By David Louie ABC 7

PALO ALTO, Calif. — Rent in the Bay Area is unaffordable for many people, especially if they’re starting a new job or working as an intern. A new concept — sleeping in small, individual pods in a shared house — is being tried in Silicon Valley.

The rent for a three-bedroom, two-bath house like some in Palo Alto could easily run from $6,000 to $8,000. The residents are paying $800 per month. While they share the kitchen and other spaces, the 14 residents sleep in pods a bit larger than a twin bed.

Our pods are actually eight feet tall, so it gives enough room for like bigger people and like also some wiggle room, so they’re not like the Japanese capsules. They’re a bit larger,” said Brownstone Shared Housing Co-Founder Christina Lennox.

The pods are outfitted with a temperature-controlled fan, lighting, a fold-down desk and whatever personal touches they’d like to add. Christina, who designed the pods, says she can cocoon here all day, as do others.

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