For their study “Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology” (Leiden University), Zoë van Niekerk, Floor van den Ende, Merle Overmeire and Emma Bezemer conducted research into the experiences of people in the Netherlands when transitioning to a Tiny House. ‘We investigated what motivation Tiny House residents have to move into a Tiny House, what role sustainability and minimalism play in this, how they view living in a community and the associated social relationships and whether their expectations have been met.’
The research team
Zoë explains their enthusiasm for the research: ‘Some of us were already curious about the phenomenon of Tiny Houses, but we had no idea how big it actually was in the Netherlands. It was only when we found an extensive list of communities online, (Tiny Houses in Nederland), that we realised its size. At that moment we knew immediately: This is where we want to focus our research!’
In contrast to psychologists, anthropologists and sociologists focus primarily on the community aspect. They are interested in studying groups of people, their culture and how they live together. ‘That’s why we had to focus our research on a community rather than on individual experiences. This meant that we didn’t just look at Tiny Houses themselves, but specifically searched for Tiny House communities where people develop an alternative living style together.’
That made the research even more interesting, because it provided insight into how these communities function and how shared values such as minimalism and sustainability are expressed in practice. ‘We ended up talking to 7 Tiny House communities and a single Tiny House resident!’
Motivation
The students defined six main motivations for moving to a Tiny House:
- sustainability
- minimalism
- community
- autonomy and influence on building
- financial efficiency
- flexibility and freedom
‘We found that many respondents mention minimalism and sustainability as their main motivation. Many people want to live more minimalist and are concerned about the environment. It was interesting to find that, although we didn’t necessarily mention it in our research or interviews, nature was often cited as a motivator by study participants.’
Sustainability and minimalism
A majority of respondents cited sustainability as a key reason for moving to a Tiny House. ‘While our study findings may raise doubts about the direct impact of Tiny House living on sustainability, the qualitative findings reveal a different reality. Many people have incorporated sustainability into their lifestyle after making the move, or had already adopted it before moving to their Tiny House. Tiny House residents are often committed to reducing their environmental impact; from sourcing used building materials to promoting self-sufficiency in energy and food production.’
Living in a Tiny House naturally embraces minimalism as a lifestyle choice. While study participants may not have noticed a major shift toward minimalism after making the move, qualitative insights reveal how minimalism impacts their lifestyle in complex ways. For many individuals, living in a small space has made minimalism a necessity rather than just a deliberate choice. The transition to Tiny House living encourages a more conscious understanding of consumption habits and a more thoughtful approach to possessions. The shared resources and supportive communities of Tiny House neighborhoods facilitate the transition to minimalism.
Communities and social relationships
Living in a ‘community’ and having social relationships are found to be important contributors to the Tiny House community experience. ‘There are different types of communities, from ‘light communities’ to more tightly knit communities. The ‘sense of belonging’ to a community and the support of neighbors contribute positively to the transition to Tiny House living. Collaborative efforts strengthen the sense of community and open doors to deepening relationships based on similar values and interests.’
The findings confirm the importance of communities in improving the tiny house living experience: ‘These communities foster interpersonal relationships, create a sense of belonging, and provide support networks for residents.’
Romanticism
Have all expectations been met for Tiny House residents or is the idea of tiny house living romanticized? ‘People who make the transition to tiny house living face several challenges that are often missed in romanticized portrayals of this lifestyle, such as construction issues. In addition to the investment of time, money and effort, individuals and communities have to deal with municipalities. But despite the challenges, our research also shows the clear appeal of tiny house living, especially the close connection with nature that it creates for some.’
Answer to research question
The transition to tiny house living is usually more than just a physical downsizing. It often involves a conceptual shift towards more conscious consumption and care for the environment. ‘Our research emphasizes the essential influence that communities have on the experience of tiny house living. Although residents have different expectations, they all seem to value the social relationships they have built within the community and the support of the community. In addition to improving interpersonal relationships, collaborative tasks such as shared resource management and sustainable practices within these communities also enhance the quality of daily life experiences.’
In addition to the often romanticized idea of living in a Tiny House, the research also highlights the difficulties and complications that come with making the transition to a different lifestyle. ‘Our research participants shared their experiences with us about overcoming various obstacles, such as construction issues, sorting out permit requirements, and finding a suitable location for their home. There is clearly a gap between some expectations and the reality of the experiences of living in a Tiny House. Yet, living in a Tiny House continues to have transformative potential. Residents emphasize a shared commitment to environmental conservation and communal resilience, and speak passionately about the deep connection to nature that comes with this lifestyle.’
To learn more about the research team’s findings and experiences, please contact Zoë van Niekerk at: zoeniekerk2002@gmail.com
Photo credits: Tiny Houses Duinvallei, CPO Calimero, Klein Zuidbroek, Tiny House Hengelo, LiberTerra Geestmerambacht
Leave a Reply