French tiny house company Baluchon is renowned for its unique and innovative tiny home builds, and the company’s latest creation, Petrichor, is no exception to the rule.
Petrichor means the smell of rain, which describes the aroma that wafts into your nostrils after rain falls on dry ground after a long absence. This name represents the changes in tiny house owner Claire’s life.
Claire and her cat Wifi now live in Petrichor full time in Vendée, Western France. While the build and buy costs aren’t listed on Baluchon’s website, their tiny homes frequently sell for between USD 91,000-108,000 or €80,000-95,000.
Claire is the proud owner of Petrichor, a tiny home on a double-axle trailer with an RV-style hookup, where she lives with her cat Wifi in Vendée, Western France. Claire loves simple architecture and worked with French tiny home company Baluchon to create a traditional-styled abode with a gabled entrance, cedar cladding, and aluminum detailing.
Upon entering the tiny home through the living room, it’s clear to see that Claire made natural light and natural materials her priority. Wood is the predominant feature throughout, directly contrasting the vibrant red hues paired with the exterior cedar cladding.
Claire worked with Baluchon Tiny Homes for uncluttered simplicity. The living space boasts a 190cm-plus sofa, which can function as a guest bed, and there’s an electric heater on the wall to heat the entire home in winter. Natural light is abundant in this space, courtesy of the three windows and the rear door.
With a desire to kick clutter to the curb, Claire opted for innovative storage solutions. Two large drawers have been built into the sofa base to provide storage space for bedding, clothes, and much more.
There is clear definition between the living and dining space courtesy of beautiful burgundy kitchen cabinetry. These cabinets are paired with gorgeous wood countertops and gold-coloured handles that add warmth and elegance to the area.
A staircase with oak steps and hidden storage compartments is positioned next to the living area, providing convenient access to the first floor. On the opposite wall, Claire can make use of the installed shelf for plants, books, knick-knacks, and more.
Two people can comfortably dine, work, or study at the charming oak table in the kitchen, with a matching oak stool at each end.
When guests visit, Claire can convert her oak table for two into a table for four by extending the leaf. Next to the table, she also had a small electronic cat flap installed for her cat, Wifi.
The dining table in the kitchen is multi-functional, with Claire being able to use it for meal preparation before dinner is served.
The tiny home kitchen has all the everyday essentials for preparing and serving meals. There’s a gas cooker, a generous sink, ample bench space, and a striking black Klarstein refrigerator built into the staircase. The clever positioning of the window allows Claire to see what’s happening around her as she prepares dinner.
Storage space is abundant in the kitchen, with a large burgundy cabinet adjacent to the dining area. The vibrant cabinetry color breaks up the lightness of the natural wood and white walls and doors.
The bathroom is located in the rear of the tiny house and includes a dry toilet with a stainless-steel bucket and shavings compartment. It carries on the same natural wood theme as the rest of the house and receives plenty of ventilation and natural light from a well-positioned side window.
There’s no need to worry about being cramped while showering, as Petrichor features an 80x80cm shower tucked away in the corner of the bathroom.
Claire’s bedroom is on a mezzanine floor, with access from the ground floor’s staircase. It has plenty of room for storage and a double bed. Natural light is also plentiful through large windows on either side of the room.
Baluchon installed a natural wood cabinet to the rear of the bedroom, which functions as additional storage space and a bedside table.
From Claire’s bedroom, another small mezzanine is visible above the tiny home’s entrance. This is ideal for the storage of large and bulky items.
