tiny house nation

#043 - Amy and Greg are tiny housers based in South-East Queensland who are creating a self-sufficient life in a tiny home for their family of 4.

They share their journey on social media as “Life Done Simple” which serves as a vessel to share with you their pursuit of a more simplified life, financial empowerment and a lifetime of great memories all while living full-time in a 7.2 x 2.4m tiny house on wheels.

In this conversation we talk about:

• What it means to “make space for life, not stuff”
• What tiny house life has done for their family’s relationship
• Some of the main challenges they’ve experienced during tiny house living
• Why living in a tiny house is NOT a “sacrifice”
• Some advice for curious tiny house folks with kids, wondering “can I actually live this way with kids?”….and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/043

You can follow Amy and Greg’s tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/life_done_simple
YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeDoneSimple

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#042 - There are many considerations around safety when it comes to tiny house construction and tiny house trailers.

Fred Schultz is a thought leader, innovator, advocate, and teacher in Australia's Tiny House movement. He designed, built, and lived in his own off-grid (fossil-fuel free) tiny house with his family and in doing so, innovated the Unified Construction Method® to make tiny houses lightweight, safe to tow, and comfortable to live in year-round.

Fred educates DIY builders and professionals alike on how to build safe tiny house vehicles through his online course and face-to-face workshops. He also makes highly engineered tiny house trailers that are perfect for building a tiny house on, featuring the strongest attachment method available between the tiny house and the trailer.

If he’s not supporting trailer clients in his tiny house office, he’ll be on the tools or working in the garden at his home in Castlemaine.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The shifts Fred has observed in the tiny house space over the years and where he thinks we’re headed
• The importance of constructing a long-lasting, safe & thermally well-performing tiny house on wheels / tiny house vehicle
• Why building to the Building Code of Australia or the National Construction Code doesn’t necessarily make a safe tiny house vehicle
• Some consequences of building over the weight limit of a trailer (4.5T)
• All about the Unified Construction Method®, Fred’s Tiny Trailers & Tiny House University….and more!

Get the episode show notes & links here:
https://tinyhouseconversations.com/042


You can work with and follow Fred’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://fredstinyhouses.com.au/
W: https://www.tinyhouseuniversity.com.au/
Trailers: https://fredstinyhouses.com.au/tiny-house-trailer/
IG: www.instagram.com/fredstinyhouses
FB: www.facebook.com/fredstinyhouses

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses & more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, head to:

#041 - Zeisha and Bronson Te Tau are the creators and hosts of "Find the Perfect Place", a YouTube series that features gorgeous homes of all shapes and sizes. They understand the "Perfect Place" is different for everyone and their mission is to showcase variety, uniqueness and beauty within all.

The idea to find the Perfect Place is one that resonates with us all. The desire and constant search for perfection, whilst coming to terms that there is also great beauty in imperfection. They hope you come along for the ride, and enjoy the journey as they find the Perfect Place.

In this conversation we talk about:

• All about their Youtube series, “Find the Perfect Place”
• The different tiny homes they’ve stayed in and some of their favourite features
• Some of the challenges of creating this series
• What Bronson and Zeisha’s “Perfect Place” looks like
• Teasing some upcoming tiny home tours...and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/041


You can follow Zeisha and Bronson’s adventures here:

W: https://www.findtheperfectplace.com
YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/findthePerfectPlace
FB: https://www.facebook.com/fnd.theperfectplace
IG: https://www.instagram.com/fnd.theperfectplace

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#040 - Could building materials be affecting your health and making you sick?

Zara D’Cotta is a Building Biology New Build Consultant, Keynote Speaker & Founder of The Healthy Home. 

She discovered her passion for environmental health after going through cancer. Through her own experiences with environmental illness, including four years on the move from one ‘unhealthy’ home to the next, and extensive research, Zara realised unhealthy homes are making us sick.

