Tucked into the peaceful outskirts of Portland, Oregon, this charming tiny house blends French craftsmanship with the calm elegance of Japanese design. Built by the talented artisans at Baluchon, it’s a serene, minimalist retreat that proves you don’t need much space to live beautifully.
A Compact Home with Thoughtful Purpose
Created for its owner, Horazio, this home reflects a lifestyle rooted in balance and mindfulness. Every inch of its small footprint has been shaped with intention — a living space that supports both work and rest without excess. Measuring just a few meters long, it’s a portable sanctuary that embodies the art of slow, simple living.
Design & Materials
The living area welcomes you with natural light and a gentle sense of order. Instead of bulky furniture, Horazio opted for tatami mats and a low coffee table, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for reading, relaxing, or quiet reflection. Above, an oak ladder leads to a storage loft where his massage table neatly tucks away when not in use. Opposite it, a bedroom loft is accessible via a Japanese-style staircase that doubles as hidden storage — a small-space design genius that feels both practical and poetic.
Features & Everyday Comfort
Despite its compact size, the house comes fully equipped for comfortable, eco-conscious living. The kitchen includes a gas cooktop, under-counter refrigerator, and stainless steel sink, all set against warm wood finishes. A Dickinson wood stove adds cozy charm while efficiently heating the home through winter nights.
In the bathroom, simplicity meets function with a gas water heater, 80x80cm shower, and a dry toilet with chip compartment — perfect for off-grid or sustainable setups. A small wall-mounted washing machine completes the essentials, ensuring daily comfort without clutter.
The Joy of Living Small
Owning a tiny house like this one isn’t just about saving space — it’s about gaining freedom. Less to maintain, less to clean, and far fewer bills to worry about. You always know where everything is, and somehow, that makes life feel lighter. (You might just start wondering why you ever needed a full-sized home in the first place!)
For Horazio, the house represents a perfect balance — mobility, affordability, and a deeply satisfying sense of harmony. It’s easy to tow to new locations, easier still to keep spotless, and perhaps easiest of all to fall in love with.
A Final Thought
Living tiny is about more than square footage — it’s about embracing what truly matters and letting go of what doesn’t. In this elegant fusion of French artistry and Japanese simplicity, Horazio has found a home that breathes peace into every day.
For more information about the Ondine, you can contact Baluchon.
If small-space innovation inspires you, explore мore tiny houses from Baluchon: La Bohème, Ostara, Avonlea, Calypso, Odyssee, Escapade, Essen’Ciel.
