New tiny homes can be built in just 60 minutes

By Michael Lee Simpson

Builders have revealed the latest tiny homes in a village - $85,000 19ft wide houses which are constructed in just 60 minutes.

Paradise Tiny Home Community was established in Desert Hot Springs, California, in November 2024 after six years of planning, and has 90 lots.

Planners have just added seven new 'Boxabl' homes which are faster to construct and cheaper than ever.

The 'flat pack' houses arrive on the back of a truck and take just 1-2 people to build from start to finish.

Priced at $85,000 plus tax, the 1-storey and 1-bed homes are 361 square feet with 10-foot ceilings.

Available for rent from $495 a month, they arrived at the site late last year and families have already moved in.

The homes are more affordable than the average 2-bed house in the city - where rents are around $1,800 and properties cost to buy.

On-site manager Jonathan Taylor, 47, said: "We're the first tiny home community that came up in California.

"The Boxabl is a small, tiny home with 361 square feet and 10-foot ceilings.

"The kitchen is set up just like a normal home with all full-size appliances. It's a studio feel, but it features a nice-sized bathroom and ample cabinetry."

He added, "Even the shower hits seven feet up, so tall people can fit underneath it very well."

Boxabl homes arrive as compact units that are expanded on-site, transforming from "a skinny piece" pulled by a truck into a fully functional dwelling.

Paradise Tiny Home Community was the vision of founder TJ Modi, who immigrated to America from India in the mid-90s with just $100 and built the development from the ground up.

It was developed to address California's housing affordability crisis, while creating an authentic community atmosphere.

"Here in California, housing has grown to be unaffordable for a lot of people. You find multiple families living in a two-bedroom, two-bath home," Taylor said.

"People are moving in this direction so they can afford more in their lives and have a more sustainable income.

"We see a vision of it being a community, not a neighborhood.

"In a community, you have self-worth with other people.

"You can sit and converse at the fire pits, play billiards at the clubhouse, or jump in the pool together."

The community has attracted a diverse group of residents, including a retired police officer, yoga instructor, doctor, lawyer, dentist, builder, and nurse practitioner.

Beyond the new Boxabl homes, Paradise offers various tiny home options, ranging from $70,000 to $200,000.

Homes must be 400 square feet or smaller - excluding loft space - and must be mounted on a chassis rather than a permanent foundation, in accordance with Riverside County regulations.

Understanding that tiny home living isn't for everyone, Paradise offers a "Tiny Home Experience" program, allowing potential residents to stay in a unit for several days before committing.

This experience costs $125 per day plus cleaning fees, with discounts for extended stays.

"I always urge people looking to come here to do a tiny home experience day," Taylor said.

"Some people might say they're going to downsize to a tiny home, but once they get into it, they don't like it.

He added: "I'm going to be completely honest and upfront with everybody."

Paradise Community is currently in its first phase, with RV sites integrated among the tiny homes.

Plans include relocating the RV area outside the main community and expanding the tiny home section in phase two.

The community continues to develop amenities and activities, including poolside movies, bingo, bocce ball, and pickleball, all designed to foster the sense of community that makes Paradise unique in the housing landscape.

"I love the peaceful aspect of it," Taylor said. "The two mountain views that we have in our community are unobstructed. It is a healing place in the desert to me."