The tiny house is a revolutionary housing concept reshaping the way we live. Born in the '90s in the United States as an alternative to high housing costs, this small dwelling (under 25 m²) has become a symbol of a minimalist, creative, and sustainable lifestyle. With optimized spaces, smart design, solar energy, and rainwater collection, the Tiny House represents a return to essentials. In Europe, especially in Germany, interest in these homes has surged by 200% in the past decade, inspiring many people to embrace a simpler life in harmony with the environment.

The Story of Klemens

Klemens is a man with a mission: to do his part in leaving a better world for his grandchildren. How? By transforming the space where we spend most of our lives: our home. So, Klemens built a self-sufficient Tiny House in the heart of the Black Forest in Germany.

Energy power? From solar panels. Water? From a rainwater filtration system. Heating? A modern wood-burning system. But that’s not all: for Klemens, living without leaving traces on the environment is key. Therefore,Klemens chose to build his Tiny House with biodegradable materials like clay, wood, and cob, which return to nature when they reach the end of their lifespan.

Minimalism as a Way of Life

Minimalism has become a global movement, inspiring more and more people around the world. In recent years, minimalism has emerged as a response to our fast-paced, consumer-driven society: it’s about simplifying, living with less to appreciate more. Thanks to minimalism, people say they’ve found the freedom to focus on what truly enriches their lives—experiences, relationships, and time for their passions—leaving the excess behind.

When Klemens mentions that he lives in just 18 square meters, people are often surprised: “How can anyone be comfortable in such a small space?” But as Klemens explains, all it takes is stepping inside to see that this Tiny House feels much bigger! His secret? Optimize spaces and keep only the essentials. For him, accumulating things is like putting on chains: you spend money, find space for them, and eventually have to dispose of them. Living with just a few items, instead, means having more time, freedom, and space for what truly matters.

Energy Self-Sufficiency

All of Klemens’ energy comes from solar panels on his Tiny House’s roof. Even in winter, when days are short, he has enough energy for his laptop, lights, and ventilation. Completely off-grid, his electrical system operates on 12- and 24-volt direct current, providing him with true energy independence.

Heating and Hot Water

Klemens’ heating system, which has been in use for five years, is wood-based: the fire heats 100 liters of water, keeping the house warm for 24 hours. One hour of fire each day heats the water to around 80 degrees. Additionally, the system can run on surplus electricity generated by the solar panels.

Klemens also has an innovative greywater purification system that collects and recycles about 50 liters of water per day. In five years, he has used 125,000 liters of water without ever tapping into external sources.

But there’s more! With a 2,500-liter rainwater tank, Klemens is prepared for long dry spells. Even if it doesn’t rain for a year, he has enough water for himself and his garden.

A Greenhouse for Heat and Food

In front of his home, Klemens has built a greenhouse that serves a dual purpose. In winter, it captures heat naturally, helping to warm the house. In summer, it becomes a lush vegetable garden, providing him with fresh, organic food and a peaceful green retreat.

Technology in Service of Ecology

Klemens has transformed his Tiny House into a hub of eco-friendly innovation. For laundry, he uses a foot-powered washer: no electricity, and it gives him a bit of exercise too. For cooking, he chose a methanol stove, an eco-fuel that reduces emissions. His bathroom is equipped with a dry toilet that separates urine from solid waste, making composting easy and saving a significant amount of water.

A Model Replicable by All

What Klemens is keen to share is that his Tiny House is a project anyone can achieve with some savings and dedication. With around €60,000 invested in materials and technologies and some personal effort (with friends lending a hand), Klemens has created this little masterpiece of sustainability.

But he’s not in it for business; he has no plans to sell houses. Instead, he wants to freely share his knowledge so anyone can build a sustainable home. Klemens doesn’t just want to live in this society; he wants to help change it, inspiring others to do their part for a better future.

In a Nutshell

The story of Klemens and his self-sufficient Tiny House in the Black Forest in Germany is proof that it’s possible to live sustainably, independently, and in harmony with nature—even in a few square meters. With solar panels, water recycling, and a greenhouse for fresh food and warmth, Klemens has built a fully off-grid, comfortable, and inviting home. His minimalist and innovative lifestyle is an inspiring example for anyone who wants to build an eco-friendly, self-sufficient home and contribute to leaving a greener, brighter world for future generations.