At 22, buys & customizes lofted home in Pocket Neighborhood on a budget

Christian Curry was the first of his friends to buy a home. At just 22, he bought a 600-square-foot starter home within biking distance of downtown Tempe (Arizona). His is one of 13 “humble homes” that make up Tempe Micro Estates, developed to help address the lack of affordable housing in this college town.
Priced at $170,000 to $210,000 apiece, the single-family homes share a central courtyard, but are owned by their residents who lease the land (with renewable 99 year leases) through a community land trust (CLT), the Newtown Community Development Corporation. Owners can build equity, but when they choose to sell they have to sell back to Newtown to ensure that the prices remain affordable.
Curry appreciates how his small space makes experimentation more affordable; he has installed recycled quartz countertops and smart light switches and blinds. With his private side yard he laid down a turf lawn and vines to cover the back wall.
The homes are “very, very efficient”, explains Curry, who says his winter electric bills are about $25 and in the summer, despite consistent 110 degree weather, it is about $65. Architect Matthew Salenger, of coLAB studio, used passive solar and natural daylighting to help achieve such efficiency.
Each home has just four modest windows, including a glass front door, which are placed to capture maximum light, but shaded by overhangs to avoid summer heat gain. The homes’ roofs capture rainwater which is used for watering the communal fruit trees, and future community gardens, and the graywater from the communal laundry is also used for irrigation.
Curry expects to own here for at least 5 years before reselling to the CLT and taking his homeowner experience on to other projects. “Because it's small it gave me the opportunity to do a lot of the stuff that I dreamt about like making it a smart home. To test some stuff out here so when I do purchase a big boy home I can kind of use some of what I learned here.”
coLAB studio www.colabstudio.com/
180 Degrees Design + Build www.180degreesinc.com/
On *faircompanies faircompanies.com/videos/at-2...

[@versi1098]

"Tiny/Micro" houses in America are just normal houses in the UK

[@cinakakar197]

More like comparable to bungalows in the UK

[@Skarkez555]

Not like this. Way better. There should be more of this.

[@oceanwonders]

Considering the kind of sprawl that characterizes Arizona, these are probably really tiny houses to them.

[@bigbootyhunta]

In size certainly, but not similar, in their design.

[@RealConstructor]

This could certainly be an upmarket project in The Netherlands. We mostly build apartment blocks and row houses. Detached houses are way too expensive, but 600sqft/55sqm is a small home, 55sqm is a regular apartment, a row house is 110sqm. Starter homes in my town are only apartments of about 40sqm and will cost €280,000/$302,400. They are called affordable housing, but most starters will need to buy it as a couple otherwise they can’t afford to buy this small apartment. A row house of 110sqm will cost about €425,000/$459,000.

[@rudydedogg6505]

My ex-wife owns a two-story townhouse that is one unit in a block of three units that she bought 16 years ago. She developed a leak in her roof and inspection showed that the roof needed to be replaced. However, the HOA is responsible for exterior maintenance and because the other two units in her block did not have roof leaks, the HOA said it would be too costly for them to have just one roof done so she would have to wait and, no, she could not have it done herself. She finally got her roof replaced two years later and she had to insist that the drywall and ceilings in her upstairs rooms be repaired and painted, too, due to long-term water damage. HOAs? No, thank you!

[@thedownunderverse]

HOA = No Damn Way!

[@thedownunderverse]

HOA = No Way!

[@M.Campbell]

Depends on the HOA and the members. I have one and all they do is oversee the maintenance on the common areas and host a holiday party. They aren't concerned with any individual homes, their upkeep or what they do to their yards or fences. For keeping the pool, park and club house, my fees are $26.00 a year. It's the city that steps in when there is a house with a health or safety violation, a ton of trash in the yards or non-functional cars. Even the cars get a pass, if they are being worked on and have a car cover. My neighbor has an old truck that he's been working on for the past 8 years. I'm to first to loudly condemn HOA over reach, but all of them are not that way.

[@johng4093]

There are pros and cons to HOAs, like anything. Anecdotal horror stories aren't really useful in evaluating the cost/benefit. A HOA of a SFHs is quite different from one of condos since condos include common building maintenance.

[@hrussell9677]

HOAs are terrible and should be avoided if you can.

