The Danish term “Skaeve Huse” roughly translates to special houses for special people. Since the early aughts, the government has been using this form of temporary housing to help shelter individuals who suffer from mental illness, drug addiction and/or have trouble adapting to normal living environments. Tiny house villages have become a common solution for cities experiencing high rates of homelessness. Even in the U.S., cities like Portland and Seattle are piloting similar programs.

Placed in settlements of 8-12 small single-family homes, residents are provided with homes through a conventional tenancy agreements. Social workers pay regular visits with the underlying idea being that with some supervision, residents can come to themselves and social frictions will disappear from the neighborhood.  While most Skaeve Huses are temporary, Trudo Housing Corporation wanted to create a community that offered permanent, energy-neutral homes that could offer long-term benefits.

Studio Elmo Vermijs designed both the houses and the surrounding public space for the corporation. Located on the outskirts of Eindhoven, the studio used the pre-existing trees as the basis for their layout, weaving paths from home to home. Design of the tiny structures utilizes the same features, such as overhanging outer sides and projecting window frames, for each while a pallet of fresh and cheerful colors gives each cottage a certain individuality. While small, the tall interior space offers a feeling of spaciousness and each home has an entrance hall, living room with kitchen and a bathroom.