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How to build tiny houses in Argentina: costs, materials, and key steps - Infobae
Source:
March 15, 2025
Building a DIY tiny house is a viable option for those looking to reduce costs and customize every detail. Experts explain the recommended materials, budget requirements, and construction times.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Agustina Donnola and Matías Pellegrini shared details on how to build their own Tiny House, a type of housing that is thriving in Argentina and around the world (Photos courtesy of @VivirTiny IG)
Tiny houses have gained popularity in Argentina as an efficient and affordable housing solution. These homes, which range in size from 20 to 50 square meters, can be built with a variety of materials and structural systems.
These tiny homes stand out for their efficiency and versatility. With smart storage and lightweight furniture, they can be moved on rolling platforms and installed in different environments. Their modular construction speeds up delivery times when delivered by companies, but they can also be built by the people who will live there, reducing labor costs by up to approximately 40%.
Agustina Donnola and Matías Pellegrini , creators of the VivirTiny project, shared their experience building their own home and detailed the key aspects to consider.
First steps to build the steel structure that will support the construction
No prior construction knowledge is required, as free educational resources are available. “We had a theoretical foundation because Mati was studying architecture, but we had no construction experience. We learned by watching YouTube tutorials and with the help of people willing to collaborate,” they said.
Wood is one of the vital materials for making Tiny Houses
Inside, wood paneling, plasterboard, or phenolic panels can be used, depending on the style and level of insulation desired. The choice of materials impacts not only aesthetics but also the home's energy efficiency and durability.
Donnola and Pellegrini estimate that their Tiny House cost $11,560 in materials. “Every decision influences the final cost, so it's key to analyze the available options,” they emphasized.
Tiny houses can be built ingeniously with the right tools and materials.
This may include additional costs such as tools, transportation permits (if the unit is being moved), or optional upgrades such as solar power or rainwater harvesting systems.
They usually have everything integrated except the bathroom.
For those with larger equipment or who use prefabricated systems, the time can be significantly reduced. Some companies deliver turnkey models in less than two months .
It is vital to have the land or build on a pre-existing construction.
Depending on the location, external water, electricity, and drainage connections may also be required.
In rural or isolated areas, many people opt for solar panels and wastewater treatment systems to make their homes self-sufficient.
Insulating roofs and walls is key for this type of housing to withstand inclement weather, and they are also easy to maintain.
Additionally, if the trailer is longer, it requires more axles to ensure stability.
It's important to consider the interior layout of the space. Tiny houses typically include a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a loft-style sleeping area to maximize space.
They are finished with the same materials as any home, with countertops, sinks and floors according to the choice of each person or family.
These tiny houses are a housing solution that transcends the globe.
The ability to unplug and relocate the home is a key advantage of the Tiny House system. Those seeking greater energy independence can add batteries to store electricity or biodigesters to process organic waste.
Interior finishes also include options such as paint, laminate flooring, and LED lighting, while exteriors can be customized with wood, tarquini, veneer, or combinations of these materials.
The bathroom with modern faucets
The decor varies from owner to owner, although minimalist styles tend to predominate, while others opt for a vintage touch (with objects, styles, or designs inspired by past decades, generally with a retro feel and an aesthetic value associated with their history or authenticity. Decor includes antique or restored furniture, colors, and elements that evoke earlier eras).
In Argentina, this trend continues to grow, with communities sharing experiences and knowledge to facilitate access to this type of housing.
Ready and easy to move on the trailer
The possibility of building a home with fewer resources and greater flexibility is attracting more and more people interested in this lifestyle.
Self-construction allows for reduced costs and customization of the space to the owner's needs. "It's a challenging process, but completely achievable with information and effort," Donnola and Pellegrini concluded.
www.buysellba.com
Source:
March 15, 2025
Building a DIY tiny house is a viable option for those looking to reduce costs and customize every detail. Experts explain the recommended materials, budget requirements, and construction times.
By Jose Luis Cieri
Agustina Donnola and Matías Pellegrini shared details on how to build their own Tiny House, a type of housing that is thriving in Argentina and around the world (Photos courtesy of @VivirTiny IG)
Tiny houses have gained popularity in Argentina as an efficient and affordable housing solution. These homes, which range in size from 20 to 50 square meters, can be built with a variety of materials and structural systems.
These tiny homes stand out for their efficiency and versatility. With smart storage and lightweight furniture, they can be moved on rolling platforms and installed in different environments. Their modular construction speeds up delivery times when delivered by companies, but they can also be built by the people who will live there, reducing labor costs by up to approximately 40%.
Agustina Donnola and Matías Pellegrini , creators of the VivirTiny project, shared their experience building their own home and detailed the key aspects to consider.
Initial steps and prior knowledge
The first step is to define the size of the home and the materials to be used. According to Donnola and Pellegrini, the most common structural options include wood frame, steel frame, SIP panels (Structural Insulated Panels), or iron structures. "We chose the wood frame system because it prioritizes wood as the main material," they explained.