[@blueman5924]

Great concept. I’m over 60 and I would happily downsize for a similar build. I would lose half the vault area though and create an office area built similar to an exterior deck with boards 1/2” apart, to allow light and air to pass through. Would also create a large door for access to the storage under stairs, that would still carry the flatscreen tv etc. Overall building design and energy efficiency is good, cheap in summer, wow. 👍👍

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

There may be covenants preventing him from doing those sorts of things without the housing association's approval in this particular development but great shouts for a simple build on your own land.

[@JRCB77]

Yes. Increase functional use of what is now open air space.

[@jennifertharp659]

Excellent ideas! That would make the home more livable and interesting.

[@eattherich9215]

The space around the stairs could certainly be better utilised.

[@bobbie2414]

Agree!! I would love something like this!

[@andreewert1925]

Kirsten..the clear leader when it comes to this type of Video, obsessed in exploring Housing Alternatives...it helps to have that type of Clarity...and constant desire to explore playfully without Judgment, without Expectation..also, she lets people talk..a Good Interviewer..Good Job Kirsten..I look forward to your Videos..Tacos and kisses from Montreal, best wishes to the Clan and your little lovable Brats...lol

[@sev7789]

Agreed. I've been loving her videos and was pivotal in my choice to live alternatively. Kirsten rocks!

[@andreewert1925]

@@sev7789 She has great Impact...is an undervalued player...for All she showed Us.I share her Videos whenever I can....

[@christineboydstrongtower]

I pray this will grow grow and grow and NO BAD APPLES‼️❣️‼️❣️🙏‼️

[@frankG335]

What's with the random capitalization.

[@ZachTheHuman]

@@frankG335 yeah and...why do they have elipses...like every few words it doesn't make...lol

[@doubleknocker5221]

These are fantastic - we have a massive housing issue in the UK for first-time buyers - not only would these solve many problems where space is an issue but they also look good.

[@brettpitman3718]

the UK would be close to this in density, but more spacious, these are probs not sustainable compared to apartment construction, especially in UK

[@eattherich9215]

@@brettpitman3718: '... these are probs not sustainable ...'. What are you talking about? These units are built to passivhaus standards. Mass housebuilding in the UK is of a very low standard and I wouldn't touch any of them with a bargepole.

[@tricial4330]

Yes, please! Please build more of these types of communities! I would be first in line! Other states and cities could definitely benefit from this! Love the design and efficiency.

[@keninchicago]

Me too !

[@sandralnwebster3204]

You could really open up the crawl space with a larger book- shelf/door opening which would give you easier access to the storage area.😊

[@corpingtons]

Yes

[@gandr.e.5136]

@@rhmrr01 One appraisal he said was $210,000 which is $350sqft. Here in Texas, you could build that at $90sqft. $54,000

[@zekelonby4119]

solid NPC answer, we love goys like these!

[@kaxar6954]

This is so much better than having to live in your car or camper van. More affordable housing like this is needed .

[@anastasia10017]

Anyone else wonder about the train tracks 5 ft from the houses ? the dirt and vibration from the train passing will be detrimental to the houses. Not to mention the noise.

[@hyphydan]

$210,000 to live in a tiny home 10ft from the Train tracks.🤔

[@tonycollyweston6182]

@@hyphydan -and near Phoenix int Airport.

[@winyahviewer2228]

i lived in the east near train tracks - no great amount of noise, which you block out after time, and do not recall any noticeable amount of dirt. From time to time an over zealous engineer would blow the whistle more than necessary - then we learned it was a friend of the family saying hi as he went by.

[@mekkler]

I lived in a small town, one block from the tracks. The trains went through town 5-6 times a night and at least a dozen times a day, always blew their whistles when anywhere near town. Believe it or not, you actually get used to it.

[@earnthis1]

@@mekkler humans are so adaptable, which is good and bad. This house should be way cheaper, though. Then it's location is more acceptable.

[@nikkhalia]

I feel as though 600 sq ft to have one bedroom and no in-unit laundry is poor space planning. I love the idea of micro communities and hope this continues outside of arizona

[@mauriceravel4654]

Exactly! A stacked washer/dryer needs 5 sq ft of floorspace. A bedroom-level toilet/sink needs 15 sq ft. For a mere 20 sq ft additional, they could have made much more livable unit.

[@howieroarke]

I have no problem with the laundry set-up as-is, but think putting the bathroom door right off the kitchen is an epic fail.

[@Mario_Fields]

@@howieroarke Good observation about the bathroom placement being right off the kitchen.

[@nikkhalia]

@@mauriceravel4654 they wouldn't even need the additional square footage! honestly. they didn't utilize the space in the best way possible.

