On-grid or off-grid version of the house?

November 06, 2024

Our customers are often in doubt about which version of the house will best suit their needs. The choice of an on-grid or off-grid version of a house or a mixed version depends mainly on access to utilities on the plot, individual preferences and future plans.

Sometimes it is difficult to predict which components and systems will ensure the long-term comfort of the home and its use.

If you are not sure which equipment package for your mobile home to opt for, this article will explain the most important aspects involved in choosing an on- or off-grid version.

REDUKT tiny house on wheels, on-grid house, off-grid package, off-grid living, house equipment — Photo: REDUKT

An on-grid house versus an off-grid house - the differences

An off-grid house, by being equipped with the systems and appliances included in the Off-grid Package, can function autonomously without being permanently connected to utilities. An on-grid house, on the other hand, requires the connection of utilities: electricity, water, and optionally gas and sewerage. Why optional? Because you have the option of partially equipping the house with appliances included in the off-grid package, such as the lightweight separation toilet recommended for trailer houses.

How do we make off-grid houses independent of connection to the power, water or sewerage networks?

REDUKT tiny house on wheels, off-grid package, off-grid living, house equipment — Systems installed in an off-grid mobile house. Photo: REDUKT

Electricity

An off-grid house produces energy through roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and stores it in a battery that powers the house's installations. When planning to equip a house on wheels with an electricity production and storage system, whether off-grid or mixed version, it is important to consider the number of appliances that will consume the energy produced by the photovoltaic panels. Typically, these include a basic set of outdoor and indoor lighting, a refrigerator, indoor sockets, appliances connected to the grid by the user (charger, laptop, etc.) and the antifreeze water system.

Not in all cases will the energy from the solar system be sufficient to provide power to all appliances at the same time - it is therefore necessary to estimate power consumption according to individual demand before deciding to use this source of electricity exclusively. An induction hob, additional household appliances such as an oven or dishwasher, an air conditioner or a water heater alone require too much energy for the capabilities of a standard photovoltaic package.

It is also important to consider the conditions on the chosen plot of land - mainly its sun exposure, the positioning orientation of the house and, consequently, of the photovoltaic panels (south/north, east/west) and whether there are other factors limiting the amount of sunlight, such as shade from trees or climatic factors such as prolonged snowfall. These limit the efficiency of photovoltaic panels.

Water

If it is not possible to connect the house to mains water (ON-GRID) or our own well, which will provide us with good quality water or water that has been adequately treated through an individual water treatment plant, we are left with off-grid solutions.

A water tank is located in the technical room (REDUKT houses are equipped with a 400l tank as standard) and regularly filled with transported water through an external inlet.

Gas

Outdoor propane butane gas storage units provide an additional source of energy in situations where there is no electricity on the plot and the off-grid package will not power all appliances due to its efficiency. Connecting the house installation to the bottle allows the use of a gas cooker and gas water heater.

Heating

For heating REDUKT mobile houses, we recommend the following heat sources, which can be used in both on-grid and off-grid houses respectively:

air-conditioning with heating function for on-grid houses only due to the high electricity consumption,
IR underfloor heating for both types of houses,
wood-burning cooker or pellet cooker for both types of houses, ,
wall-mounted electric heaters for on-grid houses or gas heaters for off-grid versions.

REDUKT tiny house on wheels, off-grid package, off-grid living, heating — Heating options recommended for mobile houses on wheels. Photo: REDUKT

Comparison: on-grid vs. off-grid

The table below shows a comparison of on-grid and off-grid mobile home utilities and appliances. A mixed option is also available as we wrote, which is a selection of individual options depending on the specific utility access on the plot.

How to get started?

During the process of ordering a REDUKT mobile home, we can help you choose the best solutions, sharing our knowledge and years of experience in the production of tiny mobile homes on trailers. The models in our range are designed with the specific requirements of on-grid or off-grid packages in mind.

The final choice depends on many factors: an analysis of the access to utilities on the plots, the planned budget, the location of the house, its function, the needs and preferences of its inhabitants. We are happy to guide our clients through the decision-making process, selecting the optimal house model and solutions.

We invite you to contact us.

REDUKT houses models overview

October 16, 2024 in REDUKT houses

REDUKT mobile houses are our interpretation of a modern small living space that encourages a minimalist lifestyle and simplicity. A house reduced to what is essential.

Discover our models of tiny houses on wheels. These are six types of houses, with different shapes, spatial layouts and functional solutions that can meet a variety of user needs, for both rest and daily work.

1. REDUKT Country

REDUKT tiny house on wheels, micro hotel, rental business, mobile house — Mobile house REDUKT Country. Photo: REDUKT.

