The ‘Happy, Simply Home’ is very much as the name described. A simple structure designed to provide all you really need in a home and from my experience, you truly are happy whilst you’re there!
An idea created by a man named D’Arcy, who is often travelling, working with UN and aid projects throughout the developing world. He found that when he returned home he wanted nothing more than to enjoy life at its simplest.
The edifice is 10m squared, with a water tank out front to collect rainwater and an area at the back to shower. The toilet is still a work in progress (so careful planning of trips to the nearest public toilets is needed), but all other necessities are there. There is even an upstairs platform with a roll out double bed meaning up to three people can comfortably stay. Then there are the little perks such as being able to reach your kitchen from your bedroom.
I lay down to sleep each night with the street light outside emitting enough power to act as a nightlight. Drifting off to noises of the wind, trees and wildlife brushing the exterior, so clear you could almost forget the surrounding walls.
The electricity is created from solar power, meaning I only charge devices when necessary and only throughout the day when there is a high source of power. Living from rain water ensures I never take more than is needed. Yet I am more than satisfied, I don’t feel restricted, only conscious that I need to live within my means and treat these things as the luxuries they are.
On Sunday I took a trip into Wellington city to attend a bike mechanics workshop specifically aimed at women ‘Wenches with Wrenches’. Part of a larger community ‘Mechanical Tempest’, this Sunday session was held with the idea of giving women the chance to play around with bikes and teach each other skills without feeling any pressure from a male dominant environment. A great idea for giving the more self-conscious the opportunity to learn.
It was a really worthwhile experience and I thank the women who volunteer to make this possible. I left the workshop having made some minor improvements to my bike, now also aware of what else needs doing and importantly, why it needed doing.
