House & Home
Sun, November 16, 2025
Sat, November 15, 2025
Amazon's 2-Story Tiny Home: A Compact, Expandable Oasis with Balcony Deck
//house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/1 .. -compact-expandable-oasis-with-balcony-deck.html
Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 18:27 GMT by Travel + Leisure- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Amazon’s 2‑Story Tiny Home: A Compact, Expandable Oasis with Balcony Deck
Travel + Leisure recently spotlighted a novel concept in the tiny‑home market that blends vertical living, modular expansion, and a touch of luxury: the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home. Though it carries the familiar “Amazon” name, the design is the brainchild of a boutique builder that has been quietly redefining what a small home can offer. In this in‑depth look, we break down every angle of the home— from its striking exterior to its smart, expandable features— and share the insights that the magazine’s reviewers brought to light.
1. Exterior Design: Sleek Lines and Outdoor Living
The Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home is a 2‑story structure that measures roughly 140 square feet on the lower level and 60 square feet on the loft— a total of about 200 square feet. The exterior is a clean, minimalist palette of dark‑stained cedar panels and steel framing, giving the house a contemporary, “ready‑to‑assemble” look that fits into any backyard or tiny‑home lot.
One of the first things that caught the eye was the expandable balcony deck. The deck, which hangs off the front of the house like a cantilevered balcony, can be retracted to a tight, compact footprint for easy transport or extended out over 10 feet to create a small patio space. The reviewer likened it to “an outdoor living room that you can bring in and out of the house depending on your mood.” The deck is finished with a composite wood that matches the cedar siding, and the railing is made of low‑profile aluminum that keeps the visual clutter to a minimum.
“The balcony deck is a game‑changer for tiny‑home owners who want a little bit of outdoor space without sacrificing footprint,” the Travel + Leisure article notes.
2. Interior Layout: Vertical Efficiency and Clever Storage
Inside, the home is divided into three primary zones: a living/dining area, a kitchen, and a loft bedroom. The lower level is open‑plan, with a small two‑seat sofa that doubles as a daybed, a corner dining table that seats two, and a galley kitchen that packs a full stainless‑steel fridge‑freezer, a gas stove, and a dishwasher‑size sink into just 20 square feet. All appliances are 24‑inch‑wide for maximum efficiency.
The kitchen’s clever storage is highlighted by a pull‑out pantry that slides into the wall, freeing up counter space for prep work. A fold‑away work surface provides a temporary table for cooking or eating when guests are over.
The loft is accessed via a narrow, built‑in ladder that also serves as a storage chest. The loft houses a single queen‑size bed, a built‑in wardrobe, and a small desk that can be tucked away when not in use. The ceiling height in the loft is a full 7 feet, giving a surprisingly airy feel. The article stresses that the builder’s use of high‑density foam insulation and energy‑efficient windows keeps the interior comfortable throughout the year.
3. Expandable Design: The Balcony Deck in Detail
What truly sets the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home apart is its expandable balcony deck— a feature that was described in the Travel + Leisure piece as “the ultimate solution for people who want a patio without committing to a permanent structure.” The deck hinges out from a reinforced steel bracket that attaches to the front of the lower level. When fully extended, the deck is 12 feet long, 3.5 feet wide, and 4 feet off the ground— perfect for a small garden, a set of lounge chairs, or a short outdoor dining set.
The deck’s extension mechanism is powered by a low‑profile hydraulic lift that operates quietly and smoothly. When retracted, the deck folds flat against the side of the house, allowing the tiny home to be transported on a standard trailer with no need for a separate “deck” vehicle.
A secondary benefit noted by the reviewers is the deck’s potential for solar panel installation. The builder’s website lists a range of solar panel kits that can fit the deck’s dimensions, providing a clean‑energy option that keeps the tiny home self‑sufficient.
“It’s rare to see a tiny house that comes with a functional balcony that can be deployed or stowed,” the article wrote, “and that’s why the Amazon 2‑Story is an instant head‑turner.”
4. Sustainability Features: From Construction to Power
Beyond the deck, the home is built with an eye to sustainability. The builder uses reclaimed cedar for the exterior siding and Recycled Steel for framing. The roof is made from cool‑reflective metal panels that reduce heat gain and improve the house’s passive‑solar performance.
Inside, the house is wired for a 12‑V solar power system that can charge the house’s battery bank and power the 24‑hour LED lighting. The builder offers an optional tankless propane water heater that saves space and reduces emissions compared to a traditional tank heater.
The travel + leisure article cites the builder’s commitment to LEED‑qualified materials and an optional Green Seal‑certified paint that limits VOCs.
5. Builder, Pricing, and Availability
The Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home is produced by Tiny Home Builders of the West, a company known for their modular, kit‑style construction. The builder’s website ([ tinyhomebuilderswest.com ]) offers a detailed FAQ and a pricing calculator.
According to the Travel + Leisure article, the base price for the house (excluding transport and optional solar) starts at $92,500. With the optional deck extension, solar panel kit, and propane heater, the total can climb to roughly $110,000. Shipping and assembly are typically an additional 10%–15% of the kit price, depending on the delivery location.
The article notes that the house can be built in the customer’s backyard within 4–6 weeks after the order is placed, and the builder offers on‑site assembly by licensed contractors to ensure a quality finish.
6. Reviewer Verdict: A Smart, Stylish Tiny Home
The Travel + Leisure reviewers praised the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home for its versatility and attention to detail. While some tiny‑home purists may question the “two‑story” label in a space that barely exceeds 200 square feet, the article acknowledges that the vertical layout actually offers a more spacious feel than comparable single‑story designs.
Key takeaways from the review include:
- Expandable balcony deck that offers an outdoor living area without expanding the house’s footprint permanently.
- High‑quality, energy‑efficient appliances that fit neatly into a cramped kitchen.
- Smart storage solutions that maximize the limited space, especially in the loft.
- Sustainable construction materials that appeal to eco‑conscious buyers.
The final verdict? “If you’re looking for a tiny home that feels more like a luxury cabin than a cramped trailer, the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home is worth your attention.” The article ends with a recommendation to visit the builder’s showroom in Santa Fe, where prospective buyers can see a full‑scale mock‑up of the house in person.
7. Bottom Line
For anyone intrigued by the idea of a small, moveable home that still offers the comforts of a larger house— and an outdoor deck that can be deployed when the weather is nice— the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home is a compelling option. It proves that tiny homes can be built with expandable design, sustainable materials, and thoughtful interior planning, all while keeping the cost within the realm of possibility for most families. If you’re ready to shrink your footprint without sacrificing style, the Amazon 2‑Story Tiny Home may just be the perfect place to call home.
Read the Full Travel + Leisure Article at:
[ https://www.travelandleisure.com/amazon-2-story-tiny-home-expandable-design-balcony-deck-11849220 ]
