Luxurious small living: The dove residence
Sometimes building small is the only option. Whether it be because of a small site, a lower budget, or just preference, living in a smaller space can have a lot of benefits, and there are many things you can do to maximize the space. We spoke to Lynn Georgens, a client living in a 400sf EcoNest, about her experience with small living in a Healthy Home.
First of all, I’d love to get a little background! Where were you living before, and why did you decide to build small? Was the space designed specifically for you?
Before here, I was living in a condo in town and suffered from EMF symptoms due to Wi-Fi and cellphones being used by neighbors all around me. I knew I needed to find somewhere to live that was protected from EMFs.
I had friends that were interested in building me a safe living space on their property. The resulting cottage, my home, is 400sq. ft. Paula and Robert are dear friends of mine, and I knew I wanted to work with them.
Paula and I discussed the layout options but of course her expertise led the way. She and her team decided to maximize the size of the two rooms, vault the ceilings, create a sun bump on the south side, add windows on the east facing wall, and a sliding glass door that opens to the backyard patio. The windows and high ceiling provide an open and expansive atmosphere. The material quality of my small living quarters is luxurious- cherry cabinets, solid wood flooring, granite counters, stone tile and quality fixtures. Paula and I enjoyed picking out the fixtures together. Paula was able to source a soaking tub of a smaller dimension than standard size and made it a perfect fit!
We started construction in May, 2019, and completed it in December of that same year.
There is ample storage. The design includes a hidden loft area over the bathroom and is reached by a drop-down staircase accessed from the bathroom. This additional storage space includes cedar paneling, a clothes rod, and a window for natural light and ventilation. We discussed putting in a wood burning stove but decided it would take up too much living space. But with the radiant heat in the flooring, and passive solar gain, it will not be missed.
What initially drew you to living in a smaller space? How does it compare to previous spaces you’ve lived in?
I have always enjoyed living in cozy and efficient spaces more than I have my larger homes. This home provides that sense of being embraced by nature both inside and out- it truly feels like a sanctuary. I believe all of us need a special place, that surrounds us in healthy beauty and comfort. It doesn’t have to be big.
Have you noticed any changes in your health or well-being since moving into this space?
Yes, my well-being has improved in several ways. I no longer experience symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) that consisted of headaches, fatigue, brain fog, tinnitus, muscle pain and cramping. The home is ‘hardwired’ for the internet meaning Wi-Fi is not used. There are three ethernet ports for convenience and flexibility. This eliminates the electro-magnetic radiation that comes with wireless transmissions. There is also a ‘kill switch’ to completely turn off the electricity in the bedroom for a more restorative sleep. Being someone who is hyper-sensitive, these things are crucial and I believe that anyone could benefit from them. Also, the thicker walls and quality windows and doors minimize outside noises. Typically, new conventional homes become a toxic soup as the off gassing of many different materials fill the home with chemical fumes. Living in a healthy, hand-crafted home has allowed me to thrive rather than continually mitigate health issues because of an unhealthy environment.
What are some of the design features that help you maximize the use of the space? Are there any features that allow for easy reconfiguration?
The open floor plan of the living room allows flexibility for any creative arrangement. The window seat or “sun bump” functions as a couch or a dining area when table and chairs are added. The deep drawers under the window seat hold a lot of goods and the cherry cabinets in the bedroom and bathroom are floor to ceiling with deep storage space. The bedroom was designed to fit a queen size bed comfortably. I work from home and chose to have the height of the built-in desk so that I can stand or sit while working.
With plenty of houseplants and a beautiful garden and patio, your home is clearly very connected to nature. Has this connection to nature changed or shaped your daily routine at all?
Having the outdoor garden space is a great complement to the interior of the home. The choice of large east facing windows connects us to the garden and the hills beyond and is a source of year-round inspiration. That is my favorite place to sit.
How has living in a smaller space influenced your lifestyle? Are there any major things you feel you’ve had to sacrifice to live in a smaller space?
Living in a smaller space has sparked my enthusiasm to live simply and efficiently. Having too many things in one’s living space can create chaos and clutter. My previous homes invited the spaces to be filled but in this smaller home it is the opposite. The invitation is to be open and simple, even artful. The major things I have had to sacrifice to live in a smaller space are big indoor parties, over-stuffed couches and big screen TVs.
In what ways has living there made your day to day easier?
A smaller footprint means less floor space to clean, less possessions, and efficient storage. Keeping the space tidy is a quick and easy chore that pays dividends in more quality time.
Do you feel that this space will continue to serve your needs in the future?
Yes, I would not want to go back to living in a larger home. I like the idea of a smaller footprint and don’t see my needs changing much in the future.
