THESE are the heart-stopping moments when Worcester’s first ‘micro-home’ is lifted over a house and lowered into a back garden by a giant crane.

Billed as one possible solution to homelessness and the housing crisis, the 'iKozie Micro-Home' prototype is believed to be the first project of its kind not only in Worcester but the world.

The prefabricated home was lifted by crane from the back of an articulated lorry and lowered carefully into place into the garden of a house in St George's Lane North, Barbourne, Worcester.

Part of the road had to be closed during the delicate and painstaking procedure which required around 10 skilled workers.

It was a narrow fit which required close communication between the crane operator and his colleagues on the ground as they brought to a safe conclusion the installation phase of the project, led by the Homeless Foundation.

The first tenant at the home, which is designed for one person only, will be able to move in as early as next month say project leaders. This will follow a referral by homeless agencies in Worcester with the new property itself managed overall Spring Housing Association.

Already partially furnished when installed and with windows and doors already in place, the iKozie is designed to house young people who find themselves homeless and provide a base to enable them get back on their feet.

Four heavy chains were attached to the roof of the eight tonne iKozie as it was hoisted over the pitched roof of a two-storey house by a 300 tonne Liebherr crane loaded with around 90 tonnes of ballast to stop it tipping over onto houses and workers.

Measuring 186 square foot (17.25sqm), the iKozie was built using modular construction off-site in Nuneaton. Manufactured by Ashby & Croft under the brand name ‘Modular’, the micro home has a steel frame with front cladding made of larch wood with a green, corrugated iron roof.

It is said by developers to be highly energy efficient, drawing inspiration from the design of yacht interiors and first class airline suites.

Similar homes may be used in the future to provide affordable housing and accommodation for students and key workers.

Six concrete blocks had already been laid out ready in the back garden with the water, electric and sewage set to be connected the next day.

Kieran O’Donnell, a trustee of the Homeless Foundation charity which is behind the project, said: “We believe this is a future answer to homelessness and provides single person independent living. We think we have designed something pretty unique, the first of its kind in the world.”

Andrew Eastabrook of Eastabrook Architects based in Stow, who designed the micro home together with Mr O'Donnell, said shipping containers were too narrow, too long and not the correct length to be successfully converted into homes but he believes his design solves these issues.

It has 'four zones' - a bedroom, a bathroom module and entrance made of glass fibre, a sitting and entertainment zone and a fully fitted kitchen zone.

The prefabricated structure, set on a galvanised steel base, can be moved to another location at any time.

A mortgage for a micro-home would cost around £35,000 which would not cover transportation or installation costs such as crane hire.

Mr Eastabrook said: "I believe this is a world first. We think it feels really nice inside. We will be moving on to do a lot more of these. This the proof of the concept."

If the pilot is successful, more micro-homes could be installed in Worcester and rolled out across the country.

Mr O'Donnell has previously thanked Worcester City Council for 'embracing this innovative idea' which it is hoped could aid in helping young people get a home of their own and get away from shared housing.