The Muriwai Tiny House Village Dream: Ambitions, Challenges, and Lessons Learned
Creating a space for sustainable living, community engagement, and promoting minimalistic lifestyles was at the heart of my Muriwai Tiny House Village project. Here’s a reflection on the vision, the obstacles faced, and the invaluable insights gained from the endeavour.
The Vision:
Inspired by the rising global trend of compact living and the success of various tiny house communities worldwide, the plan was simple yet ambitious. To develop a co-working tiny house village in Muriwai, a picturesque location on Auckland’s West Coast. It aimed to provide individuals and families an alternative living space that was not only sustainable but also cultivated a sense of community and shared resources
The Initial Plan:
The village was conceived to house 18 beautiful tiny homes, designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Given the rising acceptance of the “work-from-home” culture, the village would also function as a co-working space. Thus, residents wouldn’t just share a living space but also a work environment, fostering collaboration and shared experiences.
Unforeseen Challenges:
However, the journey to realising this dream was not smooth.
- The COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic not only altered global perspectives but also had tangible impacts on planning and execution. Initial plans had to be scaled down due to unforeseen challenges and restrictions brought about by the virus.
- Council Restrictions: While the project aimed to provide an alternative living solution, it often found itself at loggerheads with local council regulations. The village’s location in Muriwai meant that it was subject to specific campground regulations. These stated that one could not spend more than 50 continuous days on site
Lessons and Reflection:
While the Muriwai Tiny House Village might not have come to fruition as envisioned, it was far from a failure. It highlighted the challenges faced by pioneers in alternative living spaces, especially when navigating the bureaucratic maze of regulations.
The experience underscored the need for clearer regulations that are aligned with the evolving needs and lifestyles of the modern world. The dream might have faced hurdles, but it sparked a conversation, challenged norms, and will hopefully pave the way for more accommodating policies in the future.
In conclusion, while the Muriwai project faced its share of challenges, it serves as a testament to the spirit of innovation and the need for adaptability in our ever-changing world.