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Overview

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New Hope in a Tiny House Village

In this project, a mix of students from architecture and other programs, such as biology and natural resource management, worked with representatives from the City of Muncie's Office of Community Development over two semesters to design a tiny home village capable of housing up to 70 individuals. 

Muncie struggles to provide adequate housing for the homeless and nonprofit organizations with that mission have disbanded. According to the Heart of Indiana United Way and the Muncie Mission, an estimated 150-200 people are considered “unsheltered” in Delaware County, or homeless without receiving even temporary accommodation from an organization providing shelter services. Muncie struggles to provide adequate housing for its homeless population, and the economic and social impacts of the pandemic have only increased the need for transitional housing and related educational and health services. The need for temporary housing for this population exceeds the capacity of existing organizations.

  • The project requires 50 units for single residents and 10 units for couples.
  • Each unit must have a shower, toilet, sink, microwave, mini-fridge, heating and cooling system, windows that open, and a porch.
  • Use of renewable energy technology is encouraged.
  • A variety of designs is encouraged, but the Village must have a harmonious look. 
  • New construction and/or adaptation of shipping containers or other prefabricated assemblies can be among the range of options.

In the summer semester, the students designed the tiny home - including the structure and how the structure could cluster together. They looked at shared systems and at previous examples of tiny housing. They developed an inventory and assessment of the limitations and opportunities for locating the Tiny House Village on the site. In the fall semester, the students designed the layout of the site and further refined the interior of the tiny house. The community center was designed as well. 

The students’ designs for the Tiny House units also will also incorporate sustainable, high-efficiency building techniques and renewable energy technologies, deliverables that will support the Mayor’s sustainability goals for Muncie’s resilient future by serving as demonstrations for local homeowners and builders who are considering sustainable options for a new or remodeled home