Hobbit house
They say the best things come in small packages: Wrapped in grass and immersed in nature, this little home is a case in point. Made from materials found in the ground and the nearby forest, it took just four months to assemble. Its ground, walls and roof are insulated with straw bales, and it is dug into the hillside to minimize visual impact and provide maximum shelter. 
Houseboats
For anyone who likes to be lulled to sleep by the sound of gently lapping water, boat living is the near-perfect solution. It used to be that those seeking life on the watery fringes of society could be found cruising Europe’s canals on brightly colored barges. But in more recent years, the continent’s waterways have played host to homely vessels of more varied shapes, sizes – and price points. 
Circus wagon
Travelers have lived in circus-style caravans for many generations. And as awareness of the carbon footprint of living increases, people are also exploring alternatives that draw from older traditions. Not only do circus wagons offer an immediate connection to nature, they are also eminently more transportable than bricks and mortar. 
Container village
When the housing market in Berlin began to buckle under the weight of ever-increasing demand, a local construction and housing expert came up with an innovative solution: He decided to build an entire village of student accommodation from old containers. Located in a leafy part of the city, it embodies the essence of trendy industrial cool. 
HomeBox
The HomeBox is tall and slim – perfect for those who want to combine an elegant, natural looking exterior with the desire to scale back and live small. Dimensions of the box are much the same as those of a shipping container – the difference is that it stands vertically rather than horizontally. Spread over three floors, the interior is designed to cater to all the needs of modern accommodation. 
Tree house
Whether made from metal, wood, or some other material, tree houses are also staking their claim in the eco-friendly small-house market. Their popularity has grown so much in recent years that Europe’s forests have begun to witness the emergence of tree house hostels and holiday homes. These offer a chance to commune with nature from a nearly bird-like perspective. 
The LoftCube
A product of German designers, the LoftCube can be placed on top of other buildings, at the seaside, in a field or pretty much anywhere with a bit of space – and we’re not talking much square footage. These environmentally friendly homes are diminutive, light-filled, and oh-so-stylish to boot. 
The garden shed
Traditionally used for potting or even sulking, garden sheds have come a long way in recent years. They are now available in so many shapes, colors and sizes that they can provide sufficient and eco-friendly accommodation for those with a modest budget, modest requirements and small plot of land. DW
