Micro-Housing: A Paradigm Shift of the American Dream

A couple weeks back, I wrote an article called “It’s Not the Size that Counts”; a short piece about buying homes based on factors beyond size & $/square foot.  However, I’m beginning to think that the article should have been entitled “Size Matters”.  Let me explain.

Most of you may not know that I am a LEED Accredited Professional.  This is a designation by the US Green Building Council for someone who has taken the steps and demonstrated the abilities to qualify as a “Green” professional in the building industry.  I have a passion for sustainability, and very much agree with efforts to protect our natural resources by using them wisely & efficiently.

My passion for sustainability, and my continued interest in following the latest trends, has brought to light a recent “boom” in the real estate industry.  The trend is commonly being referred to as “micro-housing” or “pocket-neighborhoods” and is a realignment of the traditional mindset, “bigger is better”.  These micro-homes are designed to maximize efficiency & minimize impact.  They commonly range anywhere from 400-1000 square feet, and the small acreage communities that these homes are found in usually include a significant common area with green space and some sort of community garden, clubhouse, and/or storage facility.  The benefits of these home designs include lower utility costs, smaller building footprint allowing for maximized green space, lowered construction costs, and an overall simplifying of the hectic, over-consuming American lifestyle.  It also embraces the idea of community, which is an American tradition that seems to have died in recent decades.

 

An interesting fact I learned in researching micro-housing is that 60% of home buyers today are 1-2 person parties.  Why then, are we looking for these huge homes that have formal dining rooms which are rarely used, more bedrooms than we know what to do with, and yards that simply consume our time & money to maintain?  I think this trend is encompassing an important paradigm shift, which many American’s are embracing after the recent crash.  Perhaps the rebirth of America’s housing industry will begin with a newer, healthier approach to the way we live and the homes we choose to live in.  Here are some related sites if you are interested in further information on the micro-housing trend:

http://www.cottagecompany.com/default.aspx (My Personal Favorite)

http://pocket-neighborhoods.net/

http://rosschapin.com/Projects/PocketNeighborhoods/PocketNeighborhoodsOpener.html

Thanks for reading! Please comment with your thoughts!.

Best,

Matt