Muji just debuted a $27,000 tiny home that measures 98 square feet
Starting in August, the brand will start selling actual homes in Japan that will cost ¥3,000,000, or the equivalent of about $27,000.
Called the Muji Hut, it measures just 98-square-feet and features a shed roof, a porch, sliding glass windows, plywood interiors, and a facade made of "Shou Sugi Ban" (a type of charred wood sourced from Japan).
The Muji Hut is prefabricated, meaning the majority of it is constructed in a factory off-site. The house is built on a concrete foundation to protect against ground moisture, according to Muji.
As Core 77 points out, it doesn't include any capability for plumbing, electricity, or ventilation. That means there's no toilet or sink, so the Muji Hut would be nearly impossible to live in full-time unless you connect it to off-grid power and you have a separate outhouse. The Muji Hut will likely be a vacation or backyard home for most owners.
The hut is for people who want to get away from the city, a Muji spokesperson from its Tokyo headquarters tells Business Insider.
"In Japan, people often want to get away from the city on the weekends, but they don't want the cost of renting vacation houses or cottages. The Muji hut is a great solution to this," they say. "In accordance with Muji's ethos, the hut was inspired by the concept of 'living in a desired place' and the fulfillment that comes from living simply."
As a clothing and households retailer, Muji adds that the decision to sell homes was a natural extension of its brand.
"Muji is a lifestyle brand so our products cater to every aspect of how people live their lives. For this project, we focused on the spaces people choose to inhabit when they are not in the city or away from home," the spokesperson says.
In addition to the home above, Muji debuted three other tiny cabin designs in 2015. The new Muji Hut will only be available to order online in Japan, beginning late summer.