[@nikkhalia]

@@howieroarke neither do I, i'm just shocked they have 600 sq feet with for just 4 rooms. my apartment is 500 sq ft and came with a closet, this guy had to buy ikea units.. lol

[@anastasia10017]

The concept is great but it should not only be for first time buyers. it should be for everyone. the return of 25% of profit back to the HOA kind of smacks of the Mitchel Lama low income coops to me. The thing I find crazy is that having fruit trees is considered such a novel idea -- it is only in America where people dont grow vegetables and fruits on their land. Everybody else in the world who visits the USA is puzzled as to why all American houses are surrounded by lawns. Really, every place else in the world, people have fruit trees and herb gardens and vegetables growing in their yard.

[@tonycollyweston6182]

The owners of those houses most probably are working 3 jobs.

[@whymindsetmatters]

This is why in America you can do as you please. You can do something similar how you want to do it if you like. Why berate him?

[@adelefortin6913]

There are people that don't have much in their yard or try to grow something because they're just too lazy to take care of it

[@Blitz0065]

There are countless things that are the norm in one place, while not being in the other and that can even vary from person to person or culture to culture. I personally don't want a garden and very hesitant on fruit. At the end of the day, it's a responsibility a person has to maintain. RESULTS MAY VARY

[@AnnAndNala]

Why do you think they should not only be for first time home buyers? SMH. If you already have a home, or are selling one, you already have an advantage. First time home buyers do not have that. They deserve help in this economy, otherwise people who already have homes would buy them up and they'd probably never get into a home of their own. Also, if you've sold your home and some years have passed since you've owned a home, you are again considered a first-time home owner.

[@baranjan4172]

That high ceiling is a waste of space albeit I admit it looks good. A full length second floor would add another room to the house.

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

That's what I thought as well.

[@cynthialeech2507]

The summer heat rises and is exhausted outside at night. It works to provide a certain amount of passive cooling.

[@baranjan4172]

@@cynthialeech2507 don't they run the aircon in summer all the time? That's why the summer electricity bill is higher. It's easier to cool smaller spaces.

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

@@cynthialeech2507 Yeah. I forgot about the need to manage heat. The development is in Arizona, and you would need a high ceiling to help with the heat.

[@fudogwhisperer3590]

I absolutely HATE HOA's. I've lived in them before and will NEVER live in one again. I can't stand people telling me what to do on MY LAND.

[@3101home]

HOAs are more prevalent in close proximity home neighborhoods which prevent folks from painting their homes bright pink or retrofitting their vehicles exhaust systems extremely loud

[@Floating.Swords]

Yeah, well HOA's protect the collective value of the properties under their jurisdiction to ensure that cavalier knuckleheads don't make aesthetic or structural changes to their home that could adversely impact the resale value of adjacent properties in the area. A prospective buyer who may have been keen on acquiring a new house in your neighborhood may think twice about it if you just so happened to paint your house sky pink and installed a carousel with a loud speaker and a carnival clown themed funhouse in the front yard. I mean why not? After all, going by your logic this is YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY and you should be able to do whatever you want with it as you please, right? WRONG! If someone doesn't like the rules and regulations as set forth by a HOA, then they shouldn't be acquiring property in that neighborhood. Better yet, they probably shouldn't be living in any suburb, city, town, or planned community of any kind. All rights have limits that are meant to protect others from unjust and anti-social behavior of selfish and inconsiderate psychopaths who lack a basic sense of empathy for the safety and well being of those around them.

[@kenneth6102]

As a city dweller, I absolutely cannot stand rural folks coming in and exercise their "freedom". Those peasants have no consideration for people around them. Spreading out in public transit during peaking hours; walking side-by-side taking up the width of the pavement; partying until late at night in apartments or on the streets in high-density residential areas... the list goes on. Many villagers don't understand freedom comes will responsibilities. The most important principle is to make sure your freedom doesn't disrupt someone else's. Muh land muh freedom muh ass.

[@ursonate]

@@3101home And what's wrong with a bright pink house?

[@3101home]

@@ursonate didn’t mean to insult any pink lovers…..a pink house in any neighborhood with 10 acres or more it would be fine……or a pink building that is a business could be an advantage……but otherwise a hot pink house could devalue other homes in that neighborhood (much like black, purple, other bright colored homes would)

[@Juggy945]

Freight trains in 5 meters from your bed 😮

[@colourful64able]

People live near tracks, roosters, airports, firehalls Its very easy to get used to if you have even basic control of your mind. And dont focus on it

[@LowConsumptionAgenda]

Your brain doesn't get used to disturbing noises in your sleep. Raises your chronic stress levels.

