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

Discover our houses. REDUKT ONE

Our adventure with REDUKT mobile houses began in 2017 with a prototype trailer house with the iconic gabled roof and large window. The first house model named REDUKT-01, went through several stages of optimisation and modification. To this day, it remains in our offer as the REDUKT ONE model because of its unique character. What makes it so special?

Mobile tiny house REDUKT ONE. Photo: REDUKT

The REDUKT ONE house refers to the traditional form of a house with a gable roof, which makes it cosy. The greatest feature of this house is the large amount of glazing, allowing you to experience nature. Huge double windows adjacent to double doors provide the best views and plenty of light throughout the interior. Here, on the sofa placed under these windows, you can sit with a cup of aromatic coffee in your hand to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Mobile tiny house REDUKT ONE. Photo: REDUKT

Photo: REDUKT

The functional, ground-floor layout with a mezzanine has been arranged to emphasise the openness of the living space. Specially designed modular, multifunctional furniture is mobile to make the best out of the available space. Walls and furniture made of natural plywood make the interior bright and luminous.

The interior of the tiny house REDUKT ONE. Photo: REDUKT

This house model is smaller than the others - it is 6 m long, 2.55 m wide and 3.95 m high. Despite its small size, it can accommodate up to four people. There is a full-size mattress on the mezzanine floor and an additional two sleeping places are gained by folding out the sofa bed. On level 0 there is also a fully equipped kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower.

A bathroom in the mobile house REDUKT ONE. Photo: REDUKT

The arrangement of the space is facilitated by multifunctional furniture - a staircase, integrated with a desk and bookcase, and a wardrobe with rod and shelves - in the form of two mobile modules, tucked under the mezzanine.

Mobile modular furniture in REDUKT ONE house. Photo: REDUKT

The house can be equipped with a full off-grid package, allowing it to function autonomously on the plot without access to utilities:

• an internal water tank with pump,

• photovoltaic installation with integrated battery and inverter,

• a gas installation (water heating, cooking, heating),

• and a wood burning stove with chimney installation and additional wall insulation.

Mobile tiny house REDUKT ONE. Photo: REDUKT

With just a few square meters of space, you can live in complete comfort: without unnecessary distractions, in your own way, close to nature.

Wherever you want.

Discover our houses. REDUKT ECHO

We're excited to introduce another mobile home from our basic offer: REDUKT ECHO tiny house. This house has a simple, modern shape with a gable roof and it's designed to stay in constant interaction with the residents and the environment. We've created several zones in it, so everyone can find their own space and privacy. What makes this model unique?

REDUKT ECHO tiny house from our basic offer. Photo: REDUKT

Exterior with natural wooden elevation of REDUKT ECHO tiny house. Photo: REDUKT

The interior of the REDUKT ECHO house

One of the cool things about the REDUKT ECHO house is that it's divided into four "rooms" inside:

• the luminous and spacious living room and kitchenette,

• a second separate room under the mezzanine,

• a bathroom with a shower, cabinet and sink, as well as a toilet,

• a mezzanine with a desk - a great quiet place to work or relax.

Interior of REDUKT ECHO mobile home. Photo: REDUKT

REDUKT ECHO house has two rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, and mezzanine, all of which add up to 14 sqm.

The living room is the biggest space in the house. It's merged with a kitchenette opposite the front door. The kitchen is fully furnished with a fridge, a sink and a cooktop. The living space is designed for comfort and convenience: with a big sofa, storage and a bookcase. Behind the bookcase is another room for those who need their separate space exclusively. 

This space can be arranged according to your needs, for an additional bedroom, work area or relaxation space. It has two bookcases with shelves and a closet in an alcove.

