10 Great Alternative Housing Ideas PLUS Loads of Inspiring Examples, Pros & Cons and More!

Summary

This video explores 10 innovative alternative housing options, offering unique living solutions for various lifestyles and budgets. From tiny homes on wheels that prioritize affordability and customization to yurts, which provide simplicity and a calming, round structure, each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Boats, shipping containers, and float homes present waterfront living with varying maintenance requirements. Earthships aim for self-sufficiency using recycled materials, while natural buildings focus on health and environmental sustainability. Passive houses significantly reduce energy consumption with their advanced design elements. Converted vehicles and trailers offer mobile living for those who value flexibility, and small spaces, whether in urban or rural settings, promote minimalism and efficiency. The video encourages viewers to consider their priorities, such as affordability, sustainability, or quality of life, when exploring these alternative housing choices.

Takeaways

• 🏡 **Alternative Housing Variety**: The video discusses 10 different types of alternative housing, each with unique characteristics and considerations.
• 🚚 **Tiny Houses on Wheels**: Tiny houses have gained popularity for their affordability and portability, but legal parking and insurance can be challenges.
• 🌿 **Yurts (Yurs)**: Originating from Central Asia, yurts are portable, wind-resistant, and can be quickly set up, though not suitable for all climates.
• 🛶 **Boats as Homes**: Boats offer a waterfront lifestyle but require maintenance and may have restrictions on docking for liveaboards.
• 📦 **Shipping Container Homes**: These modular homes offer creative building possibilities but need proper insulation and waterproofing.
• ⛵ **Float Homes**: Built on floating bases, these homes offer picturesque living, though maintenance and marina space can be issues.
• 🌱 **Earth Ships**: Designed for self-sufficiency with waste materials, these homes are labor-intensive and require careful design for climate suitability.
• 🏰 **Natural Buildings**: Utilizing natural materials like wood, clay, and hemp, these structures prioritize health and the environment but may need custom building plans.
• ♨ **Passive Houses**: These homes significantly reduce energy consumption with features like thick insulation and heat recovery ventilation systems.
• 🚐 **Converted Vehicles and Trailers**: Mobile living in vans, buses, and trailers offers flexibility but comes with challenges like maintenance and parking.
• 🏢 **Small Spaces**: Living in smaller spaces can be more affordable and energy-efficient, requiring careful organization to prevent clutter.

Q & A

What is the definition of alternative housing as mentioned in the script?

Alternative housing refers to any type of housing that is a bit different from traditional homes. It can involve different building techniques, materials, or sizes, and is often located off the beaten path.

Why is it important to research before choosing an alternative housing option?

It's important to research because alternative housing options may not be suitable for every location, budget, or climate. Additionally, there may be legal considerations such as finding a place to park a tiny home legally and obtaining financing and insurance.

What are the typical sizes of tiny houses on wheels mentioned in the script?

Tiny houses on wheels can range from as small as 16 ft long by 8 1/2 ft wide to as large as 43 ft long by 10 1/2 ft wide, with an average interior space of around 300 to 400 square feet.

What are some of the advantages of living in a tiny house?

The main advantages of tiny houses include portability, as they are built on wheels and can be moved easily, and the opportunity for customization and design due to their smaller size.

What are Yurts and where do they originate from?

Yurts, also known as 'gers' in Mongolia, are portable tent structures that originate from Central Asia. They are traditionally made with natural materials and are known for their round shape and wind resistance.

What are some challenges associated with living in a boat as a home?

Challenges of boat living include the variability in boat prices, the cost of maintaining the boat, vulnerability to the elements, and the potential difficulty of finding a marina that accepts year-round liveaboards.

What are the key features of a passive house?

Passive houses aim to drastically reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by using thick walls with lots of insulation, a tight building envelope, triple-glazed windows, and a heat recovery ventilation system.

What are some benefits of living in a small space?

Living in a small space can be more affordable, use less energy to heat and cool, require less furniture and other items, which can reduce spending and consumption, and often provide a sense of satisfaction from optimizing the space.

What are Earthships and what are they made of?

Earthships are a type of alternative housing designed to be self-sufficient, using waste products like old tires, bottles, and cans, along with natural materials like dirt to minimize the need for new materials.

How do float homes differ from traditional homes in terms of construction?

Float homes are built like traditional homes but instead of sitting on a land foundation, they are built on a floating base, often made of concrete and styrofoam, which allows them to be located in bodies of water.

What is a common challenge faced by those living in converted vehicles or trailers?

A common challenge includes the need for insurance, gas, and frequent repairs and maintenance, especially for older models. Additionally, finding suitable places to park overnight and dealing with extreme temperatures can be difficult.

Why might someone choose to live in an alternative housing option over a traditional home?

People might choose alternative housing for various reasons such as affordability, personal health, environmental sustainability, quality of life, or the desire for a unique living experience that traditional homes may not offer.