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Minima

Designed byTRIAS Architects

Quality design is at the heart of FABPREFAB’s mission to build well crafted and sustainable homes. 

To fulfil this vision, we have partnered with TRIAS, an award-winning architecture studio who specialise in small, carefully crafted residential homes. 

Based in Sydney, TRIAS are a team of passionate architects who believe that well designed spaces enrich people’s lives. They pursue quality over quantity, and follow an ethos of ‘less but better’ when designing buildings and choosing materials. 

TRIAS have been involved in the design of all of the Minima modules, from the early concepts through to the detailed execution. In the design process, they have drawn upon their extensive experience in organising small spaces and ensuring they are both practical and beautiful. 

TRIAS are also well known for their ability to balance clean lines and a minimalist approach, with textured and natural materials. Rather than being based on trends, their designs draw on the more timeless influences often seen in Scandinavian or Japanese design. 

The results – both in their portfolio and within Minima – are buildings that are atmospheric and yet approachable, and make people feel inspired, delighted and welcomed. 

 Simple, elegant, and cleverly compact, Minima is a prefabricated micro-dwelling designed by the award-winning team at TRIAS. 

The ultimate ‘tiny house’, Minima works beautifully as a rural retreat, a backyard room, a suburban studio, a hangout space, a holiday getaway, weekender cabin, a home office – or anything you’d like it to be. 

Minima blends master craftsmanship, smart design, and a robust build. A timeless addition to any garden, backyard, or rural property, it is a highly versatile dwelling offered in a standard and double module. 

The Minima¹ is the original design that offers small footprint living with a big impact. This module, which includes a kitchen, bathroom, and flexible sleeping and living spaces, can be configured as a mini apartment or guest room, or can be simplified as a home office. 

Minima² offers a double module design, which is arranged as a striking T-shaped compact house. It expands to include one or two bedrooms, living and dining areas, a kitchen, and a bathroom. 

The Minima prototype can be viewed by appointment at our factory at Somersby on the NSW Central Coast. 

Design without compromise

2021 HOUSES Awards: Shortlist –
New House under 200m2

2021 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Awards – Commendation for Sustainability. (Awarded to
TRIAS)

Exemplary design is at the heart of FABPREFAB’s mission. To fulfil this, we partner with leading architects who share our passion for beautiful, well-crafted, and sustainable prefabricated and modular dwellings.

Minima was designed in collaboration with reputed Sydney-based architecture studio TRIAS.

Their award-winning studio was founded on three core principles – to create buildings that are solid, simple, and beautiful.

TRIAS excel at designing innovative, carefully crafted residential homes that marry practicality and elegance. They have built a reputation for dwellings that balance clean lines and a minimalist approach, with textured, and natural materials. A philosophy captured perfectly in Minima in each of its configurations.

Minima received a Commendation in the sustainability category of the HOUSES awards and was shortlisted in the ‘New House under 200m2’ category.

A thoughtful
approach to design

Great design is central to making a small space liveable. An extensive design process was undertaken to ensure that Minima was comfortable, flexible and that everything in the space was streamlined and integrated, without compromising on quality or ease of use.

For a small space, Minima has a surprising amount of storage. Built-in cupboards, shelves and drawers wrap around the edge of the room, creating an open and versatile space in the centre. This makes it easy to transition from sleeping to cooking, and dining to relaxing, and ensures there is a place for everything without unnecessary clutter.

Thoughtful built-in elements and delightful details, like discreet joinery pulls and designer lights, many of which can be folded down or tucked away, also help to keep the space fluid.

Minima is screened by two large layers of glass doors and sliding timber screens. These pull back in two directions and pocket neatly into the building façade, bringing in natural light and airflow. While other high openings throughout the dwelling ensure good cross-ventilation and cropped glimpses outwards.

Sustainability
at its core

Minima is a small footprint home by design. Its compact nature and environmentally friendly qualities support a low-impact mode of living in a variety of settings.

A well-crafted, high-quality dwelling made to be enjoyed for the long term, sustainability is at the forefront of its design and construction.

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a renewable and highly sustainable building material that has been used extensively in Minima. CLT panels form the walls, floor, and roof of each structure.

