The multitask house (MTH) is an innovative, high-tech small house whose features serve multiple purposes. The goal of the MTH isn’t to be as tiny as possible but rather to be as efficient as possible without giving up comfort and even luxury. Here’s the thought process behind the MTH design.
The most significant change in house design in recent years is the increasing openness of floor plans, which has been achieved by eliminating walls and increasing ceiling height. Not only have new home builders designed them this way, but remodeling contractors have been making a nice living redoing older homes in this style.
This design trend has led to the elimination of more and more interior walls in the kitchen, dining area, and living/family room (now known as a great room). At the same time, the height of the ceilings was raised higher and higher to create the illusion of abundant living space. Although high ceilings do provide a feeling of having more space, I have found that they are not energy efficient. And energy efficiency has become a top priority with national governments, consumers, and subsequently, home builders have followed.
If passive cooling and heating systems are built into the high ceilings, they can contribute to energy efficiency. Years ago, I saw a very efficient vaulted ceiling design called a thermal envelope in Mother Earth News. The ceiling or roof was constructed to a peak with windows that allowed warm air to escape during hot weather and be captured and rerouted during cold weather. This creates a passive cooling and heating system. So smart designs like this that contribute to energy efficiency at the lowest possible cost are an essential feature of the MTH.
Here’s what I propose. Take the open floor plan concept one step further to include the bedroom. In other words, remove the walls surrounding the bedroom and open the house completely. You’re probably thinking of a studio design. Yes, that would be partly correct, but the traditional studio design tends to be tiny and uncomfortable.
Instead of a studio, I envision a “Multitask House (MTH).” The MTH is a small house without bedrooms whose spaces, furniture, and electronics serve multiple purposes. For example, a desktop would also serve as a dining table. The television would also serve as a computer monitor, and it could be rotated for viewing from the bed, office, dining, kitchen, and lounging spaces. The combination of all these spaces would be what is known as the great room. In the lounge area of the great room, there would also be perhaps two easy chairs and/or a small sofa.
Choosing to live in an MTH would not mean that you’d have to make sacrifices in comfort, luxury, and even prestige. You’d probably have to downsize the amount and size of your home furnishings. But by doing so, you’ll have the money and time to create a nicer home and fuller life.
The MTH will have everything you want, including spacious walk-in closets, laundry rooms, toilet rooms, well-appointed kitchens and bathrooms, and a menu of optional exterior garden rooms. Green, healthy materials and energy efficiency or independence (where possible) are also top priorities.
Is the Multitask House for you?