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.”