Plywood furniture in REDUKT ECHO mobile house on wheels. Photo: REDUKT

Once you've made it up the stairs, you'll find yourself on a mezzanine. If you place a full-size mattress there, you regain a few square meters of usable space at ground zero without sacrificing full sleeping comfort. And if you need your own corner with a work desk, it's there too :)

REDUKT ECHO mobile home space includes a mezzanine with access by steps. Photo: REDUKT

Tech side of the house

The house is heated with infrared floor foils and a wood-burning stove for a cozy interior climate and all-year use. You can also equip the house with an air conditioning with a heating function. The wooden structure of the house is responsible for proper thermal insulation. It has a mineral wool filling and a highly vapor-permeable membrane, which makes the walls of the house "breathe."

REDUKT ECHO house is a welcoming space for tiny living. Photo: REDUKT

This house is 6.60 m long, 2.55 m wide, and 3.95 m high (including the trailer). You can make the REDUKT ECHO house function autonomously by installing the off-grid package that includes a water tank of up to 100 l with a pump and a solar system with a battery and an inverter.

Wooden elevation of REDUKT houses seamlessly blends with surroundings. Photo: REDUKT

The interior design of the REDUKT ECHO is a great example of how to make the most of every square meter of the space in a mobile home with a small footprint.

Discover our houses. REDUKT PURA part 3

Imagine a tiny house gracefully standing among whispering trees or on the shore of a lake with water reflections dancing on the facade or on a snow-covered slope in the mountains… 

Enabling the residents to experience immersion in nature was the inspiration for the new house model, which was created in our workshop in the last winter months.

Photo: REDUKT

REDUKT PURA – the ground floor version

The house REDUKT PURA_1Level is the third model in the REDUKT PURA family and, unlike the two previous models (REDUKT PURA with ladder, REDUKT PURA with stairs), it is a ground floor house – it does not have a mezzanine. Its shape refers to the classic shape of a house with a gable roof, easily blending into the surrounding landscape. The functional, ground floor layout with a huge window next to the bed is a response to the idea of completely opening the home space to experiencing nature.

Photo: REDUKT

Simplicity and minimalism

The interior of the REDUKT PURA_1Level house is characterized by simplicity, functionality, and clean lines of minimalist design. Sunlight streams in through the double panes of the flush opening doors, providing ample natural light. The large asymmetrical window, which replicates the shape of the roof, is the most distinctive feature of this model. 

Lying on a comfortable double bed placed just below the window, we can freely gaze at the landscape outside. After outdoor activities, we prioritize high-quality sleep and lazy mornings with breakfast in bed, in accordance with our biological clock. This is our time to rest and recharge.

Photo: REDUKT

How relaxing it would be… waking up on a crisp Sunday morning with a view of a wild meadow surrounded by forest and catching a glimpse of a curious deer peeking out from behind a tree outside your window? The house is equipped for comfortable year-round use and serves as a refuge for all four seasons.

Photo: REDUKT, pexels.com

Rest zone

At the head of the bed, there is a practical shelf with a storage compartment. Above it hang twin wall lamps that create a cozy atmosphere during quiet evenings with a book. The rest zone extends deep into the house in the form of an L-shaped sofa adjacent to the bed. As a result, the house's small footprint offers a functionally designed space for typical activities: relaxing, cooking, eating, and sleeping.

Photo: REDUKT

On the other side of the living space, the kitchen invites you to take a moment to make coffee or prepare a meal. It is equipped with standard built-ins, including a kitchen top with an induction hob, a sink, a refrigerator, and storage bins. Capacious cabinets with shelves and drawers provide ample storage space.

Photo: REDUKT

Practical equipment

Opposite the kitchen is a small wardrobe that offers additional storage space. The closet is a vertical cabinet combined with a practical hanger for outerwear and shelves for shoes. 

A light sliding door made of plywood, the same material as the walls, separates the kitchen from the entrance to the house. The bathroom behind the door features a full-size shower with a rain shower head, a sink with a cabinet and a toilet. Behind it is the engineering room, the technical heart of the house, also available in a full off-grid package.

