We are excited to announce that the article, “Opening the Door to Unconventional Homes,” co-written by urban planning student Ben Schmidt and alumnus Charlie Nichols, appears in the March issue of Zoning Practice. During his internship with Linn County, Iowa, Ben collaborated with Charlie, Director of Planning and Development, to research the zoning challenges and opportunities associated with unconventional housing types. They examined barndominiums (open-concept buildings with living and workspace), shouses (combination of a workshop and house), Quonset homes (prefabricated home in a semi-circular shape), and more. Their article highlights the potential cost savings of these unconventional housing types through unique building materials and their ability to integrate with traditional construction techniques.

As a second-year student concentrating on land use and environmental planning, Ben drew on his coursework in land use planning law, economics, land development, and environmental policy to analyze the legal considerations surrounding these housing types. His legal research, combined with Charlie’s focus on planning implications, helped shape the article’s conclusion that while these unconventional homes are viable and may be a solution to the housing shortage, planners must consider potential regulatory barriers and reforms. Throughout the research process, Ben particularly enjoyed exploring the potential of 3D-printed homes as a future housing solution.