[@mariehall9514]

The way they’re built the noise is most likely low if windows are closed. I live with a railroad right behind me and the sound was very muffled when windows were closed

[@mateuszzdyb3547]

it is the us. most likely tain pass by once a week :)

[@edwardlulofs444]

@@colourful64ablepsychologists say that they can measure stress levels increase in people who say that it doesn’t bother them. But then I live in a big city with horrible noise levels. So I can’t criticize you for your living choice. So I am a nomad that spends as much time as I can away. But I have relatives here. So that’s life…..

[@adelefortin6913]

Is that kind of housing development called "Bungalow Courtyard"? They had that kind of housing development in the 60s and 70s . This would be very nice and sufficient for seniors. Love the idea!!!

[@kennixox262]

Not such a great idea for seniors with stairs but the idea of a bungalow courtyard concept on land that can support it is a great idea. Older people need to be on one level - for mobility issues.

[@Eden639]

If you don’t own the land then this is not owning real estate. It like the manufactured homes where you lease the land.

[@UnCannyValley67]

99 year lease

[@ehoops31]

It's a little better (imo) since the land is managed by a community land trust and not a for-profit landlord.

[@kennixox262]

These are essentially condo units so the owners don't really own the land, they own the unit and are probably deeded those small plots of land.

[@niceone651]

Well done to the development. Especially when moving on having to sell back to group to avoid price hiking.

[@niceone651]

UK also needs to get these sort of houses built.

[@blueman5924]

exactly, like a co-op housing platform.

[@anastasia10017]

google Mitchel lama low income coops in NYC. they have been doing it for decades. I have my reservations about it, but maybe I dont know enough.

[@christineboydstrongtower]

How can we everyday people help get this avail to most people that need this kind of security??? …like myself

[@Sourpusscandy]

It’s a fancy lease of a box.

[@Ethannesss]

with no w/d in unit for 200k. Pass for me too!

[@valeriefrench9405]

Feel like they could have had a complete second story. So no wasted space.

[@jenniboo9441]

I agree but honestly with as dark as it already is in there, a second story would have made the entire first floor feel like a literal cave. It would have been miserable

[@PetulaGuimaraes]

What a wonderful idea and so well implemented. We need more investors to create spaces like this to protect the rights of home ownership for our people

[@kimwhatmatters4085]

That’s the point of the pandemic & squatters right they don’t want the transfer of wealth to go down with grandparents & parents . Homeownership is a sure fire path to upward mobility and generational wealth they’re gaslighting us not speaking on the fact private, publicly traded corps and foreign investors are buying up single family homes inflating the place to the point that some markets have tripled since the pandemic . They don’t want us to own anything so we’ll always have to work, ensuring 30/40% of our income ( the money used to pay for housing ) is figuratively burnt every month. We can borrow against our/families house to start a business. Working hard will NEVER create financial freedom. Unfortunately the fake corrupt version of capitalism we have now doesn’t really allow traditional businesses models you need millions usually just to be seen the quality or need of a product is nit even second thought more like 3rd or 4th in a market that moves based on what’s trending thanks to a random influencer and I mean random you can become a 10s or 100s of million dollar companies due to a non famous persons reaction to ur product.

[@joshfrench6426]

No we don't lol. 170k for this horseshit is laughable

[@M.Campbell]

This community is such a great idea. It's proof that we can find solutions and provide basic needs for everyone. Now, if we can figure out how to convince everyone to stop wanting to be rich so they can use that wealth for conspicuous consumption and wasting resources.

[@ColonelKlink100]

Those are pretty nice, but the lack of windows would be a dealbreaker for me.

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

I don't think it's that bad. The door is a pretty big window. If they weren't in a desert I'd agree

[@JRCB77]

I noticed the few windows too. I’d probably put a gigantic mirror on the back living room wall to try and compensate for what felt like dead space. Open it up by the reflection of the natural light coming through the windows in the kitchen. Or a huge nature image print. Something to shift the energy/feeling.

[@ColonelKlink100]

@@JRCB77 Good ideas.

[@oceanwonders]

Considering where they live, the intense heat and very bright light coming in probably compensates for the small windows. If it was rainy London, different story.