Photo: REDUKT

In harmony with nature

The natural plywood furniture creates a luminous and spacious interior, while the addition of black details and trim adds a versatile and modern touch. The dark facade boards covering the exterior walls accentuate the color scheme of the house's interior. The impregnating glaze for spruce boards is available in various shades, allowing you to customize the facade and the area around your house to your liking.

Photo: REDUKT

If you need to relax, recharge and find inspiration, this house offers the desired peace.

Check out the detailed specifications of this house model on our website under 'REDUKT houses.'

Photo: REDUKT

Discover our houses. REDUKT PURA part 2

When designing REDUKT tiny houses, we want to reinterpret housing itself and what a place to live is. We are considering how to reduce our impact on the environment and gently become part of it. We dream of being able to live in a place we have spontaneously come to love and find the balance of daily life there.

That's what a couple from Vienna was looking for as well when they ordered a REDUKT PURA mobile house from us.

Photo: Emanuel Kaspar

Mobility is the key

Their plot of land in the south of Austria offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, but building a house on it would have been time-consuming and expensive. As the hosts are open to changes, they decided to buy a house on wheels where mobility is an additional advantage. This flexibility in choosing where to live opens up new opportunities and new window frames for the future.

Photo: Emanuel Kaspar

Tiny house with off-grid package

The house had to be energy self-sufficient, leave the smallest possible carbon footprint and provide a healthy microclimate for the homeowners. Taking on the first challenge, we equipped it with a full off-grid package, including:

- a comprehensive Victron Energy solar power system with solar panels on the roof and an inverter, generating electricity that is stored in a battery,

- a 400-liter water tank with filters, providing bathroom and kitchen facilities,

- a dry composting toilet that does not need to be connected to the sewer system,

- a gas water heater, conveniently providing hot water for showering at any time of the day or night,

- wood stove - an extremely effective and at the same time sensual source of heat that warms you up on cold evenings.

Photo: REDUKT

The efficiency of the solar system allows the lighting installation in a typical 230V system, supportingly infrared heating floor foils for an extra comfort and a full-size under-counter refrigerator in the kitchen.

The PURA house was designed with a large technical room under the lowered mezzanine, where all technical devices are located, along with the sensors controlling them, acting as a cockpit but with autopilot on ;)

The house remains easy to operate, while providing its owners the comfort of staying all year round on the plot without access to any utilities.

Alternative housing

The second theme – healthy alternative construction – is embedded in the DNA of the REDUKT brand. Our houses are built using timber construction; here we filled the certified spruce timber frame with our favorite material – sheep wool. It is not only an effective insulator, but also breaks down pollutants and odors, dampens noise and regulates moisture by absorbing or releasing it, being a natural air conditioner. It is also 100% renewable and compostable.

Photo: REDUKT

The house's interior walls are finished with poplar plywood and treated with hard oil wax based on renewable natural raw materials. They remain open diffusively, which allows the interior to "breathe".

The aesthetics of the interior are complemented by noble natural oak flooring and plywood furniture in contrasting colors, essential to the full functionality of the space we designed down to the last detail.

Photo: REDUKT

Interior of the house

PURA house always welcomes with:

- a spacious living area, open to the surrounding landscape through the glazings, where you can sit on fold-out corner sofa,

- a functional kitchenette,

- a bedroom on a mezzanine with a skylight window,

- a comfortable bathroom with a shower.

Photo: REDUKT

Our standard model also has a fold-out desk along with a side cabinet by the narrow, high window. The sliding ladder next to it provides convenient access to the mezzanine overlooking the stars.

Photo: REDUKT

In harmony with nature

The architecture of PURA house blended perfectly with the surrounding landscape, generously framing nature through huge windows. The sloping roof, along with the dark wood facade, continue the line of sloping roofs of neighboring houses and the hillsides.

Our dream was to build a house that heals the body and mind. According to its inhabitants, the goal has been achieved.

Photo: Emanuel Kaspar