
Small Home
The housing crisis, and growing awareness of environmental affects of industry, is leading to a cultural shift to less material consumption and smaller homes. In the United States, the average size of new single family homes grew from 1,780 square feet (165 m2) in 1978, to 2,479 square feet (230.3 m2) in 2007, and further still to 2,662 square feet (247.3 m2) in 2013. With the increase in square footage also came a reduction in material quality and longevity, which has greatly increased landfill mass and carbon emissions. The small home movement is a return to houses of less than 1,000 square feet (93 m2). Frequently, the distinction is made between small (between 400 and 1,000 sq ft or 37 and 93 m2), and tiny houses (less than 400 sq ft or 37 m2), with some as small as 80 square feet (7.4 m2). The movement is also leading to innovative solutions for automation and sustainability. Â Â Â
An Additional Dwelling Unit, (ADU), (also known as a secondary suite, second unit, granny cottage, she shed, etc.,) is a second complete dwelling unit which is legally built within or on the same lot as an existing single family residence. With increases in the price of housing in many cities and suburbs, an increased awareness of the costs of low-density car-oriented development patterns and an increased need to care for the aging baby boom generation, ADUs have been promoted as a beneficial option with increasing acceptance. An ADU can be a complete independent living facility with a kitchen, bathroom, and private entry; or serve other purposes, (or combination of purposes), such as: Small Home Guest House Art Studio Yoga Studio Exercise Studio Climbing Gym Sauna Hurricane Shelter Home Office