Ideal for prefabrication, CLT is a robust, environmentally friendly building material as it offers substantially shorter construction times, less work in a building’s foundations, and far less wastage.

Sourced locally from sustainably managed pine forests, the CLT panels are designed and made in Australia, at X-Lam in Wodonga. Aside from supporting local industry, this also reduces shipping, saving time and lowering price points.

The Minima can generally be built and ready in as little as ten weeks, with off-grid versions available.

High-quality
materials and
construction

  • Structure

    Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

  • Exterior

    Rough sawn timber cladding with tinted sealer

    Timber screens with fly screen backing

  • Floors and Walls

    Cross Laminated Timber (CLT)

    Liming white floor finish

    Sky Grey (natural finish) porcelain tiles

  • Joinery

    PureWood - Natural Matt Joinery

    Porcelain benchtops

  • Soft Furnishings

    Upholstered daybed seat cushion

    Sheer linen curtains

  • Electrical

    Flos Glo-Ball mini wall lights

    LED strip lights

  • Fixtures and Fittings

    Fisher and Paykel appliances

    Parisi taps and bathroom fittings

Which Minima is for you?

The Minima was originally developed as a single, 24.5m² design. However, we were so excited by the opportunities its clever design offered we went on to develop six versions of Minima.

Each Minima is designed to suit a slightly different setting, price point or purpose by expanding or contracting to provide either more or fewer rooms. At 49m² gross, the Minima² versions are twice that of the single module.

Regardless of which version you choose, the design DNA of the Minima remains the same in every version, ensuring beautiful, well-designed, and crafted spaces that prioritise sustainability and quality.

If a larger footprint arrangement is your preference, further details on custom designs – inspired by the Minima ‘Kit of Parts’ and designed by TRIAS – can be provided upon enquiry.

Minima 5

Minima 5

The Minima 5 model is a 3.5 bedroom / 2 bathroom home with extensive outdoor spaces and screened parking. 

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Minima 4

Two Storey

The Two Storey Minima4 model is a compact double level home with a generous ground floor living room and 2 bedrooms upstairs. 

This iteration is designed to sit within a garden context, but could easily become a large secondary dwelling. Open living spaces connect to the outdoors on two sides. Travelling upstairs, a small stair – concealed behind a bookshelf – takes up to a small landing study. Sleeping areas upstairs are complimented by a bathroom and laundry. 

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The Verandah

The Verandah Minima4 model is a large 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom home with extensive wrap around verandah. 

In this iteration, a L-shaped living room is matched by long deck, providing layers of indoor outdoor living and unique spaces to settle into. At each end of the living spaces, Minima sleeping modules hold bedrooms with their own bathrooms, as well as a laundry. 

The L-shape of The Verandah creates a natural garden. Either screened or open, this space provides parking, services and a unique entry experience. Sheltered on two sides, it is a perfect place for a kitchen garden or private lawn. 

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The Garden Room

The Garden Room model draws inspiration from its larger cousin – Courtyard House. It stacks two open modules lengthways to create a long room for kitchen, living, and dining spaces. 

Behind the living spaces, a screened courtyard greets you. With a parking space, this pocket garden is a private space and formal entry to the Minima. 

Besides the courtyard, two Minima modules hold 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry, and study – completing this generous and open home. 

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Work From Home

The Work From Home Minima4 model includes a separate study, catering for the new possibilities of remote working. 

In this iteration, the living space is moved to one end and the second bathroom replaced with a study. 

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The House

The Minima 4 model is a two bedroom / two bathroom house. Two Minima modules are attached side by side to create one large kitchen / living / dining space to call home. 

In this iteration, four Minima modules are arranged in compact block. The living space is central and has large openings to two sides – providing excellent natural light and ventilation. A bedroom and bathroom are located either side to create a very efficient footprint. 

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Minima 3

The Longhouse

The Longhouse Minima3 model is ideal for indoor / outdoor living. The extended shape of this Minima layout creates a long deck accessed from all rooms. It is generous addition to a modest home – lending an expansive quality to what is otherwise a compact and responsible dwelling. 

