5 Alternative Housing Options

Historically, home dwellings have been built according to whatever materials were widely available. These shelters differed according to cultural and the social economic position of their inhabitants.
Today, more than ever before, people have the opportunity to explore unique and creative alternatives to meet their housing needs. Emerging technologies and changing workplace conditions are profoundly altering the way we perceive the modern home. Growing concern for the environment is driving new and experienced designers to build homes that incorporate recycled materials and that are more environmentally friendly. Below we present some seemingly unlikely and surprisingly workable housing options.

 Shipping Containers

A mainstay in the global distribution of products, the shipping container is becoming an increasingly popular building block for ecological designers and architects. Large scale projects like London’s Container City have been built with up to 80% recycled materials. Most containers come already insulated and with wood floors. They are strong and resistant to mold, termites and fire and can be up to 20% cheaper to build than traditional construction.
Living a Pipe Dream

It may take some cerebral stretching to visual living in a pipe or mechanical tubing. It is something we might associate with homeless people. Currently, there are two hotels designed from concrete drain pipes. Rooms are tight and comfortable, simple furnishings include a double bed, storage, light and power outlets. The units do not have any windows other than a circular skylight and two air holes. It’s hard to know how well these pipe homes will roll as a serious housing option.
Underground Missile Silo Houses

Abandoned by the U.S. government, these grim reminders of the Cold War are being revived as super solid subterranean housing units. Warning: many of the units need work and some have suffered water damage. But look at the upside: your converted silo offers shelter from the storm like no other structures listed here. You will never have to worry about hurricanes or tornadoes. These silos were designed to withstand nuclear blasts after all. You don’t have to be a survivalist to find the practicality of the structures. Not a silo fixer upper? No sweat, some sellers have already done the work for you.
Concrete Homes

Concrete have some distinct benefits over their wooden cousins. They can be highly energy efficient and save trees. They are fire resistant, require less maintenance and offer superior insulation compared to traditional wood frame houses. Their superior strength can easily withstand gales and hurricane force winds making them ideal for seaside neighborhoods. Concrete homes also come in a great variety of styles.
Tree Houses

Tree houseFew things rekindle the magic of childhood more than the tree house. You don’t have to be a kid to return to the trees. Tree house designers can build you the tree house of your childhood dreams with some adult pleasing features. You can get one built with all the modern furnishings like heating, a mini-kitchen, mini bar, lighting fixtures with plenty of space left over to accommodate your flat screen TV and your sound system.

As our planet changes, our values and ideas also change. Our notion of what constitutes a ‘home’ is also evolving. We are discovering highly innovative living options that are healthier for our planet and ourselves.