Key terms for compact living
Glossary: Modular Homes and Tiny Houses – Your guide to modular building and minimalist architecture
Our glossary offers a comprehensive collection of technical terms relating to tiny houses and modular houses. It is the ideal reference work for quickly and easily understanding specific terms and concepts – for anyone interested in sustainable and flexible living.
Reference book
Key terms about modular houses and tiny houses
Glossary
Explained from A to Z – Our glossary makes technical terms for small residential buildings understandable.
A barrier-free house is designed to be easily accessible to people with physical limitations. This includes e.g. E.g. step-free access, wider doors and special facilities. Barrier-free living makes everyday life easier for people with disabilities or seniors.
An air conditioning system regulates the room temperature and humidity to ensure a comfortable indoor climate. In tiny houses, air conditioning can help control the indoor climate at high temperatures.
An air source heat pump is a heating system that absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the interior of a building. It can also be used as a cooling system. Air source heat pumps offer an energy-efficient way to heat and cool modular homes.
The annual solar yield refers to the amount of solar energy generated by a photovoltaic system or a solar thermal system within a year.
The Building Energy Act (GEG) is a German legal regulation that has been in force since November 1, 2020. It combines various previous regulations, including the Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV), the Renewable Energy Heat Act (EEWärmeG) and the Energy Saving Act (EnEG). The GEG regulates the energy requirements for new and existing buildings as well as the use of renewable energies in the heating sector.
A building permit is an official permit required for the construction of buildings. It is issued by the local building authorities and ensures that the building project complies with applicable building regulations and standards. Even when building tiny houses and modular homes, it is important to obtain planning permission to ensure that the project is legal and meets the required standards.
Building regulations are legal regulations and standards that regulate the construction and use of buildings. They can refer to various aspects such as size, clearance areas, fire protection, energy efficiency and barrier-free access. Building codes vary by location and may be set at a local, regional or national level. These regulations must be taken into account when planning and implementing construction projects to ensure legal compliance and safety.
CAD is short for Computer-Aided Design, a software technology that allows architects, engineers and designers to create and edit three-dimensional models of construction projects. CAD software can be used to create detailed plans, drawings and simulations to visualize and optimize the construction process.
The carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production, use and disposal of a product or service. Sustainable building materials, energy efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices help reduce environmental impact and minimize the ecological footprint.
Certified sustainability refers to the recognition and confirmation that a construction project meets certain ecological and environmentally friendly standards. This can be done through certificates such as: B. the passive house certificate or a DGNB or LEED certificate. Certified sustainability guarantees that a tiny house or modular house was built in an environmentally friendly manner, offers energy efficiency and meets strict ecological standards.
Compact Living describes a lifestyle in which the available living space is used efficiently to live in a small space. Tiny houses and modular houses are examples of compact living, as their compact design enables a sustainable and resource-saving form of living.
The construction phase refers to the period in which a construction project is realized. It includes all activities from the beginning of planning to the completion of the building. During the construction phase, various work steps such as floor plan design, material procurement, construction work and the installation of utilities are carried out.
The Cradle-to-Cradle principle (C2C) is a sustainable concept in which products are considered as nutrients for the environment from the beginning of their production to the end of their life cycle. Unlike the traditional cradle-to-grave model, where products end after use, products in the C2C model should be able to be recycled or biodegraded at the end of their life cycle without leaving harmful residues. The aim is to create a closed cycle of materials and resources and minimize environmental impacts.
The development plan is an urban planning plan that determines the permitted use of land in a specific area.
The dual function refers to the multifunctional use of rooms or furniture in tiny houses and modular houses. Due to limited space, many elements in the home are designed to serve multiple purposes, such as a staircase that doubles as storage or a dining table that converts into a work area.
The ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of the activities and consumption of individuals, households, companies or entire nations. It shows how much biologically productive land on Earth is needed to provide the resources required for lifestyles or business activities, as well as to absorb and process the waste and emissions generated by these activities.
The energy certificate is a document that evaluates the energy efficiency of a building and makes it transparent for potential buyers or tenants.
The Energy Saving Ordinance specifies energy requirements for new buildings and existing buildings in order to reduce energy consumption.
Environmentally friendly materials are building materials that are obtained, produced and disposed of sustainably. They have a lower environmental impact and contribute to healthier living environments. Examples include recycled materials, FSC-certified wood and natural insulation materials such as hemp or cellulose. The use of such materials in tiny houses and modular houses promotes sustainable construction and living.
An exhaust system is a system for ventilating indoor spaces that removes excess air and moisture to the outside. It plays an important role in tiny houses and modular houses to ensure a healthy indoor climate and prevent mold formation.
