If you’re seeking lodging close to pristine natural spots but prefer more comfortable options than tent camping, here’s some good news: a promising initiative from Hungary has introduced small, mobile houses that can be installed in remote areas. These Tiny House units don’t require building permits, can be transported on roads, are easy to tow, and can function without connections to public utilities.
Construction entrepreneur Norbert Izrael, with experience in building systems, industrial forestation, and motorhome rebuilding, launched the POP Tiny House project in 2019. By leveraging his expertise, the final version of the Tiny House suitable for mass production was completed in 2020.
The houses can connect to public utilities if needed but are also available in an off-grid version. These units only need to be secured on-site after towing and parking, allowing users to install them practically anywhere, including deep within forests. The off-grid versions can operate with a replaceable battery, water and sewage tanks, and a replaceable gas cylinder.
Norbert Izrael, the project’s creator, aims to provide as many people as possible with the experience of waking up in the midst of nature, far from the hustle and bustle, and surrounded by natural beauty. The houses, built on sturdy steel frames and clad in wood both inside and out, seamlessly blend into nature while providing cozy interiors.
Measuring two and a half meters wide and up to nine meters long, depending on the type and user’s needs, these houses offer limited floor space but include essential features like a kitchen, bathroom, double bed, and built-in furniture.
Norbert’s project includes not only designing and manufacturing mobile houses but also establishing an accommodation network. This means that besides those purchasing the houses, others interested in trying them out for a few days can also benefit. They plan to install rental houses at various locations across the country, near tourist hubs such as Lake Balaton, the Őrség, and the Alpokalja region, all within a 1.5-hour drive from Budapest, as well as near the Danube Bend, the Mátra Mountains, and other riverside spots.
The off-grid versions start at EUR 40,000 excluding VAT (approximately HUF 14.5 million), and there are plans to expand the selection with other types in the future, potentially in 2022 if production capacity allows.