So we have discussed in outline the concept of a Micro House – small simple living, with a nod to the “less is more ” movement and making the most of the wonderful Charleston climate. But just how do we develop a design that represents our unique heritage yet blends modernity and heritage at once?
In an earlier post we outlined the importance of bringing the conversation about micro housing to Charleston. We think this is neither a difficult call or one without precedent all around us. We have many Freedmans Cottages in Charleston, notwithstanding that for most of the later 20th century everyone tried to demolish them. Thankfully both the Preservation Society and Historic Charleston Foundation put pressure on the City Planning Department to stop the practice. They are small, economically built and with little wasted space – a historic micro house long before “new urbanism ” or “tiny living ” became 21st century buzzwords. Designed to provide compact affordable housing to a class of people moving into the workforce for the first time. There are also many other examples out there spread all over the barrier islands and down our coastline.
What would be the design elements of a tiny house we should consider?
- Tin roofs, split of cantilevered. Cantilevered also offers more internal roof height.
- Small pane sash windows
- Shutters (also great in storms and for keeping the sun out)
- Shutter board construction
- Large stoop or porch spaces, maybe even wrapping, simple pillars.
- Set up off the ground level
- High ceilings (can be achieved by vaulting of the roof space)
- Brick chimneys (maybe)
- Copper lamps & ceiling fans
Living in Charleston and along this marsh and tidal coastline delivers plentiful examples that identify those design elements that really do define that typical lowcountry feel.
Thought – these design elements were assembled by our forefathers to cope with the harsh summer climate. We should embrace these lessons and not attempt to crowbar modernism into our cityscape …
