“We chose tiny living for freedom and minimalism,” says Elle. In a recent Tiny Home Tour on YouTube, Elle and Moorea take viewers through their custom-designed Kootenay tiny home. Seeing Tru Form Tiny homes “in real life” only shows what we work to build everyday: There is beauty in living simply. By building your own tiny house – there are so many details that can go into making your small space work perfectly FOR YOU. For Elle and Moorea, that meant having the freedom to not rely on hookups. With an incinerating toilet, their grey water runoff system, and complete solar package, they’ve fully embraced the needs of their lifestyle, in one tiny package.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GO OFF-GRID?
“Off the grid” refers to a lifestyle and housing setup that is fully self-sufficient. This means you don’t need to connect to public utilities. Your tiny home will have its own electricity, water, or sewer set up. An off-grid home often opts for solar to have power on its own. The term “off grid” represents for buyers a broader lifestyle around sustainability, privacy, and less reliance on modern infrastructure. It’s also important to note: living off the grid is not the same as having solar panels. On an on-grid home; even with renewable energy, a house that remains tied to the public power grid is still dependent on utility companies. In contrast, true off-grid living operates entirely on independent systems.
Off-grid tiny homes have emerged as a popular path towards financial independence. For many, this also grants tiny home dwellers a deeper connection to the natural world. For Moorea and Elle, this wasn’t a trend. It was an intentional choice. Their custom Tru Form Tiny home stands as a striking example of what happens when modern architecture, systems engineering, and intentional small-space design meets with real-world functionality.
Tiny Home Tours takes us through their fully self-sufficient sanctuary. They explore not just the beauty of the home, but the technical aspects behind its energy systems and day-to-day livability. It reveals what it truly takes to build, power, and inhabit a modern off-grid tiny house built for full-time, year-round use.
OFF-GRID POWER FOR FULL-TIME LIVING
Moorea and Elle’s tiny home is powered by a meticulously designed solar system. This heavy duty system can fully support the demands of full-time living. Four 500-watt solar panels provide a total capacity of 2,000 watts. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery bank stores energy efficiently and reliably. The system also includes a high-efficiency inverter and charge controller. Together, these components allow the home to run entirely off-grid, eliminating the need for diesel generators or external power hookups.
Lithium-ion batteries play a crucial role in off-grid living. They are selected for their long lifespan, higher usable capacity, fast charging capabilities, and superior performance in variable temperatures. In Moorea and Elle’s home, the battery bank is cleverly integrated into the storage staircase to maintain a clean interior. The design also allows for proper ventilation and easy access for maintenance.
The Cinderella Incinerating Toilet: Zero-Water, Zero-Odor
A standout feature of the home is the Cinderella incinerating toilet, a premium solution for long-term off-grid living. This advanced toilet operates without water, incinerates waste into sterile ash, eliminates the need for a blackwater tank, and prevents odor, dramatically reducing maintenance demands. For Moorea and Elle, it enables independence from municipal utilities while maintaining the comfort and convenience of a modern bathroom.
Water-Saving Fixtures for Conscious Consumption
Conservation is a priority throughout the home, including the bathroom. A water-limiting rain showerhead allows Moorea and Elle to enjoy a luxurious shower experience while using significantly less water. This balance is vital for off-grid living, where freshwater is a finite resource and every drop counts.
Heating, Cooling, and Climate Control in a Tiny Footprint
Heating in the home is anchored by a high-efficiency Grizzly wood stove, chosen for its ability to quickly warm small spaces and maintain consistent heat with minimal wood consumption. Wood heat provides independence from electrical systems, delivers dry warmth ideal for compact interiors, and allows for fuel flexibility in remote locations.
The home also uses passive climate strategies to maximize comfort naturally. Large French doors create cross-breeze ventilation, strategic skylights in the loft bring in natural light, and thoughtful placement of windows throughout supports passive heating and cooling. These design features reduce energy demand and enhance livability—essential benefits for an off-grid lifestyle.
Interior Engineering: Storage, Space Efficiency, and Custom Craftsmanship
Every square inch of Moorea and Elle’s home has been expertly designed for maximize efficiency and luxurious comfort. The storage staircase serves as a utility hub, housing multi-level cubbies, concealed compartments, and the solar battery system. This sleek design integration protects technical equipment but maintains the home’s clean, stylish interior. The kitchen is fully equipped for serious cooking, even in a small, off-grid space. Walnut countertops, a deep single-basin sink, a propane gas stove, and a DC-powered refrigerator complete the kitchen. Carefully planned storage makes a place for every utensil and appliance.
The loft bedroom fits a king-size mattress. With an open rail for air flow and expansive skylights for stargazing, the loft is a separate space perfect for rest. While it’s still a tiny house and a compact space, the natural light and floor plan gives the space an open and airy feel.
The spa-like bathroom complements the bedroom with exposed raw wood walls, a stone-accented shower, water-efficient fixtures, and a washer/dryer combo. This creates a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern convenience.
Even pets are included in the thoughtful design. A custom “hidey-hole” was built for their Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix. This gives every member of the family, even the furry ones, a space just for them.
The Financial Reality of Off-Grid Tiny Home Living
Moorea and Elle are transparent about the costs involved in off-grid tiny home living. Upfront investments include solar system components, a lithium-ion battery bank, inverter and electrical integration, the Cinderella incinerating toilet, and custom design features. In return, ongoing utility expenses are minimal to nonexistent. This investment to be self-contained will pay itself off over time. With minimal utility bills and the freedom to move, this tiny home is stylish AND self-sustained. A win-win for these clients!
