Touring Team Canada Athlete Hayden Mayeur’s Off-Grid Tiny Home

For Team Canada bobsledder Hayden Mayeur and his partner Rosalie, downsizing was a welcome lifestyle transformation rooted in purpose, peace, and practicality. Tucked into the rolling foothills of Alberta, just outside Calgary, their handcrafted tiny home is a statement about intentional living, recovery, and connection to nature.

From Rink to Ranch

Five years ago, Hayden found himself spending recovery days helping out on local ranches. What began as a way to unplug from sport became a meaningful relationship with the agricultural community. When he and Rosalie started to dream about building a tiny home, friends in the area offered them a place to set up on ranch land. The move allowed them to embrace tiny living and eliminate long commutes to Hayden’s part-time ranch hand work.

Small Footprint, Big Intention

Built by Summit Tiny Homes, Hayden and Rosalie’s tiny home is a masterclass in smart design. Every square inch has a purpose, even the toe kicks under their kitchen counters are drawers. The home features two lofts (one for guests, one for storage), a queen-sized bed with his-and-hers closets, and a cozy living space anchored by a wood-fired stove.

Outside, its soft green exterior blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. A respectful nod to the land they now call home. Inside, natural wood tones and an abundance of windows fill the space with light, offering serene views of sheep, horses, and Alberta sky.

Off-Grid, On Purpose 

With no access to city utilities, Hayden and Rosalie worked with Canadian Off Grid, Steelhead Ventures, and Zeno Renewables to build a fully self-sufficient utility shed beside their home. Ten solar panels power everything from March to October, while a backup generator kicks in only during the darkest winter days. Water is trucked in and waste trucked out, making them highly conscious of their environmental footprint.

Despite the systems in place, life here doesn’t feel restricted. It’s simply more intentional. “If you were to visit,” Hayden shares, “you wouldn’t think we were living strictly.”

The Perfect Environment for Peak Performance 

Sleep is critical for any athlete, especially one with Olympic goals. After cycling through countless conventional mattresses, Hayden was introduced to Black Sheep and toured the Calgary workshop. The customization, transparency, and craftsmanship spoke directly to his values as both an athlete and a homeowner.

"Every single piece of material had a story behind it that could trace its source and had a real purpose," he recalls. Their custom mattress supports both Hayden and Rosalie perfectly while also offering critical breathability which is especially helpful on hot prairie nights.

More Space to Breathe 

Tiny living has offered more than just a clever floorplan. For Hayden and Rosalie, it’s brought clarity. "We now live in a home where everything serves a purpose or has meaning," says Hayden. Their kitchen features just a few well-loved knives and handmade ceramics; their closets hold only what they use and love. The absence of clutter has made room for greater presence.

What’s Next 

As Hayden continues training with Team Canada, their tiny home serves as a restful, restorative base, grounded in good design and even better sleep. Stay tuned for the second instalment of our series, where we follow Hayden through a day-in-the-life as he prepares for the Olympic season ahead.