[@lobstermash]

Two-storey house with massive waste of space in a huge high ceiling over a small living-room. Make the whole building properly two-storeyed with space for living (and somewhere for the vacuum cleaner without crawling on your belly). It's a good living space for someone who does nothing at home except watch TV.

[@jackstrubbe7608]

I like the solar array plan being someone else's maintenance responsibility. That also makes it more attractive for elder housing without the maintenance. I also appreciate the ability to "customize" your outdoor space and having the community center access and shared fruit crop.

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

Excellent community 🙏🏿🏠! I designed a 599 sf model home that I plan to sell and showcase to the world in Los Angeles, selling at $100,000. Yes, in LA! There is a market for affordable small and tiny homes and again I’m working on build-to-rent communities. My Jewish boss has molded and shaped me to become a mogul like he was. I’m striving every day to make Americans lives better through housing. This video presentation was excellent in me seeing my vision 🙏🏿🏠.

[@anufamodu7230]

Great...that's a good vision.

[@MichaelGilmoreTV]

@@anufamodu7230 Thanks 🙏🏿

[@aderfigueroa]

I bought a small home for 75k, I'm glad I did it. I love it.

[@alisonchristie5338]

Kirsten, I really enjoy your videos: the breadth of situations, the focus on sustainability, and the laidback storytelling that often includes your family. I think you’d enjoy documenting EcoVillage at Ithaca. It’s a shared 180 acre parcel with 3 developed neighborhoods and 2 more future ones. There are on site organic farming enterprises, common houses, and a commitment to the cooperative lifestyle. A friend had 4 generations of her family there. Plus, the Finger Lakes region is beautiful to visit. ❤

[@Strylover]

Excellent. I love this idea/setup. Especially the fact that each home has its own small yard space.... that you're allowed to fix up to your own taste. Excellent idea.

[@patstats1]

Smart housing! The world needs to see more of this. Well thought out even in terms of creating community.

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

This is a great idea. I live in a nice size town in south east Texas, which has a lot of refineries in and around it. We're not that far from Houston. I wish our city council would see your channel and get some ideas for this area. We need more affordable homes and apartments for that matter. For such a city as it is, it has been going down since about 2017. We had a big hurricane hit and flood the gulf coast terribly. People moved out and moved north to the country. But, for the most part a lot of homes were damaged and just left. We have a good size Port and it's used for Army and shipping of goods, military and oil rigs all over. But still we have an influx of ppl due to building new LNG plants and other refineries. You couldn't tell it by how the city is looking though. With that influx of ppl moving in the area to work for one of the many state and city prisons or refineries we are in need of housing bad. Our city council is trying to pass an idea to have the area around downtown and the port to have a river walk area with eateries and shopping. We used to have a nice area with entertainment downtown, but with the hurricane of '17 even that's not really there. Sure, the buildings are, but businesses have moved out. It's looking really sad down there. I've seen so many interesting and affordable living ideas on your channel and we are in such need to have that here. Thanks for taking us back to Arizona. I also liked the container ideas too.

[@reader649]

Sounds a lot like Beaumont TX where I grew up. But I think Harvey is what you are referring to so you may be talking about a coastal town like Corpus Christi or Rockport. I was not in Texas then, but know from friends photos that Hurricane Rita in 2005 devastated the Jefferson County area and changed so much of the neighborhood I grew up with nearly 100 year old oaks and pines ripped up. Hard to see so much change by one storm. Hope Beaumont is looking also into affordable and innovative housing ideas.

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@reader649 bingo, yes it's Bmt. I don't think our city leaders are looking into anything like this. They are adding "affordable" housing for HUD in the west end and some in the south again. Harvey messed it up, but so did another in 17. I can't remember the name, there's just been so many. Houston suffered the worse out of every one when Harvey hit. I-10 from Bmt to Hstn was about 7' under water. It was weird to see. I don't even know how or who to push this idea to in the city council. But, I think I do know some ppl that would know.

[@andreewert1925]

@@reader649 also, places like Galveston get hit all the time..

[@reader649]

@@andreewert1925Thanks. Definitely, it has had devastating blows.

[@rpdx3]

Sounds like Texas City, TX to me.

[@livehabesha4642]

Your genuine and authentic videos have been incredibly therapeutic for me over the past year. I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for sharing your natural self while interviwing. Thank you. 😊

[@whymindsetmatters]

Is that a railroad track behind these homes? No way!