She decided to learn all she could about home design and building materials so she can one day build her own healthy home, and play what part she can in changing the way homes are designed and built. She has been on a mission to help families make informed choices ever since.

Zara has spent the past three years studying Building Biology, with a specific focus on healthy home design and building materials, in Australia and the USA.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Different chemicals contained in building materials and how they can be detrimental to health
• How to determine whether a building material is safe to use when it comes to the impacts on your health and the environment
• Why reclaimed and recycled building materials are not always the “healthiest” choice
• The limitations with the building codes when it comes to building materials and health
• How to reduce exposure to chemicals and “off-gassing” in your tiny home… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:
https://tinyhouseconversations.com/040


You can follow and work with Zara here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/zaradcotta_thehealthyhome/
LT: https://linktr.ee/zaradcotta 

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations
 

Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#039 - Rick Smith (and his wife Shani) is one of the Founders of tiny house builders, Havenwood Tiny Homes, who are based in Albion Park and Oak Flats on the South Coast of NSW.

Havenwood wants to provide people the opportunity to live simply. They make it their mission to serve their clients well, to provide homes that bring life and joy to their owners. 

Taking all of their combined years of building experience, their love of interiors that spark authentic living, bringing in handmade and bespoke materials, and staying true to who they are and how they believe life should be lived. They hope to inspire you also to walk forward into your dreams.

In this conversation we talk about:

• The bigger purpose behind Havenwood Tiny Homes and why Rick, Shani and the team do what they do
• Rick shares some great insights on starting the journey to get your tiny house built, and what steps to take, even when you’re not ready yet
• Behind-the-scenes of tiny house deliveries - challenges and memorable moments navigating different terrain, conditions and situations
• The tiny house models Havenwood build, including their unique tiny food truck model and the process to work with them as a customer
• What brings Rick the most joy when building homes for people… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/039


You can follow Havenwood’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://www.havenwood.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/havenwoodtinyhomes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/havenwoodtinyhomes/ 

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#038 - Mieke and Tom Lashford are tiny housers based in the Noosa Hinterland in Queensland and have created their tiny life on a hobby homestead.

Their journey to transitioning from living a life stuck in the rat race working 6 days a week and paying a big mortgage in a life not aligned, to moving to tiny house living and building a hobby farm in the Noosa hinterland and creating a space for connection and living simpler and more connected to nature.

Mieke and Tom were previously living in a second-hand tiny house and have recently moved into another tiny home which is absolutely stunning!

In this conversation we talk about:

• Why they decided to downsize from living in a 10-metre tiny home to an 8.4-metre tiny, and why it works so much better for them
• The benefits they have experienced from tiny house living
• How living in their first tiny home helped them to design their current tiny based on what worked and didn’t work, what’s most important to them and what their current needs are
• The importance of presence and creating your tiny home based on what you need in this moment rather than trying to predict what's going to happen in the future (this can apply to everything we do in life!)
• All about their hobby farm, Summerset Hill... and more!

You can follow Mieke, Tom & Summerset Hill's tiny adventures here:

IG: http://www.instagram.com/summersethill
FB: https://www.facebook.com/summersethill
Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-AU/queensland/summersethill/tiny-house-summersethill

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#037 - Thiago Perrone is the Managing Director of tiny house builders, Aussie Tiny Houses, based on the Sunshine Coast of QLD.

Aussie Tiny Houses are passionate about tiny living and providing alternatives to the current housing market. Their team of industry experts has been designing and building Tiny Houses in Australia since 2017. They specialize in optimizing small spaces and designing beautiful, practical and affordable living solutions to help you create your Tiny House vision.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Tiny homes as a solution to homelessness
• Considerations for DIY building vs buying a tiny house
• Creative storage solutions in a tiny home
• The tiny house models and off-grid solutions Aussie Tiny Houses offer, including their soon-to-be-released deck trailers, and the “customer journey” to work with them to build your tiny home
• Questions you should ask your builder to make sure you’re working with an ethical and reliable tiny building company in your area… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/037


You can follow Aussie Tiny Houses here:

W: https://aussietinyhouses.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/aussietinyhouses/
FB:https://www.facebook.com/aussietinyhouses


You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#036 - Walk with me through my tiny house design process in this "solocast" episode.

