\
IKEA is making headlines with its charming 365-square-foot tiny home.
This isn’t just any tiny home; it’s part of the first single-site permanent supportive housing initiative in its area.
3
3
The tiny home was donated to Towne Twin Village in San Antonio, Texas.
It was built by IKEA in a collaboration with WestEast Design Group & Social Impact Studio.
But what sets this project apart is its focus on trauma-informed design (TID), an approach aimed at fostering healing and well-being for residents.
Sam Eisenman, IKEA U.S. Sustainability Business Partner, emphasizes that the company is more than just a furniture retailer and is “on a mission to tackle the affordable housing crisis”.
IKEA do not currently stock tiny homes for purchase.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
IKEA’s tiny home proves that small can be mighty. It boasts a range of sustainable features that align with modern living standards.
Here’s what it features:
- Water-saving shower heads and faucets, helping to reduce waste.
- Kitchen cabinets made from recycled PET bottles, promoting eco-friendliness.
- An energy-efficient portable induction cooktop, which makes cooking a breeze.
- A built-in recycling and compost station that encourages sustainable habits.
- Solar panels on the roof to harness the sun’s power for energy efficiency.
Fully furnished with IKEA’s signature smart solutions, the tiny home includes everything from a cozy kitchen and bathroom to a comfortable bedroom and living area.
The products include:
- MALM Storage bed for maximizing space.
- HAUGSVÄR Hybrid mattress for a good night’s sleep.
- NORDLI Chest to keep belongings tidy.
- NORDEN Gateleg table that expands for dining.
- BROR Utility cart for versatile storage.
Valued at around $75,000, this tiny home isn’t just a shelter; it’s a stepping stone toward independence for its future resident.
DESIGNED WITH HEART
This tiny home was shaped by insights gathered directly from the community and potential residents.
IKEA engaged with local voices, hosting focus groups to ensure the design met real needs.
The result? A home that balances functionality with comfort—think multifunctional furniture that can easily adapt for guests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
TINY HOMES
Tiny homes are characterized by their compact design that prioritizes efficiency and functionality over unnecessary space.
These dwellings are designed to accommodate only essential amenities for comfortable living and typically range anywhere between 100 and 500 square feet.
The surge in popularity is largely due to their affordability, eco-friendly nature, and the freedom they offer from conventional home ownership responsibilities — and the cost.
Tiny home prices can vary widely depending on factors such as size, location, and customization.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $20,000 to upwards of $100,000, or more for a professionally built tiny home.
DIY enthusiasts can save money by building their own, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, or even revamping sheds or outbuildings.
On the flip side, tiny homes can have less living space which can make everyday tasks and chores more difficult.
They may also be uncomfortable for families or limit the number of guests you can have.
Tiny homes are generally legal in most states throughout the US. However, regulations exist, and they differ from state to state. Therefore, it is crucial to check the specific regulations in your state.
TINY HOMES ON THE RISE
Housing experts say the rise in tiny homes are in part due to an ongoing national housing shortage.
According to estimates from Realtor.com, the country is short between 2.3 million and 6.5 million housing units.
Experts say the housing shortfall is driving housing affordability issues in America, and that outdated zoning rules have hampered construction levels for decades.
The company says the shortfall is the “root cause” of ongoing housing affordability issues in America, blaming outdated zoning rules for hampering construction levels.
While the pandemic sparked a construction boom, the boom has fallen short of demand.
The US Census Bureau says about 1.45 million homes were completed in 2023, which was an increase from the year before.
Jay Shafer, creator of the tiny home movement, said the housing crisis could have been predicted as far back as the 1990s and called for a re-examination of zoning rules often preventing homes from being built.
“Even 25 years ago it was not hard to see how the housing crisis was already happening for a lot of us,” Shafer told The U.S. Sun.
3
