OTIS – Death of the Suburbs?

New Design Reflects Changing Priorities

 

otis change to suburbs?
Photo: REED Green Mountain College

It’s a gorgeous tiny house – but that’s not the only reason why I’m sharing it with you.

I’m wondering if this could be the start of some hope for climate change.

And it’s not because this wee house is green and eco-friendly (which it is).

It’s because of the thought process behind it.

Let me explain.

Students at Green Mountain College created OTIS (Optimal Traveling Independent Space) to show that tiny homes can be comfortable, eco-friendly and even practical! This 70 square foot / 6.5 sq metre pod  is ergonomic, and small and light enough to be moved on a trailer pulled by an ordinary car.

otis for one
Photo REED Green Mountain College

It’s solar powered, has a composting toilet and collects its own rainwater. It’s very low maintenance.

I really like the look of it!

But what I like even more is the concept . The students designed it to reflect their view of a “happy life” . And I’m delighted to see that they no longer buy into the idea of a home in the suburbs (complete with debt they spend their entire lives paying off).

Students in the millennial generation seem keen on their own personal living space which is mobile and low footprint. That’s great!

otis porch
Photo REED Green Mountain College

Suburbs around the world cause environmental problems. First there’s the commute to work, mostly in cars which pollute, and all the infrastructure (roads etc) required to get them there. There’s the endless acres of totally unproductive lawn. Many suburban houses are large, energy inefficient, low-density and full of “stuff”.  Most suburbs are too far to walk to work, and public transport often isn’t viable due to the low density. Wilderness land is destroyed to build suburbs, and miles of roads and side-walks cause water problems instead of being absorbed by soil. Biodiversity and habitat are affected by our desire for stand-alone homes, and environments around the world are compromised by our desire for gadgets and vehicles to fill our houses.

otis travel light
Photo REED Green Mountain College

A move away from suburbs to a lower-footprint dwelling made from low-impact materials is a huge step in the right direction.

Of course later on, this same generation may wish for more permanent accommodation to raise a family for example, but in general a city apartment has a lower impact than a average suburban home.

So, here’s hoping these OTIS homes take off and become a symbol of a new way of living more simply.

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Tags

ecofriendly, green, home, house, millennial generation, mobile home, OTIS, suburbs, tiny home


  • Interesting article. I watched a documentary on Youtube about these tiny houses. Here is the full length documentary – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDcVrVA4bSQ. I also have seen several other videos about these – just search for “tiny houses” on youtube. It is funny that these seem to have really caught on in the environmental movement and “underground” culture but generally have not been noticed by the mainstream news media.

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