Tiny-Doerp in Focus: The Miniature Breakthrough in Technology - Expansion of the school at the small settlement in Spiekerooger Island is underway.
New Expansion of Eco-Friendly "Tiny-Doerp" Mini-Housing Settlement on Spiekeroog Island
The tiny houses of "Tiny-Doerp," located on the grounds of the Hermann Lietz School's internat, are set to expand, offering more opportunities for sustainable living on the East Frisian island of Spiekeroog. Since its unofficial establishment in 2023, "Tiny-Doerp" has been a unique community of compact homes designed to blend with the island's natural environment.
Construction Details
The new tiny houses will follow the sustainable design principles of their predecessors, featuring energy-efficient insulation, solar panels, and eco-friendly materials. Clustered to create a small community feeling while preserving green spaces and natural dunes, the houses will be simple, modern, and minimalistic, maintaining harmony with the island's character and reducing visual impact.
Upgraded paths, water, and sewage systems adapted to the island’s fragile ecosystem will ensure the expansion's infrastructure is sustainable and environmentally friendly. The houses will also be built on point foundations, allowing for easy relocation if necessary.
Timeline
The planning phase for the expansion began approximately 1-2 years before construction, involving consultations with local authorities, environmental experts, and residents. Construction is typically scheduled to start in spring or early summer to take advantage of better weather and reduce disturbance to local wildlife. Depending on the size of the expansion, construction may take 1-2 years, with phased openings for new homes.
Reasons for Expansion
Growing popularity of sustainable and minimalist travel has increased demand for unique lodging options, making the expansion of "Tiny-Doerp" an attractive prospect. The project also aims to support local businesses and boost the island’s economy by providing more accommodations.
In addition, the expansion aligns with environmental goals by encouraging eco-friendly tourism and living practices. It offers opportunities for seasonal workers or permanent residents interested in low-impact lifestyles, further promoting sustainable living on the island.
Key Facts
- Currently, there are five tiny houses in "Tiny-Doerp," each offering around 23 square meters of living space.
- Teacher Anne Traphan resides in one of the mini-houses, while residents include teachers, students, and local residents looking for a sustainable living solution.
- The Hermann Lietz School plans to expand "Tiny-Doerp" with eight more tiny houses.
- Due to a donation, three more mini-houses will be built and transported to the island in September.
- The houses will be heated using a clay ceiling heating system.
- The connections to the water and electricity grids have already been laid for the expansion of "Tiny-Doerp."
- The houses stand on point foundations, allowing them to be easily moved if needed.
- The new houses will be built from a lot of wood and natural materials.
- The houses are located at the edge of the internat grounds, on the east side of the island.
- Approximately 20 students from the island village also attend the Hermann Lietz School.
- The residents of "Tiny-Doerp" are looking forward to new neighbors, as the expansion offers a chance for the community to grow and thrive.
For more precise information, such as exact dates or specific construction firms involved, these details may be available through Spiekeroog’s local administration or planning documents.
The expansion of "Ttiny-Doerp" on Spiekeroog Island will adhere to employment policies that prioritize sustainable living, offering opportunities for workers experienced in eco-friendly construction and design. The new homes' minimalistic lifestyle, as well as the home-and-garden practices encouraged by the community, align with the sustainable-living philosophy, thus supporting local employment opportunities in this area.