[@user-ni6ve4su7g]

i live with train track two streets await, i like the rocking of the house, even the horn was soothing. i guess to each his own

[@JuliaB1955]

Great going, Christian! Thanks a million and wishing you a very happy, fulfilling, prosperous life.

[@collette6103]

They are absolutely fantastic! Small at 600 sq ft … in Dublin Ireland three bed houses built after the war are not much bigger than that! Everything is relative I guess. The builder really thought these out, well done. Equity in the land getting passed on is a great idea. They look fab and don’t look small at all. The planning is excellent with grey water for planting etc. it goes to show that housing could learn a lot from this.

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

I would love to see more projects like this all over the country!

[@FrisellFan01]

This is all very nice but......I learned later how Smart tech can be hacked...and I was no longer a fan of that concept....and $200,000 is way too high

[@MrToranaGuy]

This is a great idea, starter homes, minimalist, cheap to run and affordably built, projects like this could help a lot of places deal with their housing crisis. We don't all need to have huge apartment's or huge detached homes, and those huge places are expensive to buy and maintain. We need more thinking and projects like this.

[@daemianevans9020]

In concept, it’s great. But it seems so dark for being in such a sunny city. I need more windows.

[@marzymarrz5172]

Well, a train a few feet away, kind of generic, but One would think a vertical build would be more efficient use of space, but these individual structures are probably cheaper to build.

[@omeokate3459]

Thank you for taking us around the alternative housing world! I would love to see someone design wheelchair accessible small homes that are affordable. I'd love to downsize, but the options for folks with mobility challenges have very few choices when purchasing a smaller home.

[@robkenyon6949]

Beautiful design and great use of space! We need more affordable housing solutions, especially for young people!

[@stuartsutherland7664]

Great starter home but also a good last home home. As a last home though it would need a stair lift to assist the homeowner to access the bedroom.

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

the 22 year old ROCKS

[@timallison8560]

the more genius part of this community is that there is almost zero water use for the entire community outdoor area which is extremely important in a state running out of water.

[@beatriz0607]

Beautifully and efficiently built! I did find the prices a little out of whack for the space, but I understand the standard home prices in the area are no competition to this! I would love a bit of a bigger outdoor space! Otherwise, these are great!

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

I LOVE IT. Thanks so much for this one. 😊

[@gospelofchange]

community land trust for the win!

[@markreed9853]

While I like the idea of tiny houses and as someone who did work in construction in the UK in my younger years, I just think high ceilings are a waste of space and having a bathroom not accessed directly from the bedroom is a bad idea. The bedroom area could have been extended to even create a bathroom, even if just a shower leaving even more space downstairs.

[@Chris-wn9hi]

Thank you for saying this. I agree the ceiling height downstairs is a waste of space, and why not make a full size bedroom with a door. Plus everyone needs more storage than they think. The noise floating up from the living area, cooking smells, not to mention trying to zone the air cooling makes this a bad design for me. I do however, love the idea of affordable homes! With a little design tweaking this house would be great.

[@markreed9853]

@@Chris-wn9hi yes, I even think the bedroom should be an enclosed room so it can be air-conditioning separately at night. Also, if land prices and space are an issue, I really think we should go to 3 levels though, depending on where you live, I’m not sure if this would add too much extra cost due to possible regulations when building extra levels in different countries?

[@PaperMario64]

I love how the entrances face away from each other.

[@luxdevoid]

Congrats to this young man who bought a home at 22. He will always remember this special place no matter what life has in store. So much negativity about the dream of home ownership being unattainable, but where there is a will there is a way as they say. My first house was basically a ruined shack but I got a job at a home improvement store that gave me employee discounts and the ability to buy rejected special orders, etc. I rebuilt and added on (no permits} with whatever I could get. When you are young, you have your labor and enthusiasm which count for a lot.

[@yeyeande]

The problem is that there are no more "ruined shack" homes that exist. No one else nowadays can do what you did decades ago because even starter home prices are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it's older people like you that caused the problem, refuse to see the problem because you "already got yours", and then refuse to offer any solution through voting. This person didn't simply pull themselves up by their bootstraps or whatever to afford a 200k tiny home at 22. They had family help and the family funds to take a risk in this experiment. Not everyone has that.

[@reader649]

I like that use of the space under the stairs, very functional, but I would have preferred that the access be where the highest area is located with a taller book case perhaps. Would have to figure out how to relocate the flat screen TV to adjust for this change.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

The tallest space under the stairs is occupied by the bathroom.