Here’s what I shared:

• Why I chose to go with Designer Eco Tiny Homes to build my tiny
• How I prepared for the custom design process, including resources I used and notes I made
• The layout of rooms in my tiny home
• Some features I had to have when it comes to creating a healthy home environment
• Other features in each area of my home
• Which composting toilet, natural mattress and bedframe I chose, and which natural paints, oils and downlights I used… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/036

You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations

Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge!

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#035 - Have you felt uncertain about how to approach the custom design process of your tiny home?

Danielle Dooley is the Custom Designer for the tiny building company, Designer Eco Tiny Homes, based on the South Coast of NSW. 

Danielle has a background in architecture and interior decorating. She has designed/built over 70 tiny homes with Designer Eco Tiny Homes and is passionate about working with their custom clients to create unique and bespoke spaces.

Danielle and I worked together on the custom design of my tiny house.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Some pro’s and con’s of custom designing a tiny home vs buying one “off-the-shelf”
• Where to start and how to approach planning your custom design
• Design considerations for different areas and features of your tiny home, including bedroom, lounge space, kitchen, bathroom, storage and cladding
• What Danielle loves most about working on custom designs with people
• Some of the most challenging design problems she has to solve… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/035


You can follow Designer Eco’s tiny adventures here:
W: https://designerecotinyhomes.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/designerecotinyhomes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/designerecotinyhomes/  
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7A1RhGMtWLB63u6eT74bzg


You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#034 - If you've ever thought you were too old to build a tiny house or buy land, this one's for you!

Mel Sparkles is a tiny houser from the Sunshine Coast in QLD. With a lifelong passion dedicated to tiny spaces, traditionally a Graphic Designer, Mel went on to study Building Design, Interior Design and Construction. 

After helping with other tiny house builds, Mel started building her own tiny house in 2020 which she has recently moved into. Mel hosts the Facebook groups Tiny Houses Brisbane & QLD and Land and Tiny Houses to rent or buy in Australia for the tiny house community.

Mel has worked as a volunteer for ATHA for the last 4 years and has hosted regular tiny house meetings to bring tiny house folk together. Mel has engaged in media spots for tiny houses and participated in speaker panels for tiny houses. 

She is currently designing another tiny house to build on land that recently purchased and is navigating the waters with council.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Mel’s story of living in a caravan, to building her own tiny house (in her 50’s), and buying her own land
• The struggles Mel experienced during the DIY building process
• How Mel created the tiny house life she wants to live
• What tiny living has enabled Mel to do in her life that she couldn’t do before
• Frustrations around council regulations and solutions for the housing crisis… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/034


You can follow Mel’s tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sliceoftinypai/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sliceoftinypai
Tiny Houses Brisbane & QLD: www.facebook.com/groups/tinyhousesbrisbane
Land to rent or buy for Tiny Houses in Australia:
www.facebook.com/groups/249661598868769/
The Tiny House Roadshow:
www.facebook.com/The-Tiny-House-Roadshow-107197220704517


You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations

#033 - Grant Emans is the founder of Designer Eco Tiny Homes, tiny house builders based in Ulladulla on the South Coast of NSW.  If you’ve been listening to the show for a while, you’ll know that Designer Eco is building my own tiny home!

