Hidden Gems: IQ Container Homes!

Welcome back to the Hidden Gems section! It's been a while, I know...and to make it up, I found something so interesting to share with you guys!! This nothing related to beauty though, but I think this is the right time to share something innovative about housing alternative.

I'm not a property expert, nor a council consultant or anything, I am just a normal citizen that started to pay attention to New Zealand, Auckland's property market for the last one year and honestly, I am not excited to see overseas investor coming in with cash offer to buy houses, leaving the first home buyer struggling to even score a chance to bid. So, I decided to look around and find what are the other interesting in property scene apart from " that house sold for bloody 400K above reserve" kind of news. :(

Fortunately, from where I used to sit at work, I was surrounded by successful people, investor, and great entrepreneur. That is where I heard about container home business. So, I goggle up and found out that we have that kind of business in here!! And guess what, the lady behind this amazing idea sits 5 steps away from my desk!! Say what???

So I, literally approached her and hoping she would agree for the feature in this blog, and SHE SAID YES! She accepted my proposal!

- no ring involves tho - 

Meet Brenda Kelly, the spreadsheet Queen, my amazing and sweet colleague and the owner of IQ Container and read up her inspiring stories! You might want to own one!

What makes you started IQ Container Homes?

Ever since I was a teenager I have been fascinated by small homes. Utilising the likes of clever storage solutions, innovative furniture and good design principles to make the most out of small spaces. When it comes down to it, the majority of us can live quite comfortably in a small space, one that is much more economical and less wasteful than your traditional sized home.  

NZ currently has one of the highest average sized dwellings in the world yet with an aging population, high proportion of singles, couples holding off till later in life to have children and the huge increase in the cost of housing, the demand for smaller homes is on the rise. It just doesn't make sense to keep building McMansions. I believe there is a gap in the NZ market for small homes. My passion for small space design, coupled with a desire to create affordable, sustainable, quality homes led me to take the giant leap of faith to start "IQ Container Homes Ltd" in 2013.

How long have you been living in Container home?

Faced with the realisation that gaining consent for such an alternative concept was going to take time and $, driven by the desire to stop paying rent, get some hands on experience with container construction and test different materials I embarked on a father daughter project of building one of my smaller designs, a prototype of sorts, to put on my land and live in while I awaited approval and construction for my larger home. This small off-grid unit which I aptly named "My Tiny Container Palace" served as home for 1 1/2 years and I loved it. Having since completed my larger council certified 45m2 2 bedroom home, I subsequently moved into this where I have been living for the last 6 months. I like to walk the talk.

What was your first impression of living in there? 

Living in "My Tiny Container Palace" was an awesome experience. Being only 10m2 in size, it forced me to downsize, go minimalist and taught me just how little is needed to have a very comfortable home. The design still allowed for a kitchen, living area, bedroom, office space, separate bathroom and plenty of storage. I lacked nothing! What's more it was completely off grid so I had no monthly bills.

Were you ever wish to go back to conventional house? and what are some of your favorite features on your container home? 

Having now lived in 2 container homes, I can't envisage ever wanting to revert to living in a conventional home. Containers are virtually indestructible, recognised as earthquake, hurricane and fire resistant. While our homes are smaller than most, our designs make effective use of space. While not completely off-grid, my larger home that I now reside in still features solar and rainwater harvesting (rainwater from the roof is recycled for use in flushing the toilet and clothes washing) but is grid tied allowing me to draw from the national grid for potable water and additional power. An eco-friendly gravity fed vermiculture (worm) based system is utilised for wastewater.  Fruit trees, composting facilities and a vege patch complement this sustainable home. Our homes are all constructed with superior insulation and non-toxic materials with photovoltaic (solar) system and rainwater recycling as standard. Not only do I have a healthy, warm, low maintenance home but it is environmentally responsible with minimal running costs.

What are three things any first-time container home owner must do? 

If considering your own container home;

A) Do your research. If you're hoping to build one yourself be prepared for a lot of R&D, expense and liaising with the council. If you're thinking you can purchase a few second hand containers and knock something up yourself on the cheap you are sadly mistaken, there is a lot involved. Definitely achievable but don't underestimate the time and cost. 

B) Ensure your site is easily accessible by road for delivery and that there are no covenants restricting this type of home in your area. Like any home, consider a design and orientation that makes the most of your site, sun and views. 

