If you are interested in houses or thinking about building, then you have probably come across the tiny house movement. This is a global trend towards houses on wheels, where one small space has multiple functions and when you tire of a location, you hitch up the car and move on. Less room and no fixed address in exchange for a lower cost of living and smaller environmental footprint. It is a philosophy that ties in with minimalism and leading a simple life, though according to this article, in Australia the tiny house movement has not resulted in more people living in them. This might be due, in part, to difficulty with local planning requirements (many regions classify tiny houses as caravans) but also with the practicalities of living in a small space with multiple people – especially growing children.
At Lintel Building Design & Drafting we understand tiny houses might not suit everyone but think the possibilities of small house living are underestimated.
So how can small home living work for you?
1. Diversify your income stream
Akin to the traditional granny flat, the addition of a small house can take advantage of new rules regarding who can live in them and what size block can host an 'ancillary dwelling'. As a landholder, you may be able to build a small home on your block (dependent on local council planning regulations in your area), in addition to a main residence. The small house can then be rented out, providing you with your own private space and an additional source of income.
2. Create an intentional community
Co-housing, collaborative housing and intentional communities aim to fight back on loneliness and disconnection. Whether you want to go 100% down the path of a collaborative housing model or start with the addition of a granny flat and a communal veggie patch, living in a shared space with neighbours who care has social, environmental, and financial benefits.
3. Simplify your life
Prefer to keep your neighbours at arm's length? Small house living doesn’t have to be communal living. Forgo the 'modern standard' 4 x 2 with all the extra rooms (home theatre, activity room, media room, retreat) in favour of a smaller house with well designed storage and only the rooms you need, and reap the well-being benefits of reduced material clutter, connection to family and maximised outdoor spaces.
A small house, thoughtfully designed, with an exterior that complements an existing house or nestles into the landscape can over-deliver on well-being, financial and environmental sustainability. Think a small house might be your key to happiness? Get in touch to chat about your project.
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