OBY: Our Backyard
OBY, short for Our Backyard, is a California-based housing company that is tackling two major issues: lack of affordable housing and climate change. The company leases backyards for 99 years to build compact, eco-friendly tiny homes, offering a unique solution to the state’s housing crisis.
Here’s how OBY’s innovative model works:
- The company leases a homeowner’s backyard for 99 years.
- They construct a tiny home on the space and rent it out below market rate.
- Homeowners earn $500 per month in income while OBY manages finding tenants and maintenance.
Co-founder Declan Keefe explains that when the homeowner sells their property, the tiny home transfers with it to maintain long-term affordability.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo are working on solutions to the state’s housing crisis. They have made it easier to add accessory living units like granny flats and tiny homes to existing properties, contributing to Newsom’s goal of adding 3.5 million homes in California by the end of his term.
OBY not only addresses housing challenges but also prioritizes environmental sustainability by using eco-friendly materials and constructing energy-efficient homes.
Each OBY home is 576 square feet with wood frames, wood pulp insulation, and solar panels on the roof. The company sources wood from sustainable forests and avoids carbon-intensive materials like concrete.
OBY’s construction process involves local builders and carpenters assembling prefabricated kits on-site, collaborating with Arizmendi Construction Cooperative for key installations such as plumbing and electrical work.
The company’s focus on compact living and sustainability is further evidenced by their designs which emphasize communal spaces and energy-efficient operations.
Companies like OBY play a crucial role in addressing California’s housing crisis, with the goal of ensuring affordability and access to sustainable housing solutions for residents. Check out OBY’s website if you’re interested in bringing an OBY house to your backyard.