In this conversation we talk about:

• Grant’s story and background in the construction industry and how he came to specialise in tiny house builds
• The shifts Grant has seen in the tiny house world from when he started building tiny homes and what’s currently present in the industry today
• For DIY tiny house builders - some options that Designer Eco offers, including trailers and shells to lock up
• All about solar trailers and the benefits compared to solar panels on your tiny house roof
• The tiny house models Designer Eco build and the process to work with them… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/033


You can follow Grant and Designer Eco’s tiny adventures here:
W: https://designerecotinyhomes.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/designerecotinyhomes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/designerecotinyhomes/  
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7A1RhGMtWLB63u6eT74bzg


You can follow my tiny adventures here:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB:  https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#030 - Adam Hickman is a carpenter and natural building practitioner originally from the UK and now based in Victoria, who lived in a converted tiny house truck with his family several years ago. These days Adam and his family live in a strawbale house he constructed himself. Adam also runs a tiny building company called Evergreen Homes.

In this conversation we talk about:

• What it’s like to live in a converted tiny house truck constructed with 85% recycled materials
• Adam’s experiences of living in a like-minded tiny house community
• Strawbale houses and the features included in his current family home
• Adam's biggest life lessons
• All about Adam’s Tiny House building company, Evergreen Homes... and more!

About Adam Hickman

"I started my career in construction 17 years ago in the UK. I was fortunate to work on beautiful Tudor and Georgian homes with strict criteria around building practices used, maintaining tradition and aesthetics whilst implementing modern techniques to improve thermal performance,  including passive solar design features. I was inspired to deepen my learning in natural building and solar passive design. 

Over the last 10 years, I have dedicated myself to learning and gaining experience in a magnitude of sustainable building practices. I’ve specialised in Traditional Timber Framing, Strawbale Homes and Tiny House design / building."

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/030


You can follow Adam’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://www.evergreenhomesaustralia.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/evergreenhomesau/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/evergreenhomesau


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#027 - Joe Arnesen is the co-founder of tiny house builders LJM Tiny Homes (Formerly LJM Carpentry & Construction) along with his business partner and expert builder, Luke McGurgen. 

LJM are based on the Sunshine Coast of QLD and build the most stunning tiny houses! I really got to feel the depth of care, authenticity, and genuine desire to help people build the home of their dreams through talking with Joe.

In this conversation we talk about:

• The benefits of choosing a tiny building company vs DIY building a tiny house
• Structural considerations for building a tiny house on wheels, including considerations on the layout and distribution of load
• The tiny house models LJM build and the process to work with them
• Some options to connect with power, water, sewage and off-grid solutions
• Questions to ask and things to look out for when it comes to finding an ethical, reliable tiny builder in your area… and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/027


You can follow Joe and LJM’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://ljmtinyhomes.com.au/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ljmtinyhomes/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ljmtinyhomes

You can follow my tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#026 - I asked 13 Tiny Housers the question, "What's one of the most valuable lessons you've learned from tiny house living?"

In this special compilation episode, I'm sharing their answers with you, so you can take their insights into your own tiny house journey. 

You'll hear topics such as...

• Conscious consumption, use of resources and our impact on the Earth
• Intentional living, simplifying and slowing life down
• What we do and DON'T need to be happy
• Self-sufficiency and resilience
• Designing a space around your dream life... and plenty more!

Find out more about the podcast & guest contact details and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/026

And make sure you subscribe so you'll know exactly when new episodes are live!


You can follow my tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#025 - Decisions, decisions, decisions… So many to make when designing and building or buying a tiny house and living the tiny lifestyle. Where do you start?

Ethan Waldman is a tiny houser from Burlington, Vermont, USA. He is a tiny house author, speaker, and teacher. He built his own tiny house on wheels in 2012, and has been passionately helping future tiny house dwellers on their own journeys ever since.

Ethan’s guide, Tiny House Decisions, has helped thousands of readers answer the big questions about tiny houses and plan each system in their future home. He’s also the creator and host of the Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast, a show that brings you conversations with tiny house luminaries, builders, and DIYers.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Ethan’s tiny house building experiences
• A common misconception about living in a tiny house
• Ethan talks us through the different sections of his e-book, Tiny House Decisions, and how you can consider different decisions along the way - big decisions, systems decisions, construction decisions & tiny living
• We touched on tiny trailers, tiny regulations and security for your tiny home… and more

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/025


You can follow Ethan’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ethanwaldman/
Podcast: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/thlp/
ebook: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/tiny-house-decisions/
Course: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/considerations/
Community: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/tiny-house-engage/

Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#024 - In an industry that's largely male-dominant, I'm continually inspired when I meet women in carpentry and tiny house building.