The largest of the mobile houses in our offer, the REDUKT Country, is the ideal choice for lovers of a simple slow lifestyle. The 7.2 meters long house on a trailer with a sloping roof on one side is characterised by its open layout of a spacious living and sleeping area combined with a kitchen and separate bathroom. This layout guarantees easy access to each zone. The wide, open kitchen invites you to cook, while the mobile dining table gives you the possibility to arrange the interior to suit your current needs. The large amount of glazing enables an almost complete immersion in the surrounding nature. In addition, a practically designed chill-out area with a large bed provides both comfortable sleeping conditions and ample storage space.

The REDUKT Country is the most popular choice of our clients in the function of a micro hotel, for short-term rentals.

2. REDUKT PURA with stairs

REDUKT PURA with stairs is a model addressed to those who appreciate practicality and elegance. It is a 6.6 m long trailer house with a mezzanine (bedroom) with access by stairs, a corner sofa bed, a kitchenette and a bathroom. It has a well-organised space with a clearly defined relaxation and sleeping area for up to 4 people. This makes it ideal for couples and families. An additional advantage is the technical room located under the mezzanine with an access from the outside, which plays a key role when the house is equipped with a full off-grid package.

3. REDUKT PURA with ladder

The sister model of the REDUKT PURA house with stairs is the REDUKT PURA house with a ladder. Thanks to the specially designed mezzanine construction, this model offers additional work space.The ladder leading to the mezzanine adds a modern touch to the interior. It is the perfect choice for remote workers who need a cosy office in their tiny house.

Like each of our REDUKT houses, this one is characterised by the high quality of the certified materials used for construction, which ensures long-lasting usage.

4. REDUKT PURA_1Level

REDUKT PURA_1Level is a 6,6 meters long house model that focuses on simplicity and comfort. The characteristic large window right next to the bed and the one-level layout make the interior of this house perfect for the role of a micro hotel. Like the REDUKT Country, it is popular among hotel business owners who want to create a unique mobile retreat immersed in nature, offering guests the comfort of a rental space. Without sacrificing the luxury of a king-size bed, a fully equipped kitchen or a full-sized shower ;)

5. REDUKT ECHO

The REDUKT ECHO model is the essence of creative design and clever solutions. A characteristic feature of this house is an interior divided into four "rooms":

a bright and spacious living room combined with a kitchenette,
a second separate room under the mezzanine,
a bathroom with shower, washbasin and a toilet,
a mezzanine for sleeping but also with a desk as a quiet workspace.

Thanks to the possibility of adapting the space to the users' preferences, the ECHO model meets the needs of both singles and families. The layout of the rooms and the flexibility of their adaptation make it an ideal choice for those looking for a functional mobile home that will give them the freedom of decision when life changes. Without compromising on issues of privacy and personal space.

6. REDUKT ONE

The REDUKT ONE mobile home refers to a traditional shape of a house with a gable roof, which gives it a cosy character. This model of house is slightly smaller than the others – its length is just 6 meters – despite its small size it can accommodate up to 4 people. The biggest highlight of this cabin is the large amount of glazing, allowing you to experience being part of nature all around. Huge corner windows flanked by bi-fold doors ensure the best views and good lighting throughout the interior. The functional layout with a mezzanine has been arranged to emphasise the openness of the living space. Specially designed modular, multifunctional furniture is mobile to make even better use of the available space.

Whether you are looking for a mobile home for yourself or planning to start a hospitality business based on tiny houses, REDUKT has something for you. With a variety of models, as well as the ability to personalise the design and customise it to your individual needs, with us you can fulfil the dream of your own perfect house on wheels.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our range, please contact us by email at hello@redukt.eu.

The technical room - the house control centre

September 17, 2024

All REDUKT off-grid mobile houses, despite their small footprint, have a specially separated functional space that accommodates key devices and systems for operation.

The technical room is the most important space in an off-grid house. It is where the control centre for all devices and systems is located, along with sensors. They ensure that the house is fully functional all year round.

It is accessible from the outside to look after the full efficiency of the house without having to go inside while guests are there, which is very important when using the houses as micro-hotels.

In our house models, the technical room is hidden under the mezzanine floor or next to the bathroom, thus ensuring efficient use of space on the trailer, as well as the expected easy access from the outside through the technical door.

In the same house models but in the on-grid version, the same space serves as a laundry room or utility storage, e.g. for supplies, tools or garden furniture.

REDUKT mobile homes provide their owners with year-round comfort on the plot thanks to an interior layout thought through in every detail.

5 steps to your REDUKT house

July 10, 2024

Tiny house is not only a compact apartment, but also a way of life that combines functionality with mobility and sustainable development. A small trailer house saves space and costs, provides freedom and flexibility. As an experienced manufacturer of tiny houses on wheels in Poland, we present a short guide for those who want to start their adventure with REDUKT mobile houses.

