In the early part of the 21st century, the tiny house movement emerged as an alternative option for those seeking to live a more simplistic, environmentally conscious lifestyle. The advent of “tiny homes” has changed the landscape of the metal construction industry. Modular homes utilizing metal building systems provide sustainable, cost-effective solutions for everything from workforce housing to providing innovative accommodation for unhoused people.
Step(0)—NowHouse
The San Fransico-based firm, Office of Charles F. Bloszies, developed a wholly unique solution to addressing the issue of homelessness across North America. Bloszies and his team created a tiny home prototype deemed “Step(0)—NowHouse”. These temporary housing prototypes can likewise be combined with other modular structures to create what the firm calls Step(0)-City. A test site already exists in Northern California.
Photo courtesy Office
of Charles F. Bloszies
“We’ve seen significant issues crop up with other tiny home villages around the country, as well as homeless setups missing the basic services required for effective solutions,” says Charles Bloszies, a structural engineer and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). “Instead of starting with a bunch of boxes, we start with a full facility concept, all the campus components needed, and with smaller tiny home modules designed for durability and the best quality of life.”
Each Step(0)—NowHouse module consists of a metal building system—a welded aluminum frame, an aluminum panel rainscreen, and a standing seam roof. Other components include insulation, sheathing, a hoist ring, and windows.
In addition, the Step(0)-City concept includes amenities such as a five-station bathroom trailer, a five-station shower trailer, a food truck, stackable sleeping units constructed from 12.2-m (40-ft) factory-modified shipping containers outfitted with photovoltaic panels, and 6.1-m (20-ft) factory-modified shipping containers offering supportive services.
“The keys to success are on-site social services, quiet outdoor spaces for alone time or socializing, and places to sit and enjoy a meal,” says Bloszies. “Premanufactured units can work if they are customized to meet those specific site needs.”
The prototype tiny homes comprise an overall modular concept called “Step(x)”—Step(0) provides temporary assisted housing, Step(1) consists of transitional housing options, and Step(2) offers individuals permanent housing solutions.
Completed navigation centers
Two Step(1) campus sites (referred to as “navigation centers”) have already been completed in the San Francisco Bay Area—one in Redwood City and the other in Mountain View. Constructed in precisely one year and a month, the 10,126 m2 (109,000 sf) Redwood City site (named the “San Mateo County Navigation Center”) houses 240 individuals transitioning to permanent housing. Usually, the length of stay for residents is between three and six months. The site has 19 support modules providing clinics, client services, and administrative offices. Further, a dining hall with a commercial kitchen and a community center were also constructed on-site. Additionally, Step(1) transitional housing sites are under construction in San Jose and Palo Alto.
The housing system is available in what has been dubbed the “kit of parts” to ensure the Step(0) solution remains cost-efficient and offers quick construction turnarounds in any location.
“The logic driving these design concepts is that sites available for unhoused people are often tricky and complex—small areas, odd shapes, difficult contexts—so the more flexibility in layout you have, the better,” says Bloszies.
Photo courtesy SI Container Builds (Sustainable Imprints Inc.)
Steel shipping container structures
The concept of “tiny houses” has evolved over the years, particularly given the necessity for addressing the housing crisis, coupled with the need for environmentally sustainable construction solutions. An emerging innovative concept provided by Illinois-based S.I. Container Builds (SICBS) is repurposing steel shipping containers. These steel-frame structures offer a myriad of solutions for housing personnel, wellness retreats, community developments, short-term rentals, and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) options, amongst other applications.
Photo courtesy SI Container Builds (Sustainable Imprints Inc.)
Ranging from 14 m2 (160 sf) to over 29 m2 (320 sf), the structures are available in various models, including portable power pods, studios, multi-family community developments, and backyard office pods.
- portable power pods—These off-grid structures can be utilized in a variety of ways, including disaster relief units, construction sites, or workforce housing.
- studio—Available with off-grid options, these units contain one bedroom and one bathroom making them ideal as an ADU or for commercial use.
- multi-family stackable units—These structures are ideal for multi-family housing projects.
SICBS works primarily with developers, non-profits, and other organizations to foster the importance of sustainability and producing a minimal carbon footprint. Some of the projects the company has been involved with include developments offering affordable housing options, a group shelter home for girls who had been trafficked, and wellness pods on college campuses.
Photo courtesy Living Vehicle
Aluminum tiny homes on wheels
Another component of the tiny house revolution is the emergence of small homes on wheels. Classified as an RV, this type of fifth-wheel trailer has increased in popularity over the past several years. The mobile, off-grid capabilities of these units appeal to those seeking a simple, nomadic, sustainable lifestyle.
Santa Barbara-based Living Vehicle designs various models, each with advanced solar-powered electrical systems. Constructed of solid aluminum (including the subfloor) ensuring durability, the top of every unit is outfitted with monocrystalline solar panels that fully harness the sun’s energy into a Grade A lithium power system. Potable water is available using an atmospheric water generator (AWG) that extracts water from the air. Each unit comes with a Level 1 charger capable of charging electric vehicles. The layout and floor plan provides convertible space, an essential factor of a tiny home. In addition, a composting toilet is incorporated into the bathroom design. “Living Vehicle has always focused on offering more than just a way to travel; it provides a way of life,” says Matthew Hofmann, founder and CEO of Living Vehicle.
Photo courtesy Living Vehicle
Looking to the future
Tiny houses and modular structures using metal building systems provide an effective solution to mitigating the housing crisis across North America. In addition, these spaces offer a durable, sustainable option for combating the climate crisis.