Food resilience in Christchurch an important part of urban planning

Australian d’Arcy Lunn’s one room, 10sqm house built by him and volunteers as part of his Happy Simply holistic lifestyle project in Paekakariki.

d’Arcy Lunn has created Happy Simply – a lifestyle  model and education project.

Here’s what he has to say!:

“Why a lifestyle of Happy Simply?

Mainly because it is very rich in people, family, community, friends, experiences, interactions, nature and social justice. For me it is not about sacrifices but about a higher quality of lifestyle where real things matter like – walking, talking, washing, gardening, helping, etc. I would say it feels like a more pure life where priorities are not working to earn so much and buy/have so much (and no time to enjoy any of the ‘things’). Western culture lives in time poverty and often people are slaves to debt.

I think this Happy Simply lifestyle model gives people a chance to take on aspects of life that will keep debt away, enhance quality of life and be better for society and our environment (and ultimately ourselves!).

My trade is as a teacher but I have been lucky to travel, volunteer, learn, teach and work for the past 11 years in over 55 countries and have seen the best examples of life and lifestyles there are, and for me, the simpler the better – with a few mod cons and convinces (how do you think I am writing this!).

My aim for this project and blog is to share with others the perceptions, thoughts and actions that have lead me to embrace more of the sophistication of simplicity. As a passionate educator I am excited to share any learning I might have and put it on the table for others to see what is out there and maybe adopt an aspect or idea or two.

Essentially Happy Simply is:

• A simple 10m square dwelling (within council restrictions and no permits [in NZ])
• Renewable energy (off the grid)
• Rainwater capture and storage for water needs
• Bio-compostable toilet
• Edible garden
• Walking, cycling and public transport
• Volunteering in the local community

Happy. Simply.”

Check out this video of his 10m2, off the grid dwelling that features rainwater capture and edible garden!

Tags: Happy Simply