Events

Tiny house Shadow: living within planetary boundaries

Exhibitions

The 34-square-metre Shadow incorporates carbon-free steel, old windows, and recycled car tires. And when the residents move, the home moves with them.

See this and other fascinating projects on display in the Designs for a Cooler Planet on 5 Sept – 28 Oct 2025.

Modern black wooden house with a single narrow window, surrounded by rocks and plants, nestled in a leafy forest area. — Photo: Nina Kellokoski

When

5.9.–28.10.2025

Where

Marsio

In this event, we are committed to Aalto University’s principles for a safer space.

Principles for a safe space

Housing makes up a significant part of the average citizen’s material and carbon footprint—and the bigger the home, the more resources it consumes. Could tiny homes be part of the solution?

The Tiny House Shadow is a prime example of the potential of circular construction. Of its total weight, 56% comes from reused products and recycled materials, while the remaining components were selected for their low emissions.

Compared to a traditional single-family house, Shadow uses 85% less material, requires 43% less land, and has a 53% smaller carbon footprint per resident. The building can be relocated as is—meaning the home can come along when you move.

‘A smaller space and fewer possessions can actually enhance the quality to living,’ says Professor of Sustainable Construction and the architect of the house, Matti Kuittinen.

Welcome to see the Varjo scale model at the Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition!