An innovative European product could point to the future of the modern home, as we move into an era of more expensive energy and space constraints due population pressures. The Japanese have faced these issues for a long time already, but now it seems as though the rest of the developed world may also have to come to terms with more efficient living spaces…and sooner rather than later.

The m-ch, or Micro Compact Home, is a fully functioning lightweight dwelling for one or two people, which offers 2.6 cu meters of space, enough for a compact bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and dining area. Before you laugh, 16 of these homes have already been installed in Europe, USA and UK and there’s even a complete ‘village’ of six dwellings in Munich Technical University, designed for students and complete with speed broadband internet installed.

The units come pre-fabricated in wood or aluminum and can be plumbed straight into waste and other services during the installation. The whole design is so clever, that it took just 4 minutes and 9 seconds for one house to be installed in Switzerland, thanks to a handy helicopter and a pilot with extremely steady hands.

Each home costs just €38,000 plus delivery and installation, and the manufacturers will deliver one to your chosen doorstep within 8 to 10 weeks from order, which is probably faster than it would take for a custom made bed. In many areas you won’t even need planning permission, because of its small size. A perfect way to get little Johnny out of the house at last, and cheaper than a loft extension?

Multiple units can be joined together to make a larger living space if needed, and there is also a full blown ecological version which uses solar and wind generators to produce a zero CO2 footprint. Each micro home is guaranteed for 5 years.