Extended service life refers to the measures and techniques aimed at increasing the durability and useful life of a tiny house or modular house. This can be achieved through high quality materials and regular maintenance. An extended lifespan reduces repair and replacement costs and ensures that the investment in the building remains profitable in the long term.
Expandability refers to the ability of a modular home to be expanded or modified depending on needs and living situation. Modular design allows additional modules to be added to create more space or integrate new functions.
Facade design involves the external appearance of a building, including the choice of materials, colors and textures. In modular and tiny houses, the facade design influences the aesthetic impression and energy efficiency. Innovative facade designs not only improve the appearance, but also insulation and protection from the weather.
The time frame required to build a tiny house or modular home is often shorter compared to traditional homes due to the prefabrication of components.
The foundation forms the basis of every building and ensures stability and safety. Different types of foundations such as strip foundations, screw foundations or point foundations can be used for modular houses and tiny houses, depending on the local conditions and the requirements of the building.
Full equipment refers to the comprehensive equipment of a tiny house or modular house with all the necessary appliances and furniture so that the building is ready for immediate occupancy.
The Green Deal is a political concept of the European Union that was presented in 2019. The goal of the Green Deal is to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. To this end, among other things, the EU’s economic and energy policy should be adjusted in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. The promotion of renewable energies and the improvement of the infrastructure should also contribute to the success of the Green Deal. In addition, agriculture and the transport sector should also be made more sustainable. Overall, it is about supporting the transition to a climate-friendly economy and aligning the EU towards sustainable development in the long term.
Healthy living refers to the factors that influence the quality of the indoor environment and the overall health of the residents of a tiny house or modular home. These include air quality, natural lighting, sound insulation and non-toxic materials.
A heat pump is a heating system that extracts heat from the ambient air, groundwater or soil and uses it for heating and hot water preparation. By using renewable energy sources such as ambient air, the heat pump helps reduce CO2 emissions and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating systems.
Heat recovery refers to technologies and systems designed to recover heat from wastewater, exhaust air or other sources and reuse it for heating or hot water production.
Heating systems are technologies used to heat living spaces. Various heating systems can be used in modular and tiny houses, including electric heaters, underfloor heating, wood stoves, pellet stoves, infrared heaters or environmentally friendly air heat pumps. The choice of heating system depends on individual needs and desired energy consumption.
Tiny houses and modular houses offer a holistic living solution that combines living, working and leisure. By integrating multifunctional spaces, sustainable materials and modern technology, they create a balanced and fulfilling living environment for their residents.
Home automation refers to the integration of smart technologies to control household functions such as lighting, heating and security systems. In modular and tiny houses, home automation can help to use space more efficiently, save energy and increase living comfort.
The housing bonus is government funding for building savings contracts and home financing.
Despite their compact size, tiny houses and modular houses offer space for individuality and personal style. Flexible floor plans and customizable amenities allow residents to design their home the way they want.
Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air inside a building. Factors such as temperature, humidity, air movement and pollutant levels play a role here.
The indoor climate includes the entirety of the climatic conditions within a building, including temperature, humidity, ventilation and air quality. A pleasant indoor climate contributes to the comfort and health of the residents.
A good indoor climate is achieved through effective insulation, heating and cooling systems and appropriate ventilation strategies. In tiny houses and modular homes, it is particularly important to optimize these factors in order to effectively use the limited space and create a pleasant living environment.
Innovative technologies are often used in tiny houses and modular homes to make optimal use of limited space. These include, for example, smart building technology, energy-efficient devices and sustainable building materials.
Insulation materials are the specific materials or products used to insulate and insulate the walls, floors, and ceilings of a tiny house or modular home. They differ in their properties such as thermal insulation value, moisture resistance and environmental friendliness. Common insulation materials include mineral wool, cellulose, ecological insulation materials such as hemp or sheep’s wool and synthetic materials such as Styrofoam. Each insulation material has advantages and disadvantages, which are selected depending on the requirements and construction of the house.
Insulation refers to the measures taken to protect the interior space from heat loss or gain. In tiny houses and modular houses, effective insulation plays an important role in reducing energy consumption and increasing living comfort.
Insulation is the measure used to reduce heat loss or gain in a building. It ensures that the heat stays inside in winter and outside in summer. As a result, it contributes to the energy efficiency of a modular house or tiny house by minimizing the energy required for heating and cooling. Effective insulation increases living comfort by compensating for temperature fluctuations and thus ensuring a pleasant indoor climate.
Natural integration refers to the conscious planning and design of tiny houses and modular houses in order to create a harmonious connection with the natural surroundings. This includes selecting locations in natural areas, using large window areas to view the surrounding nature and integrating ecological building practices.
Just-in-time construction is a method in which materials and components are delivered exactly when they are needed. This minimizes storage costs and ensures an efficient construction process, which is particularly advantageous when producing modular and tiny houses as it speeds up the entire construction process.
