Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has launched a new venture, Samara, aiming to revolutionize the housing industry by constructing modular accessory dwelling units (ADUs), otherwise known as “tiny homes”. These sustainable, compact structures have been placed in California backyards, offering an affordable housing solution and establishing an eco-friendly model for future housing developments.
The project, backed by both Airbnb and co-founder Brian Chesky, grew from a design studio within Airbnb. Over the last six years, Samara has been vital in driving innovative projects. Today, Samara is viewed as a beacon of creative innovation.
Samara diverges from Airbnb’s model by focusing on creating pre-fabricated ADUs. The initial offerings included a studio and a single-bedroom unit, later expanding to include a two-bedroom home. This larger unit is currently the most expensive, with prices starting at $324,000, but also the most sustainable, utilizing eco-friendly materials and construction techniques.
The two-bedroom model is 47 feet long, featuring bedrooms at each end and a shared living space, kitchen, and bathroom in the center, along with a generous 15-foot deck accessible by double glass doors. A more spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom model is anticipated to launch in April.
CEO Mike McNamara predicts these larger units will surpass other products in demand, despite their higher price, and estimates around 40% of customers could opt to rent out their units providing a reliable income stream. They offer a versatile space, adaptable to a variety of needs, including rental properties, home offices or extra living space—making them increasingly popular amidst remote work trends.
With focus on quality construction and innovative design, these larger, versatile units, combined with the potential for a passive income source, McNamara believes these factors will set Samara’s two-bedroom units apart from competitors in the market.
