A COUPLE have revealed that they live off-grid in a tiny shipping container home.
Not only do content creators Emma and Kevin rely solely on solar power for their electricity, but they also use rainwater to wash too.
A woman has revealed that she and her partner live off-grid in a tiny shipping container home[/caption]
Not only do they not have to pay for central heating, but their electricity is free too[/caption]
Keen to open up on their unique lifestyle, Emma, who loves her tiny home, took to social media to share all.
In a short video, which gave their followers a close-up look at their container home, Emma, who is currently living in Ireland, got candid on what life is really like living in the middle of nowhere.
The brunette beauty, who is also a dog lover, claimed that off-grid living “is the way forward”.
She said: “Because we live off grid, it means that we fully rely on solar power, with the back-up of a generator to supply our electricity.”
Not only this, but DIY fan Emma then continued: “We have a 300 litre water tank and Kev fitted a rainwater collection system that now feeds the water from the roof into our tank.”
To ensure they stay warm during the winter months, the savvy woman shared an insight into their alternative method to traditional central heating.
She expressed: “To keep us nice and warm we have a solid fuel stove and then we also have a gas water heater which heats up our water for showers.”
As a result of solar panels, rainwater harvesting, a diesel heater and a gas water heater, Emma shared: “I could not be prouder of what we have achieved.”
Emma then claimed that she and Kevin “like to do things differently”.
Not only this, but she also urged those looking to follow in their footsteps to “feel free to ask any questions.”
Additionally, she recognised: “Myself and Kev were completely inexperienced starting off but we’ve learnt so much on our way.”
The short but insightful TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @emmas_footprints_, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 78,100 views.
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
Social media users were impressed with Emma and Kevin’s off grid lifestyle and many, who also live a similar way of life, eagerly flocked to the comments to express this.
One person said: “I’m looking to do the same as you, off grid is the future…”
Because we live off grid, it means that we fully rely on solar power, with the back-up of a generator to supply our electricity
Emma
Another added: “Congratulations, we are just getting ready to move into ours.”
A third commented: “We’re in the exact same set up, have been for two years and it’s the best thing ever.”
Meanwhile, someone else asked: “Did you need planning permission? I’m looking into doing something similar. Your house is fab.”
Are tiny homes legal in the UK?
TINY houses can be in the UK regardless of whether they are on a trailer base or not. The legality of tiny houses is all to do with where it is and what you use it for.
According to Planning Geek, constructing a granny annexe in your garden usually means you’ll need planning permission, especially if it has a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
This is because it’s seen as a separate living space rather than just an extension of your main home.
However, if you’re thinking about converting an existing outbuilding, like a garage, into a granny annexe or a tiny home, you might not need planning permission.
That said, it’s important to make sure the space doesn’t end up being a fully self-contained unit – for instance, if the converted area doesn’t include cooking facilities, it might not be classified as a separate dwelling.
It’s also worth noting that, while certain small outbuildings can be constructed under permitted development rights, the NAPC points out that this usually applies to structures like sheds or garages, rather than self-contained annexes.
According to The Tiny Housing, a tiny home on wheels must not exceed 2.55 meters in width to be road-legal in the UK. Also, with a standard car licence, the length cannot be more than seven meters.
While tiny homes offer an alternative living solution, they must comply with local planning and building regulations.
Always check with your local council to ensure compliance with all regulations.
If you’re thinking of living an off-grid lifestyle similar to Emma and Kevin, you should be aware that in the UK, generally you do need planning permission to live off-grid in a permanent structure.
If you’re living in a temporary structure like a caravan or yurt for a short period, you may not need permission.
However, it’s always best to check with your local council regarding specific regulations and your intended living situation.
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