This family’s story starts with an adventure on the road—a long camper trip that took them through Portugal and France for over two years. During that time, Hanna and Michael rediscovered the value of simplicity and realized they didn’t need much space to live well. So, when they returned home, they looked at their 114-square-meter house with fresh eyes: most of that space was unused! Their decision? Turn the page and start a new adventure!

After discovering the world of tiny houses, Hanna and Michael knew this was the path for them. Together with a local carpenter, they built a small, 38-square-meter home, placing it on a beautiful piece of land they now call home. In 2020, they moved in, ready for a life that was more authentic, lower-impact, and deeply connected to the natural world.

A Life in Harmony with Nature

Choosing to live in an off-grid tiny house has brought this family closer to nature like never before. Their land, nestled in a quiet rural area in southern Germany, provides them with the opportunity to grow most of their own food through permaculture. Michael, passionate about sustainable farming, has transformed their organic garden into a green oasis where vegetables, fruits, and grains thrive.

The approach of permaculture, aiming to create resilient, closed-loop systems, is rooted in working with nature instead of against it, using natural interactions within the ecosystem. For Hanna and Michael, even slugs, often seen as pests, became a resource: their ducks love eating slugs, turning them into fresh eggs.

Sustainable Solutions for Energy and Water

Living off-grid also means learning to be self-sufficient in terms of energy and water. Hanna and Michael’s tiny house is equipped with 1,600-watt solar panels, which are enough to cover all their needs. For hot water, they use a solar thermal energy system, while cold water is provided through a local water network.

Another ingenious feature of their home is their biogas system, which turns organic waste into methane for cooking. This setup not only reduces the family’s ecological footprint but also produces a natural fertilizer for their garden. It’s a perfect example of how innovation and sustainability can work together for a cleaner, independent life.

The Benefits of Living in a Tiny House

For this family, choosing to live in a tiny house has been an extraordinary opportunity.

First and foremost, they’ve drastically reduced their living expenses—no more sky-high bills for electricity, heating, or rent. With less space, they’ve learned to focus on what really matters, cutting out the unnecessary and discovering the freedom that minimalism brings.

Maintenance of the tiny house has also become a simple task. While a traditional house takes hours and hours to clean, it takes little more than two hours to have their tiny house in order. This leaves more time to enjoy the outdoors, explore, and dive into their passions.

The Benefits of Growing Up in a Tiny House

For the kids in this family, the garden around their tiny house is a true paradise. Growing up surrounded by nature offers experiences that go far beyond simple play: Michael and Hanna’s children spend their days exploring, observing plants and small animals, and learning about and respecting the cycles of life. Living with ducks and chickens adds a touch of magic to daily life and teaches the kids the importance of caring for animals and living harmoniously with all living beings.

This housing model fosters outdoor education, a natural learning approach where the connection with the earth enhances children’s physical, emotional, and creative skills. Growing up immersed in nature allows kids to understand it deeply, nurturing a respectful and conscious attitude towards it. A lesson that takes root in the heart and stays with them for life.

In a Nutshell

The story of Hanna, Michael, and their family shows us that it’s possible to live more sustainably and in harmony with nature without sacrificing comfort. With their choice of an off-grid tiny house, they have reduced their environmental impact, saved money, and found a fulfilling life surrounded by nature. This family is an inspiring example for anyone dreaming of breaking free from the constraints of the capitalist society and living in freedom and harmony with the Planet.