Ryan Steven, his partner Ziski, and their son Auri have embraced a unique lifestyle in a tiny house community, swapping traditional housing for a more sustainable, community-oriented living space.
For anyone pondering a similar shift, Ryan's experiences and insights shed light on the realities of tiny house community life, with a few thought-provoking questions to consider.
Setting the Scene: Community Guidelines and Governance
"In our tiny house community, we rely on common courtesy more than formal rules," Ryan explains. The community focuses on maintaining a clean environment, driving safely on shared paths, and assisting each other with tasks like moving stock. An essential aspect is the responsible use of shared water resources, crucial for sustainability and fairness.
Question to Ponder: Are you prepared to live in an environment where mutual respect and shared responsibilities are more important than rigid rules?
Visitors and Social Life: Balancing Openness with Respect
Ryan describes the community's approach to visitors and social gatherings with a focus on minimal disruption. "Visitors are welcome, but they need to adhere to our lifestyle, particularly in resource usage and ensuring gates are kept closed for the safety of community livestock."
Social gatherings are infrequent, ensuring everyone's peace is preserved, and communal spaces are carefully positioned to avoid any disturbances.
Question to Ponder: How do you feel about hosting visitors under strict community guidelines? Is a quiet social life something you're comfortable with?
Pets, Privacy, and Interactions
Pets are part of the community, but with limitations to maintain balance. "We have policies in place to ensure pets do not disturb the livestock or other members, with any issues quickly addressed through our community WhatsApp group."
Privacy is respected via the natural spacing between homes and polite communication norms, which facilitate meaningful interactions without overstepping personal boundaries.
Question to Ponder: Could you adapt to managing your pets under community guidelines while also respecting the broader needs of your neighbours?
Decision-Making and Community Involvement
"Decisions about community rules or significant changes are made through discussions with the landowner and among residents," Ryan shares, highlighting the collaborative nature of governance in their community. This process, he notes, is facilitated by shared values and a group chat that keeps everyone connected without the need for regular meetings.
Question to Ponder: Are you comfortable with a communal decision-making process where your voice is one of many in shaping the living environment?
Daily Routines and Sustainability
A typical day for Ryan involves communal activities like water collection and gardening, with weekends bringing the community closer through shared tasks and socialising. Sustainability is a core focus, with efforts to conserve water, energy, and manage waste effectively through practices like humanure composting.
Question to Ponder: How willing are you to engage in daily communal tasks and live sustainably, potentially changing significant aspects of your lifestyle?
Challenges and Personal Growth
"Managing resources, especially in winter, is a challenge," Ryan admits, noting the careful planning required to live sustainably. However, he also reflects on the personal growth and enhanced sense of security the community has fostered, emphasising the deep connections formed with neighbours.
Question to Ponder: Are you ready to face the logistical and interpersonal challenges of community living while embracing the potential for personal growth?
The Future of Tiny House Living
Ryan is optimistic about the future of tiny house communities, citing legal advancements and growing recognition of their benefits. He sees these communities as playing a crucial role in addressing broader societal challenges through sustainable living practices.
Question to Ponder: Do you see yourself as part of a movement that not only changes how you live but potentially influences broader societal norms?
Ryan's journey into tiny house community living offers a candid look at the adjustments, benefits, and challenges of this lifestyle. For those considering a similar path, it's essential to weigh the communal, sustainable, and minimalistic aspects against personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
