Rather than invent a new technology or a hypothetical form, this proposal offers something utterly real and necessary: a very livable Home, of less than 25 square meters (269 square feet), which is simple enough for a homeowner to construct without having to brave the gantlet of general contractor bidding. Every building component is vetted to meet California Residential Code for structural design, seismic resistance, thermal insulation, life safety, and fire-resistance. All building systems can either be tied to the grid, or remain self-sufficient. Less resources, more home.

Aside from zoning permissions and construction costs, further barriers to construction of new housing include the skillset of available labor and the exorbitant cost of materials. Untract’s design does not seek to be novel or technologically challenging: instead, it presents a highly livable and easily buildable solution, one that will pass muster with the increasingly complex permitting processes. Standard foundation and framing using locally available materials, in strategically simple modules, ensure successful construction even by an owner/builder.