Marie Beringer is a tiny houser originally from France, and is living in Auckland, New Zealand. Marie DIY built her tiny home with the help of some friends and is currently doing an apprenticeship in carpentry. Marie’s DIY story is inspiring!

In this conversation we talk about:

• Where to start when it comes to DIY building a tiny house
• Marie’s off-grid setup and the challenges of creating a self-sufficient life
• How Marie found a parking space for her tiny home
• Women in building and carpentry
• A realist misconception about living in a tiny house… and more.

About Marie

Marie: "I am Marie and 5 years ago I made the best decision of my life signing up for a tiny house workshop. I was working in a 9 to 5 job in a lab and after that I quit and started my own tiny house journey with the mindset of « how hard can it be »... spoiler alert ... it’s hard but not impossible, and with a good attitude and some support, you can do anything. 

Back to the present day, I now have my tiny house on a beautiful piece of land in west Auckland, entering my second year of a carpentry apprenticeship, building tiny houses for others. I am embarking on a new adventure trying to become more self-sufficient and having fun along the way."

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/024


You can follow Marie’s tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/marie_beringer/


You can follow my tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, you can head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources/

#023 - Can you see yourself living in a tiny house community?

Jimmy Hirst is a tiny houser from the Sunshine Coast of QLD who runs the organisation, Polkadot, supporting sustainable and community-based living.

Jimmy is a passionate, self-professed social entrepreneur and social engineer actively working in advocating for and helping transition the mainstream population to more sustainable & socially connective communities ("Eco Villages") to help improve quality of life for all people as well as helping reduce impact on the planet so that it may be enjoyed 4 generations to come.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Jimmy’s story of tiny house living and some reasons for going tiny
• Intentional eco-communities and his thoughts on creating guiding principles, framework and guidance for living in community
• How Jimmy found a parking space for his tiny home
• The mutually beneficial relationship with your landowner
• All about what Jimmy is creating with Polkadot
• Lots more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/023

You can follow Jimmy’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://www.polkadot.org.au/jimmyz
FB: https://www.facebook.com/polkadottinyhouses
FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/polkadotcommunity
Tiny App: https://www.polkadot.org.au/tinyapp
Living Free Tiny House: https://www.polkadot.org.au/livingfreetinyhouse
Tiny Living Tour: https://www.polkadot.org.au/polkadottinyhousetour


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

For more discounts on Tiny and Healthy Living products and services, head to:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/resources

#022 - Looking for an easier way to create your tiny house plans and design?

Laurin Buch, Eujenne Claxton and Till Buch are the Co-Founders of Tiny Easy, a tiny house design company based in Auckland, New Zealand. 

The driving force behind Tiny Easy is to encourage and inspire other tiny house enthusiasts to take the leap and get into their tiny house faster. 

They believe that tiny homes can unlock a lifestyle of financial freedom, sustainability, and time freedom that we all crave! It's Tiny Easy's mission to help you kickstart your tiny house building journey!

In this conversation we talk about:

• Laurin and Eujenne’s tiny house build
• The tiny house designs and plans available through Tiny Easy, including comprehensive additional resources like a cost planner, floor, framing and cabinetry plans, build planner, tool guides, a fully customizable Sketchup model and plenty more.
• The process of working with Tiny Easy and the building companies they’re partnered with
• What’s inspiring them most in the tiny house world… and more!

 
Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/022


You can follow Laurin, Eugene and Till’s tiny adventures here:

W: https://www.tinyeasy.co.nz/tiny-house-plans
E-book: https://www.tinyeasy.co.nz/ebook
Free Tiny House Plans: https://www.tinyeasy.co.nz/free-tiny-house-plans
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tiny.easy/ 
FB: https://www.facebook.com/TinyEasy 
PT: https://www.pinterest.nz/TinyEasyNZ
LT: https://linktr.ee/tinyeasy 

You can follow Lucy's tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations


Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge!