C) If looking to downsize, ensure the size and design are going to work for you and your family. Individual containers are quite narrow (interior width is around 2.2m wide once fully lined and insulated) Consider the use of dual purpose storage maximizing furniture to make the most of your space, don't assume your exiting furniture and entire wardrobe is going to fit, be realistic.

What’s the best way to enjoy the container home? 

I recommend building a large outdoor living area to supplement your container home, our layouts are all designed for indoor outdoor flow and an undercover deck can double the size of your living area and provide ample space to entertain year round. 

With eco-features such as photovoltaic system (solar panels) learn how to best utilise these. eg. Set your dishwasher and washing machine etc to run during the day when you're generating your own power to save on cost.

If looking to utilise as a bach or rental, it is not uncommon for a premium to be gained due the the novelty factor and environmental features.

What are the best selling design?

Our designs cater to a number of people and situations. Our small off-grid Great Barrier model is popular with fans of the tiny house movement after a cosy permanent home for themselves or couples after a weekend getaway for their site in the middle of nowhere or temporary accommodation while building. Our 2-bed Russell model is popular as a bach or minor dwelling. While our 3-4bed Paihia model is attractive to families.

With so much happening on the property scene, what's the best advice to invest in container home?

Container homes are constructed off-site and are relatively quick to build. While not cheap (if done properly), they are affordable. Due to requiring minimal cost effective pile foundations, they are often a suitable solution for difficult sites where traditional construction would prove cost prohibitive. They are also transportable, so if for some reason you wish to on-sell or move them at a later date this is a viable option. They are gaining momentum for first home buyers and investors and will assist ease the housing crisis.

How much can we expect to spend for a container home?

Our homes all feature a solar system and rainwater recycling as standard and can be delivered nation wide. They start from as little as $90k+gst (for a 1bed) through to $232k+gst for a 3-4 bed model. This price excludes consents, delivery and site works (foundations, connection to services and any decking/landscaping required)

What advice would you give to future owner?

Don't be afraid to try something different like a container home. NZ building code and strict council inspections mean these days homes are designed and constructed to survive a minimum of 50years. A well maintained container home will surpass that, providing a safe, warm home for several generations. 

What's the best thing about living in container home? 

It's hard to chose the best thing about living in a container home. If I had to chose, it would be the sense of security it provides (knowing its virtually indestructible) and the eco-features that ensure it is healthy, warm, environmentally responsible and has minimum running costs.

Are the container home suits couple or more to family?

Container homes have been described as lego for grown ups. Due to their modular construction they can even be added to over time if a client wants to start small and add on once family circumstances change and/or finances allow. For example our 2 bed Russell unit suitable for a couple, can be converted into a family sized 4 bed Paihia model with the addition of another container featuring 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.

What are some common misconceptions about container home?

The most common misconception about container homes are that they can be built cheap. While a containers themselves are affordable, everything that goes into a container home is as per a normal house. In addition engineering and reinforcing is required to accommodate windows and doors and specialist insulation is used which all adds up. The other common misconception is that they will rust. Containers are mode from corrosion resistant Corten steel and a specialist steel paint is used which if maintained correctly (we recommend an annual wash down and repaint every 10years depending on the environment) will prevent any rusting.

It's amazing, isn't? Do you want to see more?

Check out this cool video by BRYCE from Living Big in a Tiny House. I got permission from Brenda to publish this video, and both Bryce and Brenda are amazing in the video! DO subscribe to Bryce Video for more cool stuff he has! That dude is AMAZING!!

'Till the next Hidden Gems' section!

[Video Tutorial] Strong Eye Make Up With Pale lipstick?

Hollaaaaaa! 

Like finally, video tutorial of the make up I did like probably last month, my goodness!

I've been busy, I've been busy, and definitely been sick and finally feel better! On the good news, I finally know how to edit video using proper video editing software! *toss confetti*

Personally, I like this kind of make up for a great day out with girlfriends, a good summer party, or the time when you want to look good, without looking like you are "trying to hard".

Hope you like the video, and do let me know what kind of make up look do you wish to see next :)

Holiday: Coromandel With Kids!

Olla! Ini lama ga ngeblog, knapa mo nulis prembule aja susah bener ya?