[@reader649]

@@Erika-gm2tfThanks, I missed that in the video. I did hear him say there was a 6 ft space you could stand in though under there so maybe there would still be a way to increase the access door height.

[@anaalves3658]

​@@reader649 I heard that as well. I don't own a TV so I would have preferred the opening to be at the highest point as well, makes it more user friendly 😊.

[@wildcatoutdoors]

Good deal. These need to be implemented everywhere. Nobody talks about the spread of urbanism for enviornmental impact AND the expanse of linear infrastructure upkeep that no city replaces on time like water/power/sewer. Build up not out! And these types of communities for suburban areas.

[@tamcon72]

Lots of people are talking about this, until blue in the face. Those in municipal power do not listen, because generally those in municipal power are risk averse.

[@clknight2008]

So this is what “the pods” will look like.

[@clknight2008]

5:41 Look at this shot. That is an empty box that he has filled with furniture. The solar panels are owned by the power company. The land is owned by a trust. And the HOA owns all but an arm span of your yard. This is not how humans live.

[@ttopero]

I want more examples of land trust development & intentional communities!

[@ff_s_]

Wonderful houses and project. But calling a 55m2 house "tiny" 🙄

[@oceanwonders]

It's likely tiny for Tempe Arizona. They do a lot of sprawl there.

[@itsjeninMass]

This is such a neat concept!

[@dameanvil]

- [00:11] 💰 Affordability challenge: Individual buyers struggle to compete with investors purchasing multiple properties. - [00:36] 🏝 Oasis in the city: The community stands out with its unique design, fruit trees, and neighborly atmosphere. - [01:47] 🏡 Micro homes: The community features tiny, customizable homes with personal touches. - [03:38] 🌱 Green living: The community incorporates sustainable features like fruit trees, smart home technology, and efficient utilities. - [05:54] 🏠 Interior design: Despite its small size, the homes offer surprisingly spacious and customizable interiors. - [10:01] 🌞 Natural light: Thoughtful window placement maximizes natural light throughout the homes. - [13:30] 🔄 Sustainability commitment: The community utilizes graywater systems and collects rainwater for landscaping. - [16:55] 🤝 Community amenities: Shared spaces like a community center and laundry facilities foster a sense of community. - [18:11] ⏳ Long-term plans: Residents view their homes as starter homes and plan to stay for several years.

[@SuitedSkaterLion]

14:17 💀 Her question and his instant reply, just made me dye of laugh lol..

[@dews3340]

Good morning 🌄🌄 thanks for sharing today

[@SM16]

Thank You for that tour of an amazing concept Micro -Lofts Truly I'm in Love w/ these 💝

[@T-Mo_]

The train tracks right behind the property scares me. If it wasn't for that, seems like a nice community.

[@chiburu_uchinanchu]

Hawaii needs these lofts!

[@asianwoof]

It's interesting that this is 450/150 sf split. The Tiny House code in the IRC limits the ground to 400SF with a sleeping loft; I thought these were built to that standard, and that single loft window would be the escape window. Last two iterations of the IRC require sprinklers and the Tiny House code section allows for just a single sprinkler -- is that what's in these? Also, I'm curious as to why there are two mini-splits -- was there no single unit with enough power or was this just a choice to give greater freedom of splitting air flow?

[@veeveeleo9713]

Loved it so realistic ❤, I remember once I was living all alone & I had 3 bedrooms but guess what for years I never went to the other two I was only utilising hall , kitchen & bedroom, I used to have a help who used to cone once a month to clean the house, other than that those 2 rooms were a total waste , my character, I am a minimalist, I don’t entertain people at home , I always believed in house is only the refuge to be able to enjoy a peaceful time …

[@juju-xx5xn]

Impressive. I really like these homes.

[@user-mo2nn2ez8y]

Love this home! Beautiful!

[@ireniaks]

Wow, that's A LOT of wasted space for a lot of money.

[@gemmeldrakes2758]

I kept thinking that the 16 ft ceiling in the living room could have been a second loft/ storage space, maybe?

[@martykong3592]

WOW! THANKS MUCH for sharing! MUCH NEEDED type of housing EVERYWHERE! $25 Electric bill? That's the connection fee in some places! ALL the BEST and Cheers! :)

[@timgillman]

Well thought out community.

[@yekaterinapanferova1410]

Well done. Good job. Good smart house. Thanks for your video

[@LiveInnerCity]

Tiny home living with a big community feel! This is so cool!

