Is Micro-Housing Revolutionizing How People Live?

Imagine living in an apartment with less than 200 square feet of space. Its kitchen, bedroom and office are all in one room. It has a twin bed, micro-dish washer and a single sink in the kitchen.

For residents in cities all across the world, apartments of this kind are more prevalent than ever. Micro-housing, as its often called, is meant to be both energy-efficient and maximize its usable space. The popularity stems from the appeal of a reduced environmental footprint and often pristine location.

In cities like London, where space is tight and increasingly expensive, micro-apartments and homes are looked at as a possible solution to the problem. These homes can provide all the necessary amenities of city living while dealing with an increase in population.

In New York, some residents love the intimacy of their tiny apartments while others feel like they are living in a closet. Many call it their “room” and not their “apartment,” and shiny and new often comes with sterile and lonely.

Boulder has seen a rise in tiny homes, which have allowed people to live simply, be close to nature and reduce their carbon footprint. Many have wheels that allow for relocation and exploration. Small-scale mobile living is viewed as an alternative to big homes and wasted space, yet issues with housing codes have caused big obstacles.

Despite the drawbacks, many experts believe that micro-units can be a practical housing solution going forward if they are handled the right way by developers and cities alike. Right now it is a trend, and new home size in the United States hit an all-time high last year, averaging out at 2,600 square feet. That’s more than two-and-a-half times the size of a single-family home in the 1950’s. Living large is certainly not a thing of the past.

For more information visit: CNN, CCTV America, Boulder Weekly

Photo courtesy of: Nicolas Boullosa