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers funding programs for energy-efficient construction and renovation in Germany.
Legal requirements include all legal requirements and standards that must be observed when constructing or converting buildings. These include building regulations, safety standards and environmental regulations designed to ensure that buildings comply with applicable laws.
The life cycle assessment evaluates the overall environmental impact of a product or service over its entire life cycle. All environmental impacts are taken into account, from raw material extraction through production and use to disposal.
Lightweight construction is a construction method that uses materials that are as light as possible to reduce the weight of the structure. This can make transport and installation of tiny houses and modular homes easier. Lightweight construction can reduce transportation and assembly costs and is well suited to modular construction methods. It makes it possible to create larger window areas and open room designs without affecting the load-bearing capacity of the structure.
Material efficiency refers to the optimal use of building materials to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. This includes choosing durable, reusable and recyclable materials. Material efficiency reduces the ecological footprint of a construction project. Tiny houses and modular houses benefit from careful material selection, which increases the sustainability and longevity of the construction.
Microclimate refers to the climatic conditions in a small, specific area, such as within a tiny house or modular home. These conditions can be influenced by factors such as ventilation, insulation and sunlight. A well-planned microclimate can significantly increase living comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Multifunctionality describes the ability of an object or space to fulfill multiple functions. This is particularly important in tiny houses and modular houses, as limited space often requires innovative solutions. Examples of this include furniture that serves as storage and sleeping space, or rooms that can be rearranged as needed.
The term “off-grid” refers to the condition in which a building or household is independent of the public supply networks. It includes self-sufficiency with electricity, water and waste management without having to rely on external suppliers.
The conversion of sunlight into electrical energy through the use of solar cells.
Point foundations are individual concrete supports that are strategically placed under the load-bearing structures of the modular home. This method is particularly suitable for different soil conditions and enables even load distribution.
The production of components or entire modules in a factory before they are transported to the construction site.
Quality control is a crucial process in the manufacturing of tiny houses and modular homes. It ensures that all components and materials meet the set standards and offer the highest quality. Regular checks and tests ensure that the final product is safe, durable and comfortable.
Rainwater harvesting refers to the collection and use of rainwater for various purposes such as irrigation, or sanitation. Rainwater harvesting systems capture rainwater from roofs or other surfaces, filter it and store it for later use.
Energy obtained from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or hydropower. In contrast, there are fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal, which are limited and release greenhouse gases when burned.
Energy sources that regenerate and do not deplete, such as wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal energy. In contrast, fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are non-renewable and contribute to the release of greenhouse gases.
The Renewable Energy Heat Act (EEWärmeG) is intended to promote the increased use of renewable energies in the heating sector. It sets minimum proportions of renewable energies in the final energy consumption for heating and hot water in new and existing buildings. The law obliges developers and building owners to cover a certain percentage of their heating needs from renewable sources.
Ground screws are a modern and environmentally friendly alternative. They screw directly into the ground and provide a quick, clean and efficient method of anchoring the modular home. Their adaptability makes them a good choice, especially on changing terrain.
Self-sufficiency refers to the ability of a household to cover its own basic needs such as energy, water and waste management largely independently of external supply networks. In tiny houses, this is often achieved through the use of renewable energy, rainwater harvesting and composting waste management systems. As a result, residents experience an increased level of independence and self-sufficiency. Direct control over resources and waste management contributes to a conscious lifestyle.
Self-sufficient means “economically independent” or “self-sufficient”. In relation to a self-sufficient house, this means that the house independently generates energy, treats water and treats wastewater.
Independence from external energy sources through the use of renewable energies such as solar energy or wind power in tiny houses or modular houses.
Simplicity is a core principle of tiny houses and modular homes, focusing on minimalist design and pared-down lifestyle. These homes offer everything you need for comfortable living, without unnecessary baggage, resulting in less stress and more freedom.
Intelligent home automation that makes it possible to network and control various home technologies such as lighting, heating, ventilation and security systems.
Solar energy refers to the conversion of solar energy into electricity or heat. This can be achieved using solar cells or solar thermal systems.
This refers to the costs per square meter of a construction project. For tiny houses and modular houses, the costs per square meter are important because the limited space often leads to an intensive cost analysis. These costs include materials, labor, and additional equipment and can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Sustainability refers to the ability to meet human needs without depleting resources for future generations or harming the environment. In construction, sustainability means incorporating environmentally friendly practices, promoting energy efficiency, using renewable materials and minimizing waste. This approach aims to make environmentally friendly and resource-saving decisions throughout the entire construction process and use.
The sustainability triangle is a concept that connects the three pillars of sustainability – ecology, economy and social issues. The triangle symbolizes the interdependence of these three pillars and emphasizes the need to keep all three areas in harmony. This achieves sustainable development.