Hasrat nge blog, nulis, moto, dan berkarya kreatif baru mulai nendang lagi setelah 1 taon sejak kita pindah ke Auckland!

Cepet banget ya uda 1 taon aja kita tinggal disini, dan kesannya gimana tinggal di Auckland? Rame abis ni tempat. Mana yang katanya cuman isinya domba? mana yang dbilang kemana mana lancar? gw dari rumah ke kantor yg kl jam normal 10 menit sampe, ini 45 menit jek baru sampe, muacet e pol! Tapi tapi, kita seneng banget tinggal disini..walo kalo ditanya mo ga pindah ke SG lagi, jawabannya mau. Gw mau, abang ga mau kali tuh. LOL!

Anyhoo, mo share up soal liburan kita ke coromandel kemaren summer. Ho oh, liburan summer, nulisnya baru pas winter aja dong, kemane aje ye gw? Tapi kan dibuang sayang yah, ga pajang sayang. :D

Dan sekalian dong, sini akuh bagi bagi tips buat yang mo jalan jalan ke New Zealand, dan mo ke Coromandel (bawa anak). Bakalan nulis in English sama bahasa indo, ceritanya lagi mo sok expand ke New Zealand audience gituuu. :)

Yuk mari..

" Coromandel: Known as where the Narnia cave is. 3 hours drive from Auckland. And oh, that place is Beautiful."  That was pretty much the information we got when we asked a friend about the place, but apparently there are so much things you can do over there and it is indeed superbly gorgeous!

Ini tempat, jauhnya 3 jem nyetir dari Auckland. Worth to go pa kaga? I would say yes! terutama di musim panas! Walo ya owoh panasnya ajubile nusuk abis. Kayaknya ini tempat enak kalo perginya ramean, en pada ada anak kecil gitu..

We have 1 lil boy, age 2 - this is him, Ethan.

We were pretty nervous in the first place to travel 3 hours, with this little bundle of energy, and have to keep everyone happy. By happy I mean, well feed and enough sleep.

Ini entong ku, yang susah makan en susah tidur. Waktu liburan kemaren ini sih minta ampun ajubileh dah. Dia nya marah marah terus karena cape ga mo bobo en laper mulu ga mo makan. Yang ada gw nya spanengan mampus ngadepin dia.

So, now that we survived that holiday, we thought we're just gonna share our tips to enjoy Coromandel the most.

We would suggest to Travel with a group of friend,

Especially if they have lil one as well. Ou. Yeah.

There can be party in Coromandel for the kiddos (and you can sip that cold drink in peace).

Lil' one enjoyed playing and just chasing bird with the other buddies, and they can just go on and on and on for hours over birds. I wonder where they got so much energy in their little body from?

Second thing that we would recommend you to do is to bring the kids to do hiking (or not) on the way down to the Cathedral Cove.

This is definitely a must go place if you are in Coromandel! Simply stunning and oh my God, so pweety! The scenery is beyond words, and the photos you see below are understatement. New Zealand, you are blessed with this awesome nature. It was pretty easy track if you don't have to carry 14 kgs with you :P

Cakep bener yaaaaa?

After around 35-45 mins hike, you'll probably get to the famous Cathedral Cove!

Swim, play with the sand, or just simply enjoying the sun. This Narnia's movie set is famous because of Narnia! LOL! It's a pretty place to be at, but pretty challenging to get to - in my opinion.

(Image source)

Ini nih tempat mendaratnya si tokoh utamanya Narnia pas mereka dipanggil balik ke Narnia. Gw yang agak agak norak tapi excited gitu. Pengen selfie ga berenti berenti tapi malu jek. :)

Oh, bring plenty of snacks and water. It's 100% natural and no vendor selling stuff down there.

Bawa aer yah mak mak kl pas kemari, ga ada yang jualan sama sekali gitu..dan ga ada mbak mbak yg nawarin mo pijet pa kaga juga. Lu kate Bali? - padahal enak kan ya ada yg mijetin di pantai -

This cutie was so excited towards the end of the beach time, apparently he needs some time to warm up with the nature. lol. 

Yang ada, kita ga jadi pulang. Anaknya ogah diajak naek :)

Other thing you can do is to go fishing!

Get your fishing gear ready and just google up the fishing spot.

We pick this amazing jetty to do fishing.

Fishing is really a new thing for us, but I love the idea of being close to nature as family.

Fishing time with lil one. 