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

#021 - What do the Tiny House Regulations say about long-term tiny house living?

Elle Paton is a tiny houser living in St Kilda in Melbourne, Victoria. Elle is also a Co-founder of Tiny Non-Profit, a Co-founder of the Australian Tiny House Association, and most recently, Co-founder of the new platform Littlefoot - a platform for small footprint housing in Australia. 

She works as a consultant within the industry and heads up the Australian Tiny Houses Facebook Community. Living in her St Kilda suburban tiny house, from where she works, she is passionate about the sustainability aspect of tiny living and the potential positive social impacts tiny houses have to offer.

In this conversation we talk about:

• Elle’s experiences of tiny house living, including the process of downsizing & transitioning, the challenges and best parts
• The importance of working out your values and needs when building your tiny house
• The current situation with tiny house on wheels (caravan) regulations in Australia
• Elle’s experiences dealing with her local council to get pre-approval for long-term living in her tiny house on wheels in an urban environment in St Kilda
• Considerations and things to understand when making a case for local council approval for long-term tiny house living... and lots more!

Disclaimer: The information discussed in this conversation is not intended to offer advice to podcast listeners. It is for educational purposes only. Please do your own research and seek professional support before making any big decisions about building or living in your tiny house.

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/021

You can work with Elle and follow her tiny adventures here:

W: www.littlefoot.homes
LT: https://linktr.ee/ellepaton
Tiny Consulting: https://calendly.com/ellepaton/tiny-consultancy-call
FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/235074966967710/

Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.

#020 - Can you build a tiny house with no experience? Yes, you can! 

Cris Edwards and Bryh Joy are two middle-aged single mums, besties, interior designers, and now tiny home builders based in Tweed Heads in NSW.

 Cris & Bryh see and feel the housing affordability crisis and want to be part of the revolution. This first tiny home is being built on spec and they are filming and sharing the entire journey. As two renters who are terrified of having to move again and unable to afford to buy...they can see that their future is in a tiny home.

They are determined to build the most beautiful tiny home in Australia from the perspective of WOMEN and are confident someone will want it for their home, Airbnb or vacation house. They have NO idea what they are doing but are so excited to be part of this community and learn along the way...sharing their ups and downs as they go.

In this conversation we talk about:

• All about their DIY tiny house building project
• The multi-purpose mission behind building their first tiny house
• Women in building and “lady tradies”
• Some of the main features they’ll be including in their tiny home
• Some of the challenges they’ve experienced during this project... and more!

Find out more about the podcast and get the episode show notes & links here:

https://tinyhouseconversations.com/020

And make sure you subscribe so you'll know exactly when new episodes are live!


You can follow Cris and Bry’s tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/biglife.tinyhome/ 

W: https://www.thegoodroom.net.au 

You can follow my tiny adventures here:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinyhouseconversations

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tinyhouseconversations

Tiny and Healthy Living Products and Services

Block Blue Light - Specialty light bulbs, downlights, sleep lamps, blue-blocking glasses and more, to reduce artificial light exposure and support healthy sleep.

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/bluelight
• Discount code: thcpodcast for 10% off your order

Tiny Easy - 3D Tiny House Designer - The first online design tool that lets you design your tiny house without needing any technical or design knowledge!

• Link: https://tinyhouseconversations.com/tinyeasydesigner
• Discount code: LUCY75 for 75% off the first month of the Premium version.

Sky Energy - Skybox and Skybox Mini - Off-grid solar systems for tiny homes.

• Link: https://skyenergy.com.au/skybox/
• Discount code: For $200 off your custom Skybox or Skybox Mini, call Sky Energy and ask for Steve. Let him know Lucy from Tiny House Conversations sent you.