Esk’et Tiny House- A Culturally Inspired Design
In the lower half of British Columbia, approximately 48 km southwest of Williams Lake, you’ll find Alkali Lake (Esk’et) and the Esk’etemc First Nation community of the Secwepemc Nation. Follow the B&B roads signs through the valley 18 km beyond where the pavement ends and you’ll come to a tiny house with the name Esk’et Sqlelten run by Robert and Bettina Johnson.
This tiny house is certainly unique. The exterior is covered with wood carvings handcrafted by Robert, and the interior includes a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen, and a spiral staircase leading to the loft. According to Robert and Bettina, the tiny house design focusses on First Nation culture and the feeling of space.
“We have sqlelten (salmon in Secwepemctsin language) shaped roof rafters that have inspired the carvings, handcrafted by Robert. The front door is a carved feature piece. The inside is open-concept, bright and airy, with lofts for sleeping areas, and generous windows that let in lots of natural light,”
When the two first sat down to design the tiny house, they envisioned an open interior, with an uncluttered feel. “We purposely understated the storage in exchange for an open and welcoming space, and design features like the spiralling ladder that help the space breathe. We love that the intersecting, curved roof and barreling roof are both functional and beautiful, resulting in a super spacious main sleeping loft.”
The end result is a beautifully crafted and one-of-a-kind 280 sqft tiny house complete with two sleeping lofts, kitchen and bathroom. We especially appreciate the unique culturally focused design, the woodwork and the way that traditional blends with modern in a clever way.
The Esket is available for rent at $149/night in the summer months, breakfast included. If you are interested in spending a night at this beautiful home, click here to learn more.
And if you are interested in building your own– there are plans available online here: eskettinyhouse.com/product/esket-sqlelten-building-plans/.
If you like this tiny house feel free to share it on your Facebook so that other’s can appreciate the beauty that Canada’s builders are creating!
Photography by Casey Bennett
