While this building is not a home, it’s filled with inspiring ideas. Ecology of Colour is located on Ecology Island in Dartford, Kent, on a previously neglected corner of their Central Park. The building has many uses.“Our proposal is comprised of organising a programme of events and workshops based around dyeing and wildlife; a small building that provides flexible accommodation for these activities; and planting a meadow of flowers and vegetables that yield natural dyes and beckon wildlife.The timber-clad structure is an outdoor classroom, dyeing workshop, art studio, bird-watching hide, tree house and park shelter all rolled into one.”The exterior is painted in a pattern of natural dyes. Inside the wood boards are left unfinished to allow a natural aging and stains that come with use. All the lumber was sourced from the UK.The upper level has simple doors, but when closed the exterior surface blends together to form what appears to be a windowless geometric form. When open they transform the space’s function and feel.For example on one side there are small bird watching openings that open inward and form a small shelf. On the opposite wall there are large doors that open outward that open the room with the feeling of a balcony. At the end of the room the wall opens up completely allowing in the most light. So the upper level can be transformed from dark to light depending on the needs of the current set of users.For the tiny house owner-builder this design carries with it some good ideas.Transformable Space – As the seasons change imagine a tiny home with interior or exterior shutters that conceal glass windows behind them. This could allow a tiny home some advantageous passive solar advantages as well as allowing the altering of the use and feel of the home and it’s role in the place it occupies.Simplicity vs Minimalism – In the video, Je Ahn from Studio Weave points out that simplicity doesn’t necessarily require taking things away – a good reminder.Alternative Finishes – So many tiny homes are finished in wood inside and out. While many prefer this aesthetic the options are endless – so explore the alternatives if you’re looking for something new.Elevate Views – A tiny home would be easier to raise off the ground than a big one, so if circumstances allow consider going up.It was designed by the architects at Studio Weave. Photo credit to Studio Weave, Jim Stephenson, and faircompanies.