Many of us dream about what it would be like to live in a fantastic home surrounded by beauty on every side. If you live in the city, it is likely that you think about living deep in the woods, away from the stress that the city generates. Of course, for many of us, it may mean having to win the lottery in order to realize that dream.
Thanks to some architectural students at Auburn University, the ability to live in a beautiful area at an affordable price is quickly becoming a reality. That is due to their Rural Studio program, one that proves you can have the perfect home for you without spending an arm and a leg.
The way that this is done is through building tiny homes, but they build them in ways that make them seem much larger on the inside than what they are on the outside. The fact that they cost $20,000 makes them very affordable for lower income families or people who are living on a fixed income. If you think it sounds like a good idea, wait till you see the inside!
Auburn University established the Rural Studio program in 1993. It was first established in Alabama’s Hale County, where many low income families reside and struggle to make it from one day to the next.
The houses are not much on extras, but they are absolutely adorable in a minimalistic way. More importantly, however, is the independence that they provide to those families who can’t afford them.
The principles of recycling, reusing and making the most out of what you have is the backbone of this project. It is the belief of those who worked on the project that everyone has a right to a well-designed home that is both visually pleasing and functional.
Typically, the houses are one bedroom and one bathroom but if there are specific needs, they can be customized. One of the most important factors is that they are built to be low-cost.
The homes are frequently built on short stilts and have corrugated metal and timber exteriors. Passive heating and cooling help to minimize the cost.
Since they are built on platforms, they are protected from flooding. The platform is also less expensive than a typical foundation.
The houses are designed for minimalistic living. That would include storage space, light and living space. Everything is done to be as pleasant as possible for the owner.
As far as the Hale County residents are concerned, they have really been provided with a lot. Not only do they get a community that they can be proud of, the students learned a lot about design and architecture.
The interior layout is simple and it contains plenty of natural light.
People can also put their own personal touches on the little houses, which truly makes them a home!
The entire project has been a learning experience for everyone and the houses are constantly changing and improving.
The students receive many benefits by having this type of assignment as a hands-on project. Not only are they able to get a grade, somebody else gets a home.
Via: Rural Studios
We love what they are doing with these small houses. Be sure to share this information with others so they can enjoy it as well.