Microvillage: assessing the viability of increasing supply of affordable, sustainable and socially integrated small homes

Abstract

This paper describes a project exploring the viability in Australia of increasing the supply of small, affordable housing to those with limited income and wealth and a desire to live in homes that integrate with the community in meaningful ways and minimise consumption of building materials, land and energy. The research context is the increasing marketing and media coverage of tiny homes, which has prompted questions about whether such houses can offer an alternative affordable housing model. The project focused on four key issues: community integration, building and design, regulatory planning barriers, and financing and affordability. A combination of interviews, focus groups, and system thinking workshops was used to collect the views of stakeholders across the housing sector, including potential residents. Results indicate that a radical shift is needed from the planning authorities, housing supply and finance sector to enable the provision of affordable and sustainable compact homes that are adaptable to all stages of life.

Keywords:

• Tiny houses
• sustainability
• affordable housing
• housing finance
• community integration

Acknowledgments

Through regular meetings with the project team, a Taskforce of community stakeholders provided crucial direction and advice to guide this research project. Led by two members of Geelong Sustainability, the Taskforce contributed expertise, experience, and insights that were integral to the research. We also acknowledge the important contributions of students to various aspects of the research: Lauren Chambers, Anahita Sal Moslehian and Aremel Tibayan.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Geelong Community Foundation; Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.