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PIP
Dec 113 min read

Case Study: How Tiny Housing Company is Transforming Ideas into Reality with IoT Solutions

The Challenge


The Tiny Housing Company (THC) is an innovative UK manufacturer of energy-efficient and sustainably constructed cabins, lodges and tiny homes, who intertwine eco-friendliness with the comfort of modern living. As part of their commitment to sustainability, the company sought to integrate smart technologies to be able to monitor water and energy usage in their homes. However, they needed expert guidance to help identify, evaluate and select Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that would align with their operational goals and values.


The Solution


Through the Productivity Improvement Programme (PIP), THC, who are based in Cheshire East, were able to connect with engineers from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and together explore IoT technologies that had potential to meet their requirements. AMRC conducted in-depth research into market-available IoT systems, assessing their advantages, disadvantages and costs.

As THC and AMRC explored options for integrating IoT solutions into their eco-friendly housing models, they focused on technologies that could:

  • Track Energy and Water Usage: By monitoring consumption in real time, THC aims to provide homeowners with insights that promote sustainability, while identifying inefficiencies to minimise waste.

  • Enhance Customer Experience: IoT solutions help pre-empt maintenance issues, reducing downtime and increasing satisfaction for environmentally conscious consumers.

  • Align with Green Credentials: These systems further THC’s commitment to sustainability, enhancing their appeal to customers who prioritise eco-friendly living.

The research identified several key aspects of IoT solutions for THC to consider, such as upfront and long-term costs, allowing THC to plan their integration strategy for maximum return on investment. A comparison of systems helped THC pinpoint the options best aligned with their goals, and importantly, IoT systems that could be easily scaled to fit THC’s modular housing design.


The Impact


The comprehensive report presented to THC included useful and actionable recommendations for further exploration. With the insights provided, THC has gained a clear understanding of the most suitable IoT solutions for their needs, which has enabled the company to begin planning the integration of IoT devices into their models, starting as soon as 2025.


"Support from the Productivity Improvement Programme helped us transform an idea into a viable business plan. The report has given us the confidence to explore suitable IoT solutions, and we’re excited about the competitive edge this brings to our products," said Dane Smith-Burchnell, THC’s representative.


Looking Ahead


By adopting these solutions, THC expects to enhance its sustainability credentials and add significant value to its product offerings. While the IoT devices themselves may not directly impact accreditations, they will strengthen the company’s position when applying for standards such as ISO 14001 in the future and strengthen their reputation as a market-leader in smart, sustainable housing.

THC appreciated the tailored approach and the opportunity to confirm the feasibility of their ideas, highlighting the flexibility and supportiveness of the Productivity Improvement Programme. "We’re eager to continue working with the Productivity Improvement Programme and AMRC to explore further opportunities that align with our sustainability goals," Dane added.


What could PIP do for you?


If you’re based in Cheshire East and want to transform your ideas into action, like THC did, now’s the time to explore the Productivity Improvement Programme and access fully funded, targeted expertise and resources to help you innovate and maintain a competitive advantage.


The Productivity Improvement Programme is currently working with  businesses across Cheshire East, who are receiving intensive, 1:1 support from our BIC Innovation Business Growth Advisors, Product Design and Marketing specialists and The AMRC engineers, fully funded through the programme.


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