River Road house is a small timber frame dwelling in Oregon designed by Nir Pearlson, Architect Inc., a small firm with an interest in green design. They were asked to create a comfortable and energy-efficient home built from sustainable materials. The clients, a couple nearing retirement, also wanted a home that would work for them as they aged, hence the decision to build a single-story house.
With an efficient layout that maximizes views between spaces, the small house feels deceptively large. In reality it is only 800 ft2 (74.3 m2), and that includes two good-sized bedrooms. Vaulted ceilings contribute to the perception of space and openness.
Today’s article on cohousing communities was contributed by Alyse Nelson of Sightline Institute. We hope you enjoy the article and the two galleries that follow!
Cohousing: Living large in small houses
The small house movement has grown dramatically as the housing crisis and economic recession has hit the United States. There are many reasons small home dwellers have selected less square footage: some hope to save money on housing; others are trying to “live green” in a smaller space; some are trading living space for a neighborhood they love; and others want to live closer to family or friends.
Jay Shafer, a co-owner of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, told the BBC: “People are thinking more about what really is a luxury now. Is it a 30-year mortgage, or is it just living simply and having the time to do more of what you want? And I think a lot of people are starting to really change their idea of the American Dream.”
But the question remains: Does living in less space mean giving up on a larger life? A small home can save you cash but if you don’t have room for your hobbies – playing a musical instrument, baking cookies for your child’s classmates, creating furniture with your tools – the monetary savings might not seem worth it. This may mean small houses appeal to only a minority of the population.
This charming bungalow home is to be found in the Alberta Arts District of Portland, Oregon. Alberta Arts is a funky neighborhood known for its artist community. The area has been gentrifying in recent years, with many of the older houses being spruced up or completely renovated. This small house was built in 1912 and was extensively remodeled a few years ago. It features the broad eaves supported by knee braces, exposed rafter tails and decorated porch structure that are hallmarks of the Arts & Crafts bungalow style.
Homeowner Kol Peterson provided these photographs of his appealing shingled cottage. It is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a small house built in the back yard of an existing house. ADU’s go by many other names as well…carriage house, laneway house, backyard cottage, granny flat. ADU’s are often occupied by relatives of the property owner, for example allowing an aging parent to live semi-independently but with support nearby. Other ADU’s are rented out, providing an affordable alternative to apartments.
