Meet The Bower and The Upcyclist’s Tiny, Eco-Friendly House
This is not a holiday caravan. This is your tiny new home.
Home, sweet tiny home. James Galletly (known locally as The Upcyclist) and the Bower Reuse and Repair Centre have teamed up to support the Tiny Houses Australia momentous architectural movement. The concept is simple: small, eco-friendly and sustainable living spaces that challenge the way you think of home. It's "guilt free living", as James puts it. The Bower, a Co-Op in the Addison Road Community Centre, has a commitment to waste reduction that is in line with the carpenter's background in Environmental Science and the project mantra: "less house, more living".
Part backyard retreat, part child's dream home, The Upcyclist made this project "it's own tiny goal". He re-envisioned a 6 x 8 box trailer into a one-bedroom abode using 95 percent salvaged, recycled and donated materials. The structure is 100% waterproof and insulated for outdoor use. Galletly and his team of volunteers built all fold-up furniture, including a wooden table, crate chairs and a single, hand-painted bed, which allows the room to act as both a sitting area and bedroom. With the solar powered electrical system and gorgeously restored red cedar, double glass windows and doors, the room offers comfort even as a miniature. The size is charming to adults and children alike, and has been the interest of both architects and artists as a creative space.
With this project, Galletly hopes to "re-empower people to shelter themselves", and to open minds to alternative living options that don't include "constantly maintaining your house". While it is technically a house on wheels, it is not a replacement caravan, but is a statement piece for the dangers of consumerism. "I want to ensure The Tiny will not become another consumable item and instead be the answer to a problem". This converted space will act as a prototype for the tiny house business Galletly will fund with the auction proceeds, with his future endeavors to include a kitchen and bathroom.
'The Tiny' will be auctioned off on Saturday, September 20, as part of the Bower's 15th Anniversary Event. Don't worry if you're not prepared to offer the starting bid of $10,000–$15,000, the full-day celebration is open to all and will include a BBQ, artisanal market and demonstration workshops within the Community Centre.
The tiny houses concept originated in the USA but has been gaining traction in Australia and become a movement that is championed by architects, designers and engineers. The idea is broad enough to include a small, community project like 'The Tiny' as well as larger, million-dollar project such as one featured on Grand Designs Australia. Environmental and minimalist minds unite for this cause, proving that good things really do come in small packages.
'The Tiny' House Auction is on Saturday, September 20, from 12pm-1pm at The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre, Addison Road Community Centre; 34/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. For more info on the project, head here.
Images: Alicia Fox.
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