An architect lives in a 100-square-foot house and challenges the norms of traditional housing: “I wasn’t sure where I wanted to live”
Italian architect Leonardo di Chiara lives in a self-sufficient dwelling made of natural wood, serving as both a home and a statement of minimalist design.

This mobile home measures just 97 square feet and is built with a natural wood frame. Designed to challenge conventional ideas of housing, it embraces a minimalist approach while making the most of every inch of space.
That was the goal Italian architect Leonardo di Chiara set for himself. Committed to sustainability, he set out to build a new kind of home that would break with traditional expectations. Inspired by the tiny house concept, which typically ranges from about 108 to 431 square feet, the structure is designed to maximize functionality within a very small footprint.
“I wasn’t sure where I wanted to live,” he said about the home, which he describes as containing “several rooms within a single space.” On his Instagram profile, the architect and engineer shares images of the house, which operates off-grid thanks to a system of photovoltaic solar panels.
Another standout feature of the home is its independent water management system. It includes two separate tanks, one for clean water and another for wastewater. This setup allows the house to reduce its reliance on fixed infrastructure.
A price tag of less than $87,000
The home is also mobile, allowing the engineer to travel and live wherever he chooses. It also features a retractable staircase, foldable furniture, and multipurpose spaces designed for reuse and flexibility. As for the cost, various outlets estimate the home’s price at roughly $76,000 to $87,000.
This type of housing is often promoted as an ideal option for people looking to combine nature, peace and quiet, and comfort, while offering a living experience that differs from more traditional accommodations.
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