In Washington, D.C.'s vibrant Shaw neighborhood, a narrow 6-foot-wide home has entered the market, challenging conventional ideas about living spaces.
Priced at $599,900, the home, described as "the skinniest house in all of D.C." by WTOP News, showcases a unique architectural feat.
Contractor Nady Samnang, CEO of Virginia-based Omnifics Inc., purchased the small lot intending to build a larger, four-level residence. However, unexpected changes in zoning laws left him and his team restricted to a 6-foot-wide blueprint. Samnang reportedly told People magazine that the city changed the zoning laws after the lot was purchased, which they didn't realize.
Despite these challenges, Samnang's team embarked on a project that would maximize every centimeter of available space.
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"The biggest accomplishment is that we made every use of that space down to the centimeter," he said, emphasizing the precision required in such a constrained construction environment.
The result is a 600-square-foot home that feels larger than its dimensions suggest, thanks to clever design features like bay windows in living areas and high-end finishes, including quartz countertops and wall-to-wall porcelain tiles.
Handling the materials presented a significant challenge because of the limited access to the home. Samnang noted that heavy equipment couldn't reach the property, requiring workers to carry all materials to the site. Adding to the difficulty, the site constraints allowed only two workers at a time to be present.
Realtor Sarah Noel from Jennifer Young Homes highlighted the property's appeal, particularly for those embracing the tiny house movement.
"Not everybody wants a lot of square footage to maintain," Noel said.
She pointed out that the ideal buyer would appreciate the benefits of a small, efficiently designed space in a desirable location, close to amenities and without obligations like condo fees.
Samnang drew parallels between his project and urban condo living, suggesting that the home's potential buyers are likely city dwellers who value proximity to public transport and minimal space requirements.
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"The right buyer is going to be that city dweller — someone who doesn't necessarily want a car, since it's one block from a metro station. They don't want condo fees or neighbors, and they don't need a whole lot of space," he said.
While proud of this architectural accomplishment, Samnang said the project was grueling. He said the build was not fun and labeled it a "nightmare." Yet, completing such a challenging project remains a testament to the creativity and resilience of his team, proving that great things can come in small packages.
While most people associate tiny homes with lower costs, the price of this ultra-narrow house shows that tiny homes can be expensive, especially when located in desirable areas and featuring high-end finishes.
Traditionally, tiny homes range from around 100 square feet to 400 square feet and are priced between $20,000 and $80,000. However, as with any real estate, factors like location, materials and customization can significantly affect the cost.
Prices vary greatly across the district, with northwestern Washington, D.C., typically being the most expensive yet safest area. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price is $650,000, with a median sales price slightly higher at $667,000.
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