In an unexpected turn of events, developer Nady Samnang found himself constructing one of Washington D.C.’s narrowest homes after zoning regulations changed mid-project. What began as a plan for a 15-foot-wide home was dramatically altered, leaving Samnang with only a 6-foot-wide footprint to work with. Despite these constraints, the innovative design and clever use of space have turned this challenge into a remarkable achievement. He talked about it in a recent video by Kirsten Dirksen, so let’s see what he had to say.
The Zoning Setback
Nady Samnang initially purchased a former parking lot with approval to build to the lot lines for a 15-foot-wide home. However, during the construction phase, new zoning rules were implemented, mandating setbacks from the alley and property lines. These new restrictions required Samnang to comply with alleyway setbacks, reducing the buildable width of his property to just 6 feet.
“I almost quit,” Samnang admitted in the video tour. “We thought, can we even build something that small? Would anyone want to live in it?”
The Design Solution
Determined to make the project work, Samnang and his brother Dean, who acted as the builder, devised an ingenious plan inspired by RVs with slide-outs. They incorporated bay windows that extended the width of certain areas of the house to 10 feet, providing much-needed extra space in key living areas.
“We went through 23 different plans before settling on this one,” Samnang explained. “The bay windows give us an additional two feet on each side, making some rooms 10 feet wide.”
Building Challenges
The narrow alleys surrounding the site posed significant logistical challenges. All materials had to be manually transported as there was no room for heavy equipment. “Our crew had to build this by hand,” Samnang said. “Everything had to be hand-carried from the street.”
This meticulous and labor-intensive process extended the construction timeline to over a year and a half. Despite the delays, the resulting structure is a testament to creative problem-solving and determination.
Inside the Home
The interior of the home is surprisingly spacious and functional, thanks to thoughtful design choices. The kitchen, located at the front of the house, features full-size appliances and a custom sink with a cutting board and drying rack. “We wanted to ensure it was fully functional and didn’t feel cramped,” Samnang noted.
A Comfortable Space
The living room benefits from opposing bay windows, creating a comfortable space that feels much larger than its narrow footprint. The upper floor includes a master bedroom with similar bay windows, providing ample natural light and a sense of openness. “With 10-foot ceilings and plenty of windows, the house feels much bigger than it is,” Samnang added.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to its innovative design, the home is equipped with solar panels and a heat pump, making it energy efficient. “We produce more power than we need,” Samnang revealed. “You could live here without any utility bills.”
Overcoming Adversity
The story of this 6-foot-wide home is one of perseverance and adaptability. Faced with unforeseen regulatory changes, Samnang and his brother did not give up. Instead, they leveraged their skills and creativity to transform a potential setback into a unique and livable space.
“The setbacks were a blessing in disguise,” Samnang reflected. “They forced us to think outside the box and create something truly innovative.”
The Crash is Coming
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “The city zoning it differently post purchase is so stupid. They put this man in a box and he absolutely thrived! Good for him!”
Another commenter was a bit more critical: “Don’t get me wrong great use of space but 550k for a 1 bedroom and you can touch both walls is just insane! Y’all be prepared the crash is coming”
One person added: “that’s perfectly livable space for a single person or couple with no kids. the limited space actually helps you keep an eye on your accumulation of clutter lol”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
This narrow home in Washington D.C. serves as a powerful example of how challenges can be turned into opportunities with the right mindset and ingenuity. The ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find creative solutions is a hallmark of successful development, particularly in urban environments with strict zoning laws.
The Role of Creativity
What do you think? What role does creativity play in overcoming architectural and logistical challenges in construction projects? How can cities support developers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing homes on unconventional lots? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of building ultra-narrow homes in densely populated urban areas?
Check out the entire video for more information on Kirsten Dirksen’s YouTube channel here.