5 steps to your REDUKT house — Mobile house REDUKT-01. Photo: VOX

Step 1: Planning

The first step is to determine your needs and preferences, as well as the purpose of the house. Will the tiny house serve as a permanent place of residence or as a mobile recreational space? Or maybe as a micro hotel located on a picturesque plot away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Choosing the right trailer and the size of the house will be crucial for further design decisions.

Step 2: Design

At this stage, we work with the client to select the most appropriate model from our basic offer or to create an individual tiny house project tailored to his needs. We consider the layout of rooms, the use of space, interior finishing elements and technical aspects such as electrical and plumbing installations. If the house is to be located on a plot without access to utilities, we also decide which off-grid systems will most effectively support the autonomous functioning of the house.

Step 3: Customization

Each customer can choose additional individual options, such as custom-made furniture or details and accessories, e.g. blinds and sofa cushions. We also offer the installation of systems for thermal comfort, security and remote control, which will make the tiny house perfectly suited to the needs of users.

Step 4: Construction

Once the design is approved, we begin building the tiny house. We use high-quality, certified building materials and pay attention to every detail to ensure the solidity of the structure and the aesthetics of the home's interior. Our tiny houses are designed to be energy efficient and have a low environmental impact.

Step 5: Operation and maintenance

After the construction is completed, we deliver to our clients a fully equipped, ready-to-move-in tiny house, along with instructions for the house and the systems and devices installed in it. We also provide after-sales support and maintenance advices so that customers can enjoy their mobile homes for years.

Begining of an adventure with tiny houses is not only an investment in a modern approach to housing, but also an expression of individuality or lifestyle. Thanks to our many years of experience in the industry and commitment to designing and building high-quality tiny houses on wheels, we provide our clients with functional and aesthetic houses, as well as support at every stage of turning their dreams of a mobile and sustainable lifestyle into a reality.

We invite you to contact us directly to begin your way to a REDUKT house :)

House on the road – a few words about the formalities

May 29, 2024

The mobility of a house on a trailer is undoubtedly one of the advantages of a micro house, thanks to which people who value freedom of choice and change of plans decide to buy it. Traveling with a house on wheels – how does it actually look? What requirements must a house meet in order to be able to move around with it?

To legally drive a mobile home on roads, we must meet several important conditions.

Traveling with mobile REDUKT tiny house on wheels — Traveling with the prototype of a mobile house REDUKT-01. Photo: REDUKT

Requirements, documents, vehicle registration

Our REDUKT houses are built on trailers that meet the requirements and have European approval up to 3.5 tons. This means that the trailer has its own approval, and the house is formally a load. To be allowed to travel on public roads, a trailer must have appropriate documents. The CoC document, i.e. the certificate of conformity from the registration office, declares that the vehicle is of an approved type. Refers to a specific chassis number and contains all technical features and vehicle data such as weight and dimensions. These data must meet certain standards for approval in the EU: the weight of the load with the trailer cannot exceed 3.5 tons, and the maximum permissible dimensions of the load are 2.55 m in width and 4 m in height (including the trailer). To move on public roads, it is of course necessary to register the trailer.

“Cargo package”

REDUKT houses can be detached from the trailer. We call this functionality the "cargo package" and it consists of steel reinforcements in the floor enabling the house to be lifted, an approved connection of the cargo (house) to the trailer during transport, and special elements securing the house to the trailer when parked.

Traveling on public roads

Traveling with a house on wheels also requires specific permissions, skills and security measures. The driver must have a driving license B+E category, skills enabling him to drive a combination of vehicles (car and trailer with load) with a GVW exceeding 3.5 tons, and appropriate liability insurance. The car must also be able to tow a trailer weighing 3.5 tons (which is indicated in the registration certificate). In practice, this possibility is available to selected off-road vehicles, pick-ups and delivery vans.

Traveling with a mobile home in practice

Before setting off on a trip, it is necessary to secure moving elements inside the house that could cause damage to furniture and equipment, e.g. shower doors or pull-out drawers and cabinet fronts.

If you plan to travel with your home, it is necessary to design and equip it appropriately. The safety of the structure during movement is influenced by, among others: window surface protection and optimal balance. It is worth considering installing elements of an off-grid package in a house intended for location changes. Using a separating toilet or water tank will significantly facilitate the functioning of your home when you want to change your place of living.

