Developer couple’s lot can fit 9 large mansions, they built 44 small homes for local workers instead

Maggie and John Randolph faced a challenge as the lack of affordable housing drove their employees away from the New Hampshire coast.

To tackle this issue, they decided to build a pocket neighborhood of tiny homes. This move aimed to help workers avoid long commutes and housing struggles.

“As a developer we could have built $700,00 to $800,000-dollar homes versus building these,” explains John, a contractor, but instead he and his wife Maggie, an architect, used their skills to design affordable housing.

To keep the footprint within the legal size of a tiny home, each 384-square-foot bungalow has a 160-square-foot loft that can be used as a bedroom.

The Randolphs were inspired to act after hearing their staff’s struggles. They explored various solutions and eventually proposed the idea of tiny homes.

After meeting with a local planner, they received approval to proceed with the project.

“I love the idea of pocket neighborhoods,” explains Maggie, “and how do we create communities, creating opportunities to interact with each other.”

This project became an opportunity to create a living environment that promotes well-being while addressing the housing crisis in the area.

At the start of the project, New Hampshire had adopted the International Building Code, which included rules for tiny homes.

This code allowed homes under 400 square feet to use lofts to increase living space.

The tiny homes in this project have a 384-square-foot footprint but offer 544 square feet of living space due to their lofts.

The design focuses on height, making the homes feel spacious despite their small size.

During a visit, resident Aisha shared her experience. She praised the high ceilings and full-sized kitchen appliances that make the home feel open.

Her 16-foot ceilings include a cozy, stairs-accessible bedroom, with extra space for laundry and toys.

Aisha’s son enjoys the view from the loft, while she values the close-knit community where all homes face each other.

Aisha works at Harmony Homes, one of the facilities behind the project, offering its employees affordable housing.

After moving from living with friends, she appreciates the affordable rent and the convenience of being near work and daycare.

The tiny homes are designed to offer both privacy and openness, making each unit comfortable and secure.

The tiny homes were built with efficiency as a priority. Standard materials such as plywood and sheetrock were used to reduce waste.

The homes are set on concrete slabs with 12-foot-high walls, matching common studs, and sheetrock sizes, which makes the construction quick and cost-effective.

John and Maggie are committed to providing affordable housing without sacrificing quality. They employ around 90 people and ensure their staff is well cared for, as with their facility residents.

Originally, the land was designated for nine luxury homes. However, a special zoning program allowed the Randolphs to build 44 homes on less than four acres.

They purchased the land for about $500,000. They used their real estate, construction, and architecture expertise to streamline the building process.

Each tiny home is completed in about two and a half weeks, with every step planned to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.

John and Maggie are deeply involved in the construction. John handles tasks like sheet rocking and roofing, while Maggie handles painting and flooring.

They aim to keep building costs low enough so that the rents cover maintenance and long-term investments, ensuring the project’s sustainability.

The first 13 tiny homes were finished just before Christmas, with residents moving in on Christmas Eve.

Since then, 20 more units have been built and are now occupied, with plans to complete 44 homes.

Demand remains high, with over 100 people waiting for 11 units.

While priority is given to employees, the community also includes firefighters, teachers, postal workers, and healthcare providers.

The homes are built quickly, with slabs laid, roofs installed, and interiors completed in just a few weeks.

Some exterior touches, like trim, are still needed. Still, the urgent housing crisis in New Hampshire makes getting people moved a top priority.

Inside, the homes are designed to be both functional and flexible. Each has a combined kitchen and living area, a bathroom near the living space and a private bedroom in the back.

The homes are well-insulated to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which helps keep utility bills low.

Residents like Aisha value the thoughtful design, including ample storage and modern amenities. The tight construction also ensures energy efficiency.

John and Maggie stay dedicated to providing affordable, quality housing as the project grows.

Their tiny homes offer more than a solution to the housing crisis; they foster a supportive, close-knit community where residents can thrive.

See John and Maggie’s affordable housing solution for local workers below:

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