Creativity and efficiency behind 'micro-house' concept

13:02:20 8th February 2010

Small buildings the size of garden sheds are being developed as an alternative living arrangement, it has been reported.

The "micro-house" is a 12 by 12 square foot home that uses as little resources as possible and is creative in how it utilises the available space, reports the Globe and Mail.

Vancouver resident Karen Maycher told the news provider of plans to install a micro-house for her 24-year-old daughter to live in, complete with kitchen, living area and bedroom.

"It's cute, but not a whole lot bigger than your standard garden shed," she reports.

"Yet you're still able to have a reasonable quality of life. I don't know how anybody can go wrong with these houses."

Behind the novel concept is securities salesman James Stuart, who lives in an eco-friendly micro-house that uses only 12 volts of power for everything except the microwave and dishwasher.

The BBC previously reported that a version of the micro-house, created by British architect Richard Horden, was being considered by local authorities as a way of dealing with short term shortages in accommodation.