With a properly prepared mobile home, you can make your dreams come true and enjoy an unprecedented sense of freedom :)

4 facts about our REDUKT houses

April 17, 2024

Learn 4 facts about our tiny houses on wheels that you may not have known:

REDUKT houses are MOBILE

> our houses are built on approved trailers, allowing you to change locations as needed

REDUKT PURA mobile house with a bright facade made of natural wood. Photo: REDUKT

REDUKT houses are FULLY EQUIPPED

> crafted entirely in our workshop, so if you order REDUKT house we will deliver it on your plot fully completed and furnished

Fully equipped and furnished interior of the house on a trailer – REDUKT PURA with stairs. Photo: REDUKT

REDUKT houses are OFF-GRID CAPABLE

> if your plot has no utilities available, we can provide your home with an off-grid package that enables it to function independently without standard connections.

The off-grid package allows the house to function autonomously without being connected to the utilities on the plot. Photo: REDUKT

REDUKT houses are ENVIRONMENTALL-FRIENDLY

> built sustainably with natural, organic, certified materials, creating homes with healthy microclimates.

REDUKT ONE tiny house with a naturally aging façade. Photo: REDUKT

You ask – we answer!

February 28, 2024

REDUKT Tiny Houses | FAQs

We receive many questions from you about our tiny houses on wheels: the uses and purposes of the houses, their construction, transportation, price and customization of the designs. Here are some answers to the most common inquiries:

REDUKT tiny house on wheels, off-grid mobile year-round use wooden house — Photo: REDUKT

< What purposes can REDUKT houses be adapted for?

The houses are designed for year-round use. They can be used as private weekend or vacation houses, additional living space next to an existing building, micro hotels, or mobile office space. The usage is up to you, and you can always relocate the house to another location.

< Can the REDUKT house be located on a plot without utilities?

Yes, the REDUKT house can be completely autonomous, allowing it to be used on a plot without access to utilities.It is important to determine the extent to which you intend to use utilities and resources, as well as what utilities are available on the plot, so that we can choose the optimal equipment for the house. We offer a full off-grid home package.

< What is an off-grid house and what is it equipped with?

An off-grid house enables you to operate independently of standard utilities such as electricity, water, and sewage. The self-sufficient package comprises a photovoltaic panel system that generates and stores electricity, a dry separation toilet, a water management system consisting of a tank, water pump, and heater, and a heating system that includes a wood-burning stove, gas-powered radiators, and infrared floor films.

< Can I travel with a tiny house on wheels?

Our houses are built on trailers that comply with the traffic laws of EU countries. To move freely on the roads, you must register the trailer, the maximum weight of the house up to 3.5 tons, and its width up to 2.5m. Additionally, a B+E driving license is required.

< How to transport a prefabricated house to the target location?

We offer transportation services for your house to your desired destination. In some cases, the final stretch of the transportation process may require the use of a tractor. However it is important to address any concerns regarding accessibility beforehand, especially in cases where the house is located in a remote or difficult-to-reach area.
Larger and heavier houses can be transported on a special low-deck truck.

< What is the standard process of ordering a house at REDUKT?

At the beginning, we discuss your needs, budget, and inspiration. At this stage, we decide whether to use our ready-made designs or design a house specifically for you as an individual project. The design stage takes an additional two months and incurs an additional fee. For ready-made projects, such as PURA or COUNTRY house, we provide cost estimates based on the selected equipment, production, and payment schedules. Our team, along with external specialists, will build your tiny house over the next few weeks. You are welcome to visit us during the construction process to review the established stages of the work. Once the house is completed, it will undergo all necessary inspections. Then you will make a final acceptance (in a workshop or remotely/on-line) and decide whether you would like to pick it up yourself or have it delivered by a trusted transportation company. Your house will be ready for delivery to your address after a period of 12 weeks.

< Is it possible to design the house on individual request?

Yes. Our house designs can be customized to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients. Additionally, we offer custom houses upon request. Please contact us for further details.

< Is it possible to use the house without a trailer?

Yes. Our houses are designed to be detachable from the trailer and can be set on prepared supports. However, it is not recommended to place the house directly on the ground due to technical reasons.

< What does the price of REDUKT house depend on?

The cost of the house is determined by several factors, including the selected model and design personalization, the materials and equipment used, and transportation and delivery expenses. Each case is evaluated individually.

< How long after the decision can I move into my own house on wheels?

Typically, it takes around three months to construct a REDUKT tiny house. Designing a house from scratch to the client's individual preferences adds an additional ca. two months. Once construction is complete, the house arrives on your plot fully equipped and ready to move in.

< Are REDUKT houses suitable for use all year round?

Yes. REDUKT houses are equipped with a heat source selected based on the availability of utilities on the plot, such as a wood-burning stove, wall-mounted gas or electric radiators, or air conditioning. Additionally, the water system is equipped with anti-freeze heating cables.

Drewniany dom REDUKT tiny house on wheels, mobilny dom całoroczny off-gridowy — Photo: REDUKT