In May, IKEA U.S. announced a pioneering initiative to tackle the affordable housing crisis. Rather than limiting its community efforts to traditional donations, the Swedish home goods giant decided to apply its expertise to a critical area in need: affordable, trauma-informed housing. Working alongside San Antonio's WestEast Design Group and its Social Impact Studio, IKEA set out to create a prototype for sustainable, tiny homes that prioritize the well-being and recovery of their residents.
San Antonio, like many U.S. cities, has faced rising homelessness rates, further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s 2023 Point-In-Time Count recorded over 3,100 individuals experiencing homelessness, underscoring an urgent need for innovative housing solutions. At the heart of IKEA’s endeavor is Towne Twin Village, a new supportive housing community dedicated to seniors who have lived in homelessness, often grappling with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Here, IKEA partnered with WestEast Design Group’s Social Impact Studio to envision a small home model rooted in trauma-informed design.
Trauma-Informed Design Principles in Action
A trauma-informed approach considers the past experiences and specific needs of residents, particularly those who may have faced prolonged exposure to unstable environments. IKEA and WestEast Design Group embraced these principles to create a 365-square-foot home, intentionally designed to foster healing and empower residents.
"Providing a secure, comforting space is essential," stated Sam Eisenman, Sustainability Business Partner at IKEA U.S. "A home should be a sanctuary that enables healing, reduces trauma, and promotes well-being."
To meet this vision, IKEA and WestEast invited feedback from the community. At IKEA's Live Oak store, residents explored a prototype and shared their desires for a space that offers both safety and flexibility. Their insights were transformative. For example, privacy and sightlines were paramount, so the design includes narrow, tall windows with layered curtains to enable both visibility and control over exposure. The interior layout provides clear lines of vision from any vantage point, giving residents a sense of safety without compromising privacy.
Transformative Interior Choices and Resident Empowerment
The Social Impact Studio team aimed to deliver more than just functional housing—they wanted to grant residents control and personal expression within their space. Unlike conventional tiny homes or RVs, which typically use built-in, immovable furniture, the IKEA furnishings are modular and lightweight, allowing residents to personalize their layout as they wish. This flexibility contributes to a feeling of ownership, an essential aspect of trauma-informed design.
For many who have experienced homelessness, the ability to unwind is a luxury often out of reach. In response, the design team included a full bathtub, acknowledging the comfort and relaxation it brings to residents. “The bathtub was non-negotiable,” Eisenman shared. “It’s about providing a sense of calm and safety—a refuge.”
Extending the Social Impact
As of this week, the first IKEA Small Home Model is complete at Towne Twin Village, bringing new hope to its residents and signaling a shift toward community-centric housing solutions. Beyond the single tiny home, IKEA’s trauma-informed design principles have been applied to other dwellings at Towne Twin Village, enriching the entire community.
This collaboration between IKEA and WestEast Design Group's Social Impact Studio reflects a shared mission to address the housing crisis in a sustainable, scalable way. Edward Gonzales, Executive Director of the Housing First Community Coalition, which oversees Towne Twin Village, expressed optimism about the project’s impact. “The IKEA model home has added layers of intentional design that cater directly to our residents’ needs, enhancing the community’s overall support network.”
Looking Ahead: Scaling Trauma-Informed Design
With the completion of the first model, IKEA is already planning to expand its trauma-informed housing initiatives across the U.S. Current projects in Washington, D.C., and Memphis are incorporating these principles, with IKEA offering training to employees nationwide. The goal? To make trauma-informed design a standard approach in affordable housing, promoting resilience, community stability, and well-being for vulnerable populations.
Through innovative partnerships like this with WestEast Design Group, IKEA is setting a precedent for how corporate entities can support sustainable, community-focused change. By prioritizing safety, dignity, and comfort, the IKEA Small Home Project in San Antonio stands as a model for future affordable housing initiatives that extend beyond shelter, offering true sanctuary and hope for lasting recovery.
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