When most people think about going tiny, they picture minimalism, financial freedom, and maybe even the ability to park their house in picturesque locations. But for Rebecca and Darren, their decision to downsize was more than just about simplifying life, it was about reclaiming their health.
After years of suburban living, surrounded by Wi-Fi signals, smart meters, and a house riddled with condensation and mould issues, they realised they wanted something different. "We were keen to move out of living in suburbia, surrounded by cell phone towers, Wi-Fi and smart meters, in a house with condensation and mould issues, and wanted to create a truly healthy living space, free from the ties of a mortgage. So, we sold our home and went tiny!" says Rebecca.
With a longstanding interest in natural health and wellbeing, they sought a build that aligned with their philosophy. Their journey led them to a builder specialising in natural, non-toxic homes. "It wasn’t until we discovered Little Place Ltd that we realised how easy it would be to create a totally natural, healthy space," Darren adds.
Unlike most tiny home builds, which focus primarily on functionality and storage solutions, Rebecca and Darren’s priority was to create an environment that actively improved their wellbeing. Every material, from insulation to lighting, was carefully considered.
"We watched hundreds of Bryce’s videos (from Living Big in a Tiny House) and then worked with our builder to refine the design. They only use natural/non-toxic materials in their builds, so that made that part pretty easy," says Rebecca.
Their home is virtually plastic-free, built from non-treated timber, natural paints, and oils. The walls and ceiling are lined with thick New Zealand wool insulation, ensuring a warm and cosy environment year-round. Large double-glazed windows flood the space with natural light, and a Roaring Meg fire provides quick and efficient heating.
But it wasn’t just about the materials. Rebecca and Darren took their dedication to health a step further by incorporating low-EMF wiring and lighting choices.
"For the lighting, we sourced all our bulbs from Block Blue Light. They are flicker-free, low-EMF, amber-coloured lights designed to support sleep. We even have a special bulb in the dining area with three settings that mimic different times of the day, perfect for dreary winter days!" explains Darren.
To minimise exposure to dirty electricity, they opted for thicker insulated cabling throughout the house, all linked to a single earthing cable grounded via a 1.8m copper rod. A kill switch at the top of the stairs ensures that almost all electricity (except for the fridge and composting toilet fan) is turned off at night, creating an incredibly restful environment.
"We also use grounding sheets on the beds, which plug into an 'Earth Only' socket. We have never slept better! Now, when we go away, we really notice the buzz from EMFs and Wi-Fi," says Rebecca.
One year into tiny living, Rebecca and Darren say their home has transformed their day-to-day experience. "It literally feels grounded and calming being in the space. Living in this home is a big contributing factor to allowing a low-stress lifestyle," says Darren.
Visitors frequently comment on how spacious and inviting the home feels. "Most people love the look and feel of our space and are really interested in the materials we used. We hope we’ve inspired others to think about how they can make healthier choices in their own homes," Rebecca adds.
When asked if they had a favourite feature, their answer was clear: "The lighting! We can't imagine having normal bulbs ever again."
For those looking to build a healthier home, tiny or otherwise, Rebecca and Darren emphasise a holistic approach. "Healthier living doesn’t come down to one or two things. It’s about everything in your environment—what you put on, in, and around your body. Long-term exposure to toxins and non-native EMFs can be avoided or minimised with the right choices," says Darren.
Their top tips include:
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Turn off Wi-Fi and phones at night.
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Use low-EMF lighting and grounding sheets.
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Prioritise natural materials in furnishings, paints, and insulation.
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Spend time outdoors daily and expose yourself to natural light.
Their tiny home is a true reflection of their values, and they wouldn’t change a thing. "Because we were so involved every step of the way, this house is a true reflection of us and what we wanted at that time," says Rebecca.
But the dream doesn’t stop here. Their next goal? Owning land where they can expand their home, adding a separate studio and spare room, while also creating space for multi-generational living with their daughter and her future family.
"Having land to plant trees and grow food is important to us, and we want to continue building a life that supports our health and happiness," Darren shares.
For Rebecca and Darren, their tiny house isn’t just a home, it’s an investment in their future wellbeing. Through careful design, natural materials, and a dedication to healthy living, they have created a space that truly supports their lifestyle.
