housingTREND
e s u o H l l a Sm Movement
"Tiny homes have gained popularity due to rapidly increasing rents!"
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housing trend has gained prominence across the nation as a solution to looming issues such as foreclosures, skyrocketing rents in urban cities, and increased debt. The trend, known as the Small House Movement, refers to the switch from traditional homes to smaller, minimalist homes typically under 400 square feet. These homes are usually referred to as ‘tiny homes.’ Although the percentage of foreclosures has decreased since the recession, there were still 1.4 million foreclosures in the United States in 2013. The Small House Movement has allowed former homeowners to escape a future of hefty mortgage payments and regain their independence.
High-priced Rents Tiny homes have also gained popularity due to rapidly increasing rents. A recent study regarding New York rental prices revealed that rent in Brooklyn and Manhattan is at a five-
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year peak with an average rental price at $4,008 in Manhattan and $3,209 in Brooklyn. Other dense, urban areas are experiencing similar growth. San Francisco, for example, is no stranger to escalating rents. Rent in San Francisco has now become three times more than the national average. A growing amount of people are finding it impossible to not only pay their rent but find affordable housing in cities nationwide.
Sleek and Functional Designs The Small House Movement combats the rent issue with micro-apartments in major cities although the movement is also comprised of tiny homes that have the option of attached wheels for mobility. The housing layout of both designs use innovative techniques to maximize space and include many of the same components of a traditional home such as a bedroom, bath-
room, kitchen, dining room, and den. Architects utilize everything imaginable for storage so that clutter is avoided and a spacious feel is added. Most notably, Hong Kong architect Gary Chang has transformed his 344 square foot apartment into a spacious home with luxurious amenities such as a wet bar, steam room, and library. His secret? Chang uses a combination of hidden sliding doors and compartments that transforms a simple area into nearly any type of room desired. Other design techniques include stairs that double as individual drawers for storage, vanity mirrors with storage space that pop out of floorboards, and tables that rise up and rest against the wall for impromptu shelves. Although many people that participate in small space living use it as their main form of housing, tiny homes have also become a trend among those who want spare offices, in-law quarters, or simply a spare room for guests.