Houses

This Tiny House in Batangas is the Perfect Hideaway

It has a big bathroom and a high ceiling that make it possible for the owners to live large in a small space

Photography: Julius and Smile Garcia

While small houses push you to rethink your priorities and consider how you'll make the most of every square inch of space, an increasing number of individuals see them as a way to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

One of the things we've seen as we've followed the tiny home movement over the years is that popular versions have slowly become larger and more opulent—forget the cliché of a cramped hut on wheels; some of them are more like little mansions.

With that in mind, let's have a peek inside Julius and Smile Garcia's beautiful luxury tiny home in Batangas.

La Casita Garcia: The up-side of down-sizing

“Wala pa kaming sariling bahay before, it was two or three years ago when we decided to acquire a subdivision lot in Lipa City. However, during the pandemic lockdown we came across youtube videos with regards to tiny houses, doon kami na-inspire,” Julius told Summit OG.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW


 The couple acquired the property in a subdivision in Lipa City, Batangas. However, to stay within their housing budget and timeline, they chose to build a tiny house on a readily accessible property in Padre Garcia, Batangas instead.

“Nagsabi rin kasi ako [kay Smile] na on her 40th birthday, doon kami mag-celebrate ng birthday niya sa sarili na naming bahay,” shared Julius.

CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Julius emphasized how there are many small houses in the Philippines, but they made it their goal to build a unique tiny house that doesn’t feel so small and cramped.

“Nag start ang construction at end of July 2020, it finished mga December 2020. And we moved in ng January 2021,” Smile stated.


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Julius and Smile's tiny home, La Casita Garcia, does have an unusual layout and has been uniquely modified to match the couple's needs.

“Sa materials namin we used concrete and wood. And then for those areas na may water, like the toilet, bathroom, and kitchen we used concrete, and for the rest of the house, we used wood framing para magaan lang siya and lightweight. And then for the walls, we used a long span na makapal na yero. Custom na siya, ganoon din 'yung aking roof,” Julius said when talking about the tiny house framing and its similarities to a container van.


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

The bottom floor features 27 square meters of space, while the second storey has 18 square meters of space, including the lofts. Every room is 3 × 3 meters in size, with one living space on the first level, a kitchen, a full bathroom, two lofts upstairs, and one bedroom directly facing the entertainment area on the second level.


ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

One of the nicest aspects is the large open area in the center of their home, which creates the impression of a high ceiling and makes the space feel more expansive. “Itong tiny house namin dinesign na maliit lang yung space pero functional lahat,” Julius added. “Tapos yung dining area marami kang pwedeng gawing arrangement to accommodate different situations… Iyon yung favorite part ko.”

The couple made sure that the home they were building may be tiny but it's sure to be comfortable enough to stay in.

Are you considering constructing your own tiny house? Watch OG's latest video to learn more about Julius and Smile's home:

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Latest Stories

This OFW Couple Built a Modern, Stylish Hot Spring Resort in Los Baños

It's the perfect location for a getaway with family and friends.

How To Compute a Property's Market Value

Real estate, unlike most luxury goods or cars, doesn't depreciate over time, making it a good investment. But have you ever wondered why?

What All Those Pinoy Construction Terms Mean

Here's a handy glossary to help you decode your contractor's or worker's lingo, from Asintada to Tambol

Exploring Baby Bean's Enchanting Farm: A Celestial Retreat

Baby Bean's farm has a lot of potential.

Yeng Constantino's Dream Beach House in Zambales

Their vision is coming to life.

7 Popular Local Materials For A Filipino Home

Show your love for Filipino design and culture with these local products and the indigenous materials they are made from

What Do Ascott and St. Luke's Have in Common? A Bedsheet Supplier

You can get the same hotel-quality sheets from Filipino brand Doyle & Furnham.

Which Type of Wood is Best for the Home?

Tanguile, Narra, or Mahogany? Each type of wood has its pros and cons.

Christmas Gifts for Every Budget

Some suggestions for that holiday cheer.

Here's Everything You Need to Know About Anne Curtis' Trending Camaleonda Sofa

Plus, where to buy similar sofas that can elevate any space.

This Resort in Quezon Gives A Modern Filipino Take on 30sqm Prefab Homes

Planning your next family or barkada staycation? This resort in Quezon lets you unwind in comfort.
Load More Stories