Tiny House In My Backyard: Richmond Backyard Homes
Project Leaders: Garrett Pohlman, Jessica Chen
Sponsor: Sustainable Housing at California (SHAC)
Project Theme: Firsts
Project Description:
The Tiny House in My Backyard (THIMBY) team will construct a net-zero-energy 240 sq.ft. house on wheels in the backyard of a single-family residence in Richmond. This low-cost and sustainable home will be the first home to be constructed under the City of Richmond’s “Tiny House on Wheels Pilot Project” ordinance, and will serve as housing for a formerly unhoused or housing insecure member of the community. In collaboration with the TentMakers, Richmond homeowners, the community, and private sponsors, this home will showcase a model for affordable accessory dwelling unit (ADU) housing and an accompanying on-the-job (OJT) opportunity for existing workforce development programs.
Project Goals:
1) To provide a private, safe, and permanent house at little to no-cost for someone who does not currently have stable housing.
2) To educate others about sustainable housing and technology by engaging students, homeowners, and community organizations.
3) To demonstrate a low-cost of construction, community-based affordable housing option and gather public support for an ongoing program that will construct and place these homes in bay area neighborhoods.