In this iteration, three Minima modules are arranged in a line – a standard Minima provides a generous bedroom with ensuite – followed by an open Minima holding kitchen, living and dining spaces. A final module is turned sideways – creating an end to the long deck and providing a second bedroom, bathroom and laundry. 

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Three For One

The Three For One Minima3 model is a compact three bedroom cabin. Ideal for holiday cabin accommodation, this layout holds multiple sleeping spaces within a small footprint. 

In this iteration, three Minima modules are again aranged to create a sheltered deck – with sleeping spaces either side of a living room. 

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The Small Home

The Minima 3 model is a larger two bedroom / two bathroom offering. A small house or boutique cabin, it compliments a compact Minima living space with more generous bedrooms and an internal laundry. 

In this iteration, three Minima modules are arranged to create a sheltered deck – behind which a living room is contained between two sleeping wings. 

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Minima 2

Two for One

The Two for One Minima2 model is our two bedroom offering. A micro house or holiday getaway, it provides just enough space for a simple, yet comfortable, existence. 

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The Home Away From Home

Minima 2 is the first of our two module series. With this extra space, there is instant potential for more substantial living areas and a more spacious bedroom. 

Minima 2 is, in effect, constructed from two modules, interlocked together. The space to either side can be fitted with timber decks, providing space for pot plants or a BBQ. 

The living module of Minima 2 shares its envelope with the original design. To one side, a wide opening can pull back to the garden and deck while, to the other, there is a more modest entry or exit door. 

The built-ins include an L-shaped kitchen, fitted with essential appliances and storage, a built-in seat for dining, and a TV cabinet. There is also room for a dining table and lounge. 

The second module contains a bedroom and bathroom. As in the previous models, the bathroom is equipped with a basin, toilet and shower, lit by an overhead skylight. The bedroom has ample space for a bed, with a built-in wardrobe built to one side, and a study desk to the other. 

The Home Away From Home is a more spacious offering that works as a holiday rental or a one bedroom, self-contained garden apartment. 

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Minima 1

The Hangout

The Hangout Minima is a stripped back but highly flexible space, tailored to offer extra room for whatever you may need. 

With the essential elements of a kitchen and bathroom in place, the rest of Minima is left to be furnished as you need. 

The Hangout could easily become a yoga studio, a teenage retreat, or a spare room ready to fit your own furniture. 

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The Studio

The Studio Minima is for those who work – or study – from home. A perfect haven of peace and quiet, set away from the main residence, it’s an ideal breakout space or separate studio. The separation of this structure helps draw a line between work and home life and is well suited to hosting private clients due to its dual entry points. 

As with our other compact models, there is space for a small bathroom and kitchenette. Along the opposite wall, there is room for a long, built-in desk and shelves. 

The centre of the room becomes an ideal place for a small table, which can easily facilitate meetings or a quick coffee break. 

With the doors wide open onto your backyard, or the screens shut for privacy, working from home has never looked so achievable. 

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Minima – The Original

The original Minima embodies compact living at its best. Within a small footprint, it stitches in a kitchen, bathroom, and flexible living and sleeping spaces. 

Minima1 can be entered from two points, with wide doors to one side and a smaller access door to the other. The main set of doors stacks back entirely, making the central room feel generously connected to the outdoors. 

Minima1 has plenty of built-ins, including a fold-down bed, which easily packs away, and a long, cushioned day bed. There are also two storage cupboards, designed to serve as a wardrobe. Finally, an open shelf sits between the cabinetry and ceiling, providing a place to stash larger objects. 

To the opposite side of Minima’s plan, there is a kitchen, which features a single sink, a cooktop, a pull-out pantry, and a below bench oven. 

The bathroom is a calming space, with a basin, toilet, and shower. Storage is seamlessly tucked behind a mirror cabinet, while a skylight provides private views of the sky above. 

Minima1 is ideal for anyone from a short-term guest to a long-term resident minimalist. 

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Want to see Minima up close?

Make an appointment to view the Minima prototype at FABPREFAB’s factory in Somersby on the NSW Central Coast.

Curious about Minima? Contact us to request a brochure or more information.