Millennial Couple Embraces Minimalism: Building Tiny Houses in Bali for $30,000
Olivia Purba and Dirkjan Tijs met in Bali. They left a large villa to live small. Their home choice is simple. They build two tiny houses in Ubud for about $30,000. ## A Desire for Change
Olivia from North Sumatra moved to Bali in 2017. She worked with local farmers on coffee and cacao projects. Dirkjan from the Netherlands arrived in Bali in 2018 as a digital nomad. A brief meeting with Olivia began a strong bond. They soon made Bali their home.
After two years in a three-bedroom villa with a pool, the couple felt a need for less. "We hoped to host friends and family at first," Purba said. "But we found that we wanted more private space." They chose a smaller life.
Finding Their New Home in Ubud
They picked Ubud for its calm and green views. "We decided on Ubud because it is quieter than Canggu and Pererenan," Purba said. Ubud, with its rice fields and forests, fit their plans well.
In February 2024, they bought 3,230 square feet of land. This site is calm yet near shops and restaurants.
Building a Sustainable Future
The couple built two houses instead of one. They believed that this plan saved money by sharing work. The cost was 492.5 million Indonesian rupiah, about $30,000. Purba made the designs and worked with local builders to finish the project.
Without formal training in architecture, her ideas took shape. Their main house has an L-shaped wooden form influenced by Japanese and Scandinavian designs. The second house is built with a loft-style plan.
Construction Challenges and Solutions
The construction was not simple. The narrow road made it hard to bring supplies. They rented a nearby plot to store materials. Then they moved supplies by bikes and three-wheeled carts. "You can only reach the site by bike. Sometimes even a bike needs a pause for others," Purba explained.
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Living in these houses lets them focus on less. In a time of rising housing costs, tiny homes are popular for small budgets and green living. Purba said, "Living small helped us to clear out the excess." They keep only what matters.
They also start a permaculture garden. They grow herbs such as lemongrass and parsley. They plant fruits, including pineapples and bananas. While eating out is cheap in Bali, they wish to grow much of their food. Tijs joked, "I have fish in my pond, but I will decide if I want to eat my fish."
Living Authentically
For Purba, living small feels true. Being near nature helps her mind find calm. "When you see you do not need something, it makes sense to let it go," she said. Her words echo the idea of a thoughtful life.
Olivia Purba and Dirkjan Tijs show that a small home can bring peace and purpose. Their journey proves that a simpler life can be filled with care and joy.
[highlight=transparent]Looking for more tiny house inspiration? Check out this curated list of resources from River Tiny Houses: [/highlight]
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