[@usha9807]

These are absolutely gorgeous so well thought out spacious for a smaller space.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

We had 2 block stucco homes in Florida. Now in the midwest its a stick home, but all brick. My husband layed the brick, because thats what he does. Its a beautiful home. It has 30,000 brick on it.

[@bsmartcoaching]

This what smart design and community building looks like! LOVE it!

[@lr6187]

Love the effort but $170,000 to $210,000?? Still not seeing it.

[@kellierebkowec625]

this is fantastic for the opportunity for first time buyers everywhere!

[@bonilla2022]

Beautiful video, great concepts in homes. I like that you began and ended on bicycle. 🙂 Happy Trails.

[@bobbie2414]

Wow!! Excellent buildings and what a great community.

[@Anna-ww4pv]

I love it! Perfect for this empty nester. Build some in my state.

[@peterjensen1455]

Very Impressive as is the Young Home Owner.

[@philiq18]

Cool space. About the size of a condo in Downtown Toronto. The high ceilings work well. I'd have wanted to see a space for a washer/dryer combo.

[@jeh02571]

I think the footprint is fantastic. I personally would have liked to forgo the "loft" experience and make the whole upstairs 2 rooms. Otherwise it is a great concept. Wish the outside of each home was a little more colorful ;P but that's ok!

[@user-cb1ms6hh6e]

Hate to have a bad neighbor next door, no escape, but I do love these tiny houses! You don’t need a big space to be comfortable!

[@barefoothippies]

Amazing! ❤❤❤

[@mayazzow2129]

Smart and impressive community.

[@fredk4136]

Nice, young impressive person. He can start a business with his knowledge of smart homes. Why they didnt make the over hang at the entry door to a nice little balcony next to the bedroom?

[@victorylee5381]

Love it 😍 beautiful small home ❤

[@agathaz.r3768]

This is a very nice house and tastefully decorated home! This is also the perfect home for 1st time single homebuyers, and maybe eventually downsizing seniors. I wish the US economy was such that all could afford these efficient homes.

[@Lwilliams0624]

Absolutely fantastic,Fabulous and a wonderful wonderful place. Tell the builder that they are Geniuses. They helped me solved a HUGE WORLD PROBLEM. I am forever grateful.

[@dudley1850]

Another great video!

[@jennyingling5331]

Omg ok now I wanna move to Arizona !!! Love it

[@egl3369]

This place is huge. I am from Australia and a house like this would be a million dollars.

[@craigo2142]

This would be a great idea for retirement living. Small personal space and communal areas.

[@agaragar21]

Great Idea !!!

[@dannyl-p1543]

What a nice project... I wish there was anything similar close to me to rent...

[@lottorabbit]

This is a great concept! Especially with the crazy expensive economy. Homes are very unaffordable.

[@shinybaldy]

Tempe is a really interesting part of Phoenix - but the idea of enabling more relocation to that part of the state while water usage isn't getting any better & the idea of having $200k at 22... *shrug* diff lives diff experiences I guess.

[@palebeachbum]

I love this concept overall, but I wish they made the homes single-story living to be suitable for older people too.

[@maryann2970]

You could just stay on the first floor. The bathroom is there.

[@philiq18]

That's not their demographic.

[@palebeachbum]

@@philiq18 That's a shame. Older folks need small, affordable homes as well.

[@philiq18]

@palebeachbum for sure. But going lateral versus vertical requires more land space. If they made them under this development, then they'd have 2x less houses. Only thing commendable about this development is that they seem to have attempted to provide a housing solution than the usual commoditization of that industry. Maybe they'll venture into making some diverse homes for the young and old.

[@palebeachbum]

@@philiq18 that's true. I had though about that, but wasn't sure how much building on one level would impact the amount of homes they can build.

[@RealLazy00]

Build MORE of these!

[@SmirkInvestigator]

I like the spaces allows your own solutions. The place is a great start, very efficient. I hope more cities start doing something like this. 200K is affordable. We're going to have a lot of retired w/o homes or rent money. Too tired to work but not too tired to feel jilted.

[@debrasexton6050]

Love the blinds

[@audleymurphy4796]

Shure wish they had listed or mentoned the brand / source, I would like to explore installing in one of our rooms.

[@nyneeveanya8861]

These are good for most people. Senior citizens would probably not want one because we get up two or three times a night to use the restroom and having to go from the upstairs to down stairs and through the whole house would be impractical. And could you mount a stair lift since it’s on 24” centers if you have trouble with stairs? When I was younger I would have loved this home.