Industry standard for small buildings revised and published
Three years after its initial publication, the Tiny House Association has published a revised version of the “Industry Standard for Small Buildings”.
The Tiny House Association has published the revised industry standard “Small Buildings”. Known within the sector as the “Tiny House Standard”, this guideline sets out the current state of the art for the design, manufacture and assessment of small buildings, and takes into account the experience gained from the standard compliance assessments carried out since 2023.
Key change
The key change is the division into two parts: Part 1 covers requirements for construction, structural design, building services, product ecology and conformity assessment; Part 2 covers indoor environmental quality, indoor air quality and building biology requirements. This enables manufacturers to have their products assessed as early as the planning phase to determine whether they meet the defined requirements – an approach that can reduce the need for subsequent adjustments and associated costs during the manufacturing process.
Definitions for modular houses and series production have also been newly included. For series-produced products, conformity assessment against the standard may in future be carried out on the basis of a representative sample. Furthermore, the standard contains detailed specifications for the energy assessment of small transportable buildings, taking into account their construction methods and resource consumption.
Creating uniformity
For planners, manufacturers, experts and testing bodies, the revised standard provides a uniform technical basis as well as clear definitions of terms. In the context of preliminary building enquiries, planning applications or voluntary conformity assessments, it can simplify the process of providing evidence and transparently document existing quality standards.
The THV is committed to establishing tiny houses as a legally recognised, sustainable and affordable form of housing in Germany by advocating for amendments to building regulations, the creation of tiny house parks, high environmental standards, financial support, as well as public awareness campaigns and flexible usage options. To this end, the association collaborates with local authorities, politicians and environmental organisations; it has already developed a standard for small buildings and supports projects aimed at establishing tiny houses as a viable and environmentally friendly housing alternative.
The standard is available in print and as a PDF and can be ordered HERE for 69 euros.
