Let’s get serious for a moment: do you love your house? Does it make you happy sitting on your couch and looking around? Do you feel content? Does it have exactly what you need and nothing more? Do you love the materials that are used; do you find the layout of the rooms practical; does it have enough light; do you have a nice garden? You spend a lot of time in your house, so it’s important that you feel comfortable in it. Don’t we all want to be truly in love with our house?
Most people in the Netherlands live in a house that has been designed by others. Built by the dozen, all alike, as far as you can see. Depending on budget and the area you want to live in, you don’t have much choice. You have to make do, right? But what if you did have a choice? We’ve become accustomed to the idea that project developers and building corporations – or the whole building industry for that matter – decide for us how we should live, how they think we want to live, and which way is most profitable. But times are changing, people are speaking up more and more, and are better informed. Boundaries disappear and everything you need is available online. We tend to be stuck in our old ways, until someone thinks: ‘why can’t things be different?’. He or she starts to pioneer something new and inspires others to follow his or her lead. And next thing you know, you’ve created a whole new movement!
Ever since I started pursuing my own Tiny House, I realize that that there are so many more possibilities that we can think of. It can be done: having your own house designed and built, tailored to your wishes and needs. Prefab sustainable houses are also available, or houses that give you the opportunity to adapt them to your needs. Just think about Mill Home, or Sustainer Homes, for instance. Of course, it’s never really cheap, but then again, it’s a house – not a loaf of bread. Most of the time it’s the property that costs most. And if you can’t or don’t want to buy, why not talk to your building corporation about how you want to live? That’s an option you know; some building corporations are happy with citizens initiatives. They want to work together with residents and appreciate their input. But, they don’t always know how to reach out to their residents. So, help them along!
I really love my house. It’s well thought through. Walden, Dimka and myself put so much time and effort into it. It simply fits me and there isn’t anything irritating that I would change. Although there are a few things that turned out to be less than practical, the joy of my house outshines that by miles. It feels right and it fits me like a glove! I like to say it has a soul.
Wouldn’t you like to have a home that shows who you really are? A home you can enjoy and appreciate? If it makes your heart beat faster, then go for it! A lot of people say they want to live in a Tiny House, but when it comes down to it, they don’t. That means they don’t want to put in the effort, the time and the energy to actually fulfill their dream. Maybe that means it’s not meant for them. Luckily, plenty of people are going for it. The community is growing steadily; I think right now there are about 40 Tiny Houses being built by private parties. And they are going to be magnificent, designed and built with care, all unique and special. I can’t wait to see what the Netherlands will look like in 5 years, maybe there will be a few Tiny Villages! I really hope so and I think it will happen. The shapes and sizes may differ, but no matter what, more opportunities for small living will be developed. The time is right!
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