In 2017, entrepreneur Adrian Chia found himself in need of a break.
After six years of building and eventually selling his IT startup to a competitor, the pace of life had taken its toll. To recharge, he travelled with his family to Australia, spending time on farms, driving along the Great Ocean Road and enjoying quiet beaches.
That trip would eventually spark a business idea.
Together with childhood friends Jeff Yeo and Dave Ng, Adrian decided to create a way for other city dwellers to enjoy similar nature getaways. The trio invested about $100,000 in seed capital and founded Big Tiny in 2017.
Turning Land Into Nature Getaways
At its core, Big Tiny operates a platform that connects three groups of people.
The first are landowners who have scenic rural land but lack the resources or expertise to develop accommodation. The second are travellers seeking short nature escapes away from crowded cities. The third group consists of investors or enthusiasts who want to own a tiny home without managing it themselves.
Big Tiny brings these groups together through a profit-sharing model. Instead of requiring landowners to build anything, the company designs, builds and manages the tiny homes placed on their land. This reduces upfront cost and operational hassle for landowners while allowing them to generate income.
For travellers, the result is a unique stay experience close to nature. Depending on the location, guests can enjoy activities such as farm tours, horse riding, bushwalking, or wine tastings, offering a different pace from that of typical city hotels.
Why Tiny Homes?
Rather than building permanent cottages, Big Tiny focused on tiny houses on wheels. This solves several problems at once. They are cheaper and faster to build, can be relocated if demand shifts, and align with growing interest in sustainable, minimalist living.
Despite their size, these homes are designed to be comfortable, typically including a bed, bathroom and kitchenette. For buyers, prices start from about $90,000, with Big Tiny handling placement and rental operations through its international network.
Expanding Across Multiple Countries
Since launching, Big Tiny has expanded well beyond Singapore. Its homes are now found across Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan and several European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Sweden. Locations are usually chosen to be accessible from major cities, yet far enough to provide a genuine escape.
Each site offers a slightly different experience, from coastal retreats to farm stays and private bushland. In Singapore, one example is the Tiny Away Escape at Lazarus Island, where several tiny homes were transported by boat to create a secluded getaway.
Riding The Growth Of Eco-Tourism
Big Tiny’s growth reflects a broader shift in travel preferences. More people are seeking experiences that help them disconnect from urban life and reconnect with nature. Eco-tourism and experiential stays have become major drivers in the tourism industry.
Tiny homes fit neatly into this trend. They require less land, blend into natural surroundings and avoid large-scale construction. For urban residents, a weekend in a quiet, nature-filled setting can feel more meaningful than a standard hotel stay.
The Long-Term Vision
For Adrian Chia and his co-founders, the ambition is to keep expanding their global footprint. The idea is straightforward: create more opportunities for people to step away from city life, while helping landowners and investors benefit from the growing eco-tourism market.
What began as a personal break from startup burnout has evolved into an international hospitality business. Sometimes, a holiday does more than recharge you. It can change the direction of your next venture.
Photo Credit: Big Tiny
