IKEA U.S. Small Home is an innovative project aimed at creating affordable, trauma-informed homes for individuals overcoming homelessness. WestEast partnered with IKEA U.S to develop a project that had 3 specific goals: to create a trauma informed design curriculum for all IKEA U.S coworkers, to research, design and build a 500sf small home utilizing trauma informed strategies, and to influence national policy. The team worked closely with IKEA's experts to develop the "cocoon" concept, which provides a balance between private, safe spaces and areas for community engagement.

A full-scale mockup was tested by individuals experiencing homelessness, with their feedback guiding design refinements. The final version of the home has donated to the permanent supportive housing community called Towne Twin Village in San Antonio, Texas. Ongoing research will evaluate the post-occupancy impact on residents' well-being. WestEast’s role in the programming and feedback integration highlights the project's potential to influence future affordable housing designs and national policy on homelessness solutions.