Environmental sustainability refers to the protection of the environment and natural resources. Economic sustainability refers to the long-term stability of the economy, while social sustainability aims to promote social justice, equality and prosperity for all.
Together, these three pillars form the sustainability triangle and are intended to ensure that the needs of the present are met without compromising the needs of future generations.
The swap body is a removable and standardized load carrier that is used specifically in the area of modular house construction. It enables the safe transport of prefabricated modules to construction sites. Because it can be adapted to different truck chassis, the swap body simplifies the logistics process.
Technical building equipment includes all technical equipment and systems in a building that are necessary to ensure safe, comfortable and energy-efficient operation. This includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology, sanitary technology, electrical installations, lighting as well as elevator and security systems. In tiny houses or modular houses, the TGA is crucial to enable optimal use of the limited space and at the same time increase living comfort.
Temporary use refers to the temporary installation and use of tiny houses or modular houses on land that is only to be built on in the future. This solution allows the property to be put to good use by temporarily serving as a living space, office or recreational space. The advantages are flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while challenges such as permits and temporary infrastructure must be taken into account.
A layer of materials applied to the exterior or interior of buildings to reduce heat loss through the building envelope.
Timber frame construction is a construction method that involves creating a framework of timber frames onto which walls, floors and roofs are then mounted. This method is particularly popular with modular and tiny houses because it is lightweight, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Timber frame construction enables quick and flexible adaptation of the construction method to individual needs.
A trailer is a trailer on which a tiny house can be mounted to make it mobile. Tiny house trailers are specifically designed to support the weight and structural needs of a home.
Upcycling refers to the creative transformation of waste materials or seemingly useless products into new, more valuable items. In tiny houses and modular homes, upcycling opens up opportunities to reduce construction costs while creating unique and aesthetically pleasing living solutions. Examples include furniture made from pallet wood or the stylish reuse of old windows and doors.
Urban gardening refers to the cultivation of food and plants in urban environments. This trend is taking place on balconies, roof terraces, in community gardens or in special cultivation systems within houses. Urban gardening contributes to self-sufficiency, promotes sustainable nutrition and creates green oases in urban areas.
The VDE standards are technical standards that are developed by the Association of Electrical, Electronic and Information Technology (VDE). They serve to ensure the safety, quality and interoperability of electrical and electronic devices, systems and systems.
A ventilation system ensures the continuous exchange of indoor and outdoor air to ensure good air quality and a pleasant indoor climate in tiny houses and modular houses. It helps remove pollutants, allergens and excess moisture, which prevents mold growth and other moisture problems. Modern ventilation systems, such as controlled living space ventilation (KWL) and heat recovery ventilation (WRG), are often equipped with heat recovery to minimize energy losses and increase energy efficiency. A well-designed ventilation system is crucial for the well-being of the residents and the longevity of the building.
Virtual tours allow interested parties to explore tiny houses or modular houses online without having to be physically there. This is often done through interactive 360-degree tours or live video tours.
Sewage disposal refers to the process of disposing of wastewater generated from kitchens, bathrooms, and other sources in a building. Various systems such as composting toilets, dry toilets or special wastewater systems can be used in tiny houses to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly disposal.
Weather resistance refers to the ability of a tiny house or modular house to withstand different weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind and UV radiation without losing functionality or aesthetics.
Weight restrictions indicate how heavy a tiny house or modular house can be. They refer to the maximum load that the building can support, especially when transported on roads and placed on the property.
Wood construction is a popular method for creating tiny houses and modular homes. The use of prefabricated wooden components enables precise production and faster assembly on site. Wood as a building material offers many advantages: it is sustainable, light, durable and gives houses a natural atmosphere. The flexibility of wooden construction also enables a variety of designs and architectural solutions.
“Xtra Energy Efficiency” describes special measures and technologies that go beyond standard requirements to maximize the energy efficiency of tiny houses and modular homes. This can include advanced insulation materials, energy-efficient appliances, or innovative heating and cooling systems.
Y panel is a special form of partition or wall panel used in the construction industry to support modular construction methods. The “Y” shape can provide additional stability and flexibility in construction.
The Y cut refers to a special cutting technique used in woodworking or construction. This technique is often used for precise and aesthetic connections in wooden structures. It can help create stable and visually appealing connections that can be used in the construction of tiny houses or modular homes.
A zero-energy house is a building that produces as much energy as it uses throughout the year. This is achieved through a combination of energy efficient design and renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Zero-energy homes are particularly attractive to environmentally conscious people as they minimize the ecological footprint and contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Such houses require careful planning and high-quality materials to ensure the balance between energy production and consumption. They offer lower energy costs in the long term and increase living comfort through modern, efficient technologies.
Explained quickly and easily: Our glossary for everyone who wants to keep track.
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