San Jose reduced the annoying and lengthy process of applying for a permit and construction by pre-approving accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that residents can buy and install in their backyard in as little as two weeks.
Abodu, a Bay Area housing startup, had its prefabricated model approved as part of the city’s plan to incentivize the creation of more housing stock. The backyard builder tapped U.K. studio Koto to adapt its Scandinavian-style cabins for U.S. customers. Like other Koto designs, Koto’s $199,000 model for Abodu is clad in lightly charred timber and features a subtly angled roof, lending the house its distinctly modern character.
The one-bedroom dwelling sports pale wood floors and stark white walls inside. Buyers can opt for fancier (and pricier) finishes, built-in furniture, landscaping, and a curated furniture package that makes renting the space hassle-free.
Advertisement
Related Stories
Innovation
IKEA Model Home Aims to Ease the Trauma of Homelessness
Blending innovation with empathy and eco-conscious design, IKEA US unveils a pioneering model home in its Live Oak, Texas, store
Affordability
How Much Income Do First-Time Buyers Need to Afford the Average Home?
The median-priced home is unaffordable in 44 of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas
Affordability
What Is the Relationship Between Urban vs. Suburban Development and Affordability?
A new paper from Harvard's Joint Center looks at whether expanding the supply of suburban housing could, in turn, help make dense urban areas more affordable