  • Kildwick.com (German brand)
  • Separett.com (Swedish, available in Germany)
  • Trockentoiletten.de (comparison site)

🔗 Related Documents​

Technology Integration:

  • Solar, Water, Internet Systems

Financial Planning:

  • Complete Budget Overview
  • Funding Sources

Site Setup:

  • Land Requirements
  • Site Development

Legal:

  • Regulations & Compliance

Last Updated: 2025-11-08 Status: Active

Document Version: 2025.11 (2025.11.13 01:56) Part of: Strategic Documentation Category: Plan Type: Operational Document Status: Active