Living Off-Grid in a Tiny House Community Built by Self-Reliant Couple

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Published 2022-02-12
Rachael and Cameron are exploring sustainable and affordable housing solutions on a 6-acre piece of land in Boone, NC with the help of their students. Their micro-community is completely off the grid with solar power, rainwater harvesting, composting toilets, and wood stoves. They have built 3 tiny homes so far, and in order to comply with local rules, all of the structures and cabins are temporary.

You can find out more about this project and follow them on social media here:

The Future People
www.thefuturepeople.us/
   / @thefuturepeople6079  
www.instagram.com/futurepeopletwo/

Tiny House Consultant
www.tinyhouseconsultant.net/

Rachael Van Dyke Art
www.rachaelvandyke.com/
www.instagram.com/vandyker/

Jake: www.instagram.com/hughes.jake_/
Josh: www.instagram.com/joshuakeithmorrow/

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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Website: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: www.instagram.com/exploringalternatives/

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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
The music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Live guitar music played by Jake and Josh

Editing Credits:
Edited by Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives

Filming Credits:
Filmed by Justin Chew
www.instagram.com/jchewphoto

Orbit Footage Provided by Vince Fortea

#offgrid #tinyhouse #community

All Comments (21)
  • I currently live in the “chocolate house” and it’s been such an enjoyable time living here over this past year. I’m a senior at Appalachian State and I’m humbled to be able to have this experience for my last year living in Boone. It has truly changed my whole perspective on what a “home” is and what that looks like. I love the intentionality and presence that this place has brung to my life.
  • @janinafisher101
    How ironic is it that the people who are interested in living sustainably, and lightly off the land, are confronted with legislation that doesn't allow them to legally build permanent small structures! This is an upside down world. And it's time for a revolution where sustainability is what is legislated. I fortunately found a small piece of land with a cabin, outhouse, no running water, but it is tied to the electricity grid. (I live in Canada. 🇨🇦). I love the lifestyle, even as a senior. The work of "chop wood, carry water" is healthy and keeps me strong and connected to what is important. I live right alongside a very long trail that is lovely to walk with my dog in winter. I love the community this couple have created, and how it has inspired the students. I have been on my property for less than a year and am trying to figure out things going forward, and I have learned much from what this couple has created. Thanks so much for sharing this video, and this small community!)
  • I graduated from Appalachian State in 2021 and had Cameron as one of my professors! I was fortunate enough to work with him on this project and do some of the construction on the property. The life lessons and advice he gave was incredible. What he's doing here has a huge impact around the world and I'm happy I could experience some of it!
  • @aeipee13
    The "classroom" they created has a natural and realistic feel. Even down to the electric trike he rides, the lifestyle isn't corny or forced. Natural cool 😊
  • Fascinating. Love that part of the project is providing affordable homes for students.
  • @timmyg2548
    This makes so much sense! I have seen famous people bragging about their 4000 square foot closets, and it just didn't feel right. As the world spins out of control, this lifestyle just seems right.
  • @maryhart637
    Exemplary couple impacting the world in a tangible way. I applaud them!
  • @badger9156
    I like the message that this isnt THE solution for housing, its one solution. People often seem to be looking for the best or only solution, or their "forever " home, when different housing will usually be required for the many stages of life. I think this shows how several people can work together to experiment, while maintaining a "mainstream" life, there are so many alternatives (yes, this fits your brand perfectly!!). Great video. Also gave me some ideas for combined rainwater/sun shade at our place 🤸‍♀️
  • @thomaskybe5993
    Again...-I'm blown away by how people can actually live together in peace and harmony....build smaller and you'll be a happy person....take good care guys and stay safe....Thomas, Denmark
  • @g-moe2rome383
    I just adored this video! I love how they are living their values, while utilizing all their talents and interests, and teaching and helping young people at the same time! The young people are in turn learning new skills, developing their values, and saving money too. I loved how that young man was using such a cool old sewing machine, how the other one practiced his musical talents, and the young lady built swings with her mentor. This video can teach us all what is really important in life and how you can imagine new ways of living that cut out all the excesses our culture is so focussed on. Many Blessings to you all. 💗🙏🏻👼🏻💗
  • @susanbackes4651
    I’m not a young person, I’m 52, but I’d love the opportunity to live somewhere like this to learn more
  • This place looks so beautiful ! I love how they built the different spaces. And what a view... This is wonderful. And I also wanted to mention that the way you film your videos was already great but it's getting so lively !
  • @msmegification
    Lovely model, but sadly illegal to live this way in most States anymore. Becoming less and less viable an option as laws change. I hope these people having the opportunity to experience this go back into their communities and work to change these trends, working to make this a possibility for more people in the future.
  • At 57 years old I became homeless and now it's 63 years old I found that I can live in a little fifth wheel with electricity and that's it everything else I provide myself or take care of a clean and cheap way to live and I see no reason to ever change I refuse to be trapped and now I consume way less resources I ride a bike most of the time nature calls to me and when I'm not working I'm on the rivers and trails
  • @DJGive1
    I've been living off grid for over 11 years now. It's amazing how we as humans revert or convert back to naturally systematic methods in order to survive. One must always consider and remember that when addressing survival concerns, nature always has a cure for it's own creations - some of them being considered tragedies or threats to ways of natural existence or life. Nature will always find it's own solutions to remedy existential life... It's a lot of work. At times I've honestly wanted to just give up as it seems life or survival is more work than the reward... A struggle i often debate and try to weigh in some form of equation i haven't truly written out, understood or conquered on many levels. I'd love to create or join an off grid community and apply my knowledge towards the further survival of like minded individuals. I definately believe community is necessary to excel in such a lifestyle - finding individual niches and skills for every individual of the community to contribute to the overall society - extending and improving life on an individual and societal level. We all have interests hobbies and skills that in today's modern society we aren't able to express - suck in a system of involuntary servitude or downright slavery. Governments have veered far of track in so many aspects, that ultimately they represent harm to individuals natural way of life and coexistence on planet earth. If not gated borders they have entrapped us as individuals mentally inhibiting creativity, sustainability, and reward. Good luck and keep up the wonderful genital ideals - much love
  • @ansiechorn9228
    Thank you Rachael and Cameron for sharing and exploring this natural possibility of living close to Nature. Deep inside, we all long and yearn for new possibilities, especially at this moment in time.
  • I love you Home. Hardworking, calm, focused people. Kudos ! Bikes, water filter, solar panels, sewing machine, electric car. Love the wood garage n the creativity. Would have love it filmed early morning to hear the birds n see their morning routine