However being ‘off-grid’ means different things to many people and the idea of being disconnected to the electricity grid is simply the starting point.
To some people it also means not being connected to town water, so they’ll aim to collect enough rain water to provide for all their needs, recycle as much water as possible, as well as treating their waste water onsite.
At the other end of the spectrum, some people like the idea of getting away from the rest of society, so to them ‘off-grid’ means getting away from everything, living remotely and being truly self-sufficient. These people will provide for their own electricity needs through solar, collect their water from rainwater storage tanks, treat their own waste water plus they’ll keep livestock and grow their own produce.
So as you can see – there are many interpretations of going ‘off-grid’. What do off-grid homes mean to you?
There is a growing movement of homeowners who are keen to get off the electricity grid as well as disconnecting from gas. These people are creating all-electric homes which are powered by solar panels and battery storage.
In this blog I’ve featured many off-grid homes and below are a few of my favourites!
Plus – follow along with The Impossible House, featured in our Sustainable Stories section. This is the home of Dr Laura Ryan who is converting her small, inner city workers cottage into a fully off-grid sustainable home.
Golden Valley Small home by Designful
This off-grid small home has one bedroom home and is pared back to the essentials – yet it feels generous, comfortable and the perfect size.
Check it out here
Gawthorne’s Hut by Cameron Anderson Architects
Gawthorne’s Hut is a luxury tourism experience and a small footprint cabin which has gone to large lengths to be off-grid.
Check it out here
Huntsman by Davies Design & Construction
A hilltop off-grid cabin designed as a place to escape day to day life is the stuff of dreams, but is the enviable reality for a Tasmanian couple who both work as paramedics.
Check it out here
The ImPossible House
Follow homeowner Laura, as she converts an ageing inner Sydney workers cottage on a narrow block into an off-grid home.
Check it out here
Is going off-grid something you’d like to do? Let me know in the comments below.
Nadine is the founder and editor of Eco Edition and founder of the Eco Edition Design School. She’s an experienced interior designer, sustainable materials consultant, speaker and serial home renovator.