In 2015, the tiny house craze was sweeping the nation.
With a smaller footprint (and less space to maintain), it’s not hard to see the appeal of these compact, energy-efficient homes, which grew out of a desire for simpler, less expensive — and more environmentally efficient — living, especially as housing costs pushed buyers to rethink how much room they really need.
In Pittsburgh, the idea took on an affordability angle when partners broke ground in Garfield on what was billed as the city’s first tiny house; developers used a small infill lot to show how compact design could create homeownership opportunities.
A decade later, the house’s return to the market reflects both the staying power, and the limits, of the movement. Tiny homes remain charming and efficient, but they are still a niche answer to a larger, more nuanced housing problem in this region and beyond.
For the last several years, 223 North Atlantic Ave. has functioned as an Airbnb owned by Adam Hoppel of Venture Real Estate…