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

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.

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?

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.

Solar system in off-grid REDUKT tiny house. Photo: REDUKT

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.

Water system in off-grid REDUKT tiny house. Photo: REDUKT

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.

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.

Photo: REDUKT

100% off-grid customized PURA house

Keeping in mind the unique needs and preferences of our customers, we offer a wide range of options to customize our house designs beyond the basic offer. We collaborate with them not only to make simple modifications to finishes, furniture, or appliance details, but also to make functional changes that may affect the structure of the house.

Photo: REDUKT

2 mezzanines in a tiny house? Why not! 

To meet the needs of a family from Austria, we personalized the design of a mobile house based on the REDUKT PURA model with stairs from our basic offer. We changed part of the standard interior layout to provide an additional sleeping space for a child without reducing the living space. By lowering the height of the bathroom, we were able to add a mezzanine with ladder access. We also installed a skylight above the mezzanine to increase natural light and create a more spacious feel.

Photo: private archive

Thus, this mobile house is equipped with a double mattress on the first mezzanine and a single mattress on the second mezzanine, as well as a sofa bed that can accommodate 2 people, typical of the PURA house. This provides comfortable overnight accommodations for up to 5 people!

Photo: REDUKT

Customized functional layout

The REDUKT PURA house with stairs and two mezzanines, was transported on a low-floor truck to its destination in 12 weeks after the order. Its key advantages include:

• two mezzanines with large skylight windows for sky-watching enthusiasts,

• a wide sofa with storage space inside and storage inside the steps,

• fully equipped kitchen that invites to cook together,

• a bathroom with a incinerating toilet and a spacious shower,

• access to the technical room from outside.

Photo: REDUKT

100% off-grid 

The REDUKT PURA house was designed for a mountainous area in the Austrian highlands with no access to utilities. It is equipped with a full off-grid package, including:

• a solar installation with four photovoltaic panels and a battery that produces and stores electricity using Victron Energy inventory. 

• the water system consists of a 400-liter water tank, mechanical water filters, an electric water heater, and an antifreeze system.

• the incinerating toilet (Cinderella Freedom), powered by propane, that produces only a minimal amount of sterile ash from sanitary waste, requires no additional installations for water or sewage and is easy to operate,

• additionally a wood stove that heats the interior of the cottage and provides a cozy atmosphere.

Photo: REDUKT

With the complete off-grid package, the family can enjoy quality time together in nature throughout the year, anywhere they choose!

Photo: private archive

You ask – we answer!

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:

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.

Photo: REDUKT

Building a Tiny House – from idea to finished product

Constructing a standard brick house is a complex, multi-stage and time-consuming process. Many people associate home ownership with numerous delays and unforeseen additional costs due to complicated formal procedures, involvement of a team of professionals, and lengthy implementation. This can make it difficult to accurately estimate the final budget. 

However, owning a tiny house on wheels offers a simpler process.  A small house on wheels can be built in just 2 to 3 months, with a base in the form of a trailer, minimal paperwork and pre-set costs. The process from design selection to final key handover takes an average of 10 weeks. 

You can choose a house from our standard offer, which is immediately ready for production. Alternatively, you can choose a personalized version with the option to make small finishing changes. If you prefer, we can design a house from scratch according to your individual preferences. Please note that the design process for a custom house takes an additional two months and incurs an extra fee.

Photo: REDUKT

The process of building a house in our workshop consists of several stages:

• preparation of a trailer with EU approval for transporting cargo with a maximum weight of 3.5 tons. Its length is from 6 to 7.2 meters, chosen optimally for the project, so that the cargo (the house) fits within the allowed weight,

• execution of the wooden structure of the house (outer walls, roof, mezzanine – if planned), i.e. the skeleton; here the house takes the designed form,

Photo: REDUKT

• installation of an interior vapor barrier film and finish plywood on the walls,

Photo: REDUKT

• implementation of internal installations: plumbing, electrical, ventilation and off-grid equipment,

• installation of the main equipment in the technical room,

• thermal insulation of the structure, that is completing the skeleton with wall and roof cladding with a theminsulator in the form of mineral wool, sheep's wool or wood fiber, and then covering the entire body of the house with a membrane with high diffusion openness,

Photo: REDUKT

• installation of windows and doors including flashing of openings,

• installation of facade boards,

• finishing of the roof, in our houses it is mostly trapezoidal sheet metal roofing, along with installation of its drainage,

Photo: REDUKT

• flooring with natural board or laminate panels and installation of interior walls,

• installation of furniture, electrical fixtures and lamps,

Photo: REDUKT

• installing the final amenities in the interior,

• adding the final details from the outside as well.

Photo: REDUKT

We complete the construction phase with the commissioning of all installations and the technical inspection. Once the acceptance is approved, the house on wheels is ready to go, on its own wheels or by truck to the address you specify. 

In 12 weeks, at a predetermined price for the chosen model of the house, you own it and can spend the first night in it :-)  It's that simple!