Click here to view original web page at www.wcvb.comBOSTON —
It may be only 360 square feet, but Boston officials are looking to see if this tiny house can make a big impact on the housing crisis in the city.
Marcy Ostberg is the director of Boston's housing innovation lab, which is looking at different ways to create 53,000 new units in Boston by 2030, when the city's population is expected to reach 700,000 people.
Ostberg said this tiny home could be a perfect fit for graduate students or seniors.
"It's a tight space, but as long as there's enough light and height, smaller spaces can actually be more affordable," Ostberg said. "You could put this in your backyard, live in it as an aging adult, and then rent out your other building."
Architect James Shen designed the home to have electricity and indoor plumbing, but be easy enough for anyone to build in four, five hours.
"With one tool, one day with a few people you can build a house," Shen said.
Before any tiny houses start popping up in your neighborhood, the city would have to change zoning laws. They're first waiting on feedback from the public and are inviting residents for a literal open house.
City officials are looking at several different ways to create new affordable housing in Boston. The tiny house will be on display at City Hall Plaza until Friday.
