In Europe,researchers and designers have developed the m-ch(micro-compact home),a tiny,two-story,aluminum cube that,through efficient use of space,can serve as a home for one or two people.The 8.5-foot(2.6-meter) m-ch was inspired by the compact spaces in first-class airplane cabins.These tiny, transportable homes are now being sold throughout Europe. Hilda Koch,who lives in an m-ch with her husband,points out,"In the past, it might have been difficult to live in such a small space,but as long as you have a laptop and digital music player,you no longer need a stereo system,countless CDs,photo albums,and shelves of books.