First steps to build the steel structure that will support the construction
No prior construction knowledge is required, as free educational resources are available. “We had a theoretical foundation because Mati was studying architecture, but we had no construction experience. We learned by watching YouTube tutorials and with the help of people willing to collaborate,” they said.
Recommended materials
For the exterior structure, the most commonly used materials are wood, plastic, or sheet metal. Each has advantages and disadvantages:- Wood : Economical and easy to work with, but requires periodic maintenance.
- Plastic : Lightweight and 100% hydrophobic, although less environmentally friendly.
- Sheet metal : Quick to install and maintenance-free, but with lower thermal efficiency and a higher cost.
Wood is one of the vital materials for making Tiny Houses
Inside, wood paneling, plasterboard, or phenolic panels can be used, depending on the style and level of insulation desired. The choice of materials impacts not only aesthetics but also the home's energy efficiency and durability.
Cost of self-construction
The budget depends on variables such as the type of trailer, structure, insulation, installations, and coatings.Donnola and Pellegrini estimate that their Tiny House cost $11,560 in materials. “Every decision influences the final cost, so it's key to analyze the available options,” they emphasized.
Tiny houses can be built ingeniously with the right tools and materials.
This may include additional costs such as tools, transportation permits (if the unit is being moved), or optional upgrades such as solar power or rainwater harvesting systems.
Estimated construction time
Construction time varies depending on the number of people working and their schedule. "It took us four years because we only worked on weekends at first. In real terms, the construction took us a year and a half working full-time," they explain.
They usually have everything integrated except the bathroom.
For those with larger equipment or who use prefabricated systems, the time can be significantly reduced. Some companies deliver turnkey models in less than two months .
Land requirements and regulations
Tiny houses are not regulated in Argentina and are considered movable property, so they do not pay property tax. For their installation, it is recommended to level the ground, remove the grass, and lay a gravel base to prevent weed growth.
It is vital to have the land or build on a pre-existing construction.
Depending on the location, external water, electricity, and drainage connections may also be required.
In rural or isolated areas, many people opt for solar panels and wastewater treatment systems to make their homes self-sufficient.
Recommended dimensions
The standard dimensions of a Tiny House depend on road regulations for its transport. "The maximum dimensions allowed without special permits are 2.6 meters wide, 4.2 meters high, and up to 12 meters long. The most common are between 6 and 8 meters long," they explain.
Insulating roofs and walls is key for this type of housing to withstand inclement weather, and they are also easy to maintain.
Additionally, if the trailer is longer, it requires more axles to ensure stability.
It's important to consider the interior layout of the space. Tiny houses typically include a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a loft-style sleeping area to maximize space.
Service facilities
Water, gas, and electricity connections follow the same criteria as in a traditional home, with some special features:- Water : Thermofusion pipes are used, with shut-off valves and a removable external connection. Generally, only two branches are installed, one for cold water and one for hot water, each with its own shut-off valves. The unique feature is that a double-threaded union is used on the outside of the tiny unit so that the water supply can be disconnected, the tiny unit can be moved to another location, and then reconnected.
They are finished with the same materials as any home, with countertops, sinks and floors according to the choice of each person or family.
- Gas : Thermofusion pipes are used and the same regulations apply as in traditional homes, for example, the requirement to install ventilation grilles in rooms where there are open-flame appliances.
- Electricity : In the electrical installation, a main panel is assembled, with thermal magnetic switches and circuit breakers. Certified single-core cables are used to connect the neutral, phase, and ground, metal or plastic boxes, and PVC or fireproof corrugated pipes.
These tiny houses are a housing solution that transcends the globe.
The ability to unplug and relocate the home is a key advantage of the Tiny House system. Those seeking greater energy independence can add batteries to store electricity or biodigesters to process organic waste.
A growing trend
Tiny houses combine sustainability, lower cost, and functional design. The interiors can be finished like any home, with granite or marble countertops, domestic or imported faucets, advanced and digitally controlled toilets, wood or porcelain floors, among other options.Interior finishes also include options such as paint, laminate flooring, and LED lighting, while exteriors can be customized with wood, tarquini, veneer, or combinations of these materials.
The bathroom with modern faucets
The decor varies from owner to owner, although minimalist styles tend to predominate, while others opt for a vintage touch (with objects, styles, or designs inspired by past decades, generally with a retro feel and an aesthetic value associated with their history or authenticity. Decor includes antique or restored furniture, colors, and elements that evoke earlier eras).
In Argentina, this trend continues to grow, with communities sharing experiences and knowledge to facilitate access to this type of housing.
Ready and easy to move on the trailer
The possibility of building a home with fewer resources and greater flexibility is attracting more and more people interested in this lifestyle.
Self-construction allows for reduced costs and customization of the space to the owner's needs. "It's a challenging process, but completely achievable with information and effort," Donnola and Pellegrini concluded.
www.buysellba.com