The pics below warm my heart. Growing up, I don't spend much time with my parents, they are busy working and I spend most of time with my grandparents. I don't wish the same thing for Ethan, so we really try to be there for him and spend time doing our thing involving him. Like doing this fishing thing, his job is to hold the fishing rod - and he did a pretty good job. I'm hoping that this could be one of many more things we do together, as family.

I have few more stuff to share about Coromandel on our winter trip there, but that's gonna be on separate post. Hope you guys enjoy the pics, and do let me know what other thing we could do in Coromandel.

Sekian! Kalo gw disuruh ngerangkum pake 3 kata, Coromandel itu kayak gimana sih..jawabannya adalah Panas. Cakep. Biru. Itu ajah :)

Till' the next travel post!

Working out our marriage.

I know this is going to be a very personal entry I ever written in this blog. But I really feel like sharing it with people out there..who probably experiencing what I've been going through in my marriage life.

Never have I ever thought of writing about marriage in this blog, I mean what about marriage to talk about, really? 

Apparently, plenty. 

Just a little background to my new follower, I'm Indonesian, born and breed in Jakarta, moved to Singapore then now, settling in Auckland. My partner on the other hand, is Indonesian, grow up in Auckland, moved to Singapore and back to Auckland, again. Which is easy to digest in the first place, that we both are Indonesian, has been living in same place, and been married to each other for 5 years. Easy peasy? not.

In these past 5 years I realized marriage brings out the best and the worst in me.The relationship has turned me into someone I don't even feel comfortable with, and the "I" in me stands pretty strong compare to the "We" that both of us need to build. I am far from the dream girl she ever want, and he is not the guy that I wish he will be. The unmet expectation is bloody real! and that is painful.

I learned the " Unmet expectation " could kills the romance, it could distance out your relationship with your partner, and it sure did drive me crazy. Not to the point where I wanna draft out what's yours and what's mine, and sign here, kind of situation - but it ever crossed my mind, what if..

Then, that "what if.." leads me to another level of disappointment. Another anger, another thought that consuming me from the inside, and lashing out over small little shit, like the mess he made, the wine glass he never wash, or as simple as whose turn to charge the phone. I know right, these sounds fucking hideous? But hey, this happened - like exactly weeks ago. 

My household was tense. My house was just a house. My partner was the man I married to. My family was just him, me, and Ethan. The sex was just exercise. The love was gone. 

I don't wish this to ever happen in anyone, but if this is the stage of your marriage - come on, you can fix this. I can fix what was so wrong weeks ago, and I know you can, too. I am still in process but going really strong; and I have to tell you that my family is happier, my house is now a home to us, I feel like I have a husband, and I love being who I am, again. The bless-full me.

I started a big step to talk about it. Talk about it with him.

My tears bucketing down from my eyes when I talked about this to my partner. Like literally sobbing x hyperventilated x mumbling. Imagine that. LOL! I poured it all out, and omg, it was so hard to breath. LOL! I started by telling him what I feel, how I feel about what's going on, and how I want whatever things going on, fixed. This moment was hard to do without crying..fml. LOL! 

Stay focus on what is the problem.

Share your concern and work it out. I feel focusing on one major concern and work it out is better than lashing out brutally. I'm no expert in this, I'm just sharing up what is work for my relation.

Find the middle ground as solution.

Realizing that we can never get ALL that we want, is a good start. From there, find what is middle ground on how far the both willing to go to make it work.

That night, was our turning point. 

I feel he start to treat me good.

I feel we start talking heart to heart, again.

I feel that we are getting closer, again.

I feel that he stops pointing out my mistakes.

I feel that marriage is workable WHEN the two are willing to WORK IT OUT, together.

When I write this, I feel that I made a very right decision to be married to this guy, 5 years ago.

For I know, I am in a right track having someone like him to work my marriage with. It will never get any easier, but it's gonna be worth it. 

Happy anniversary, bang. 

The marriage life we have isn't a rainbow and unicorn, but we'll work it out.

Like you said, it will all end up well.

Olla! It's Autumn in Auckland :)

One of my favourite season of the year..I love to see all the leaves and flower start to witter and change it's colour. Pretty and depressing in the same time, LOL!

So far, Autumn di Auckland masi enak banget loh cuacanya..baru awal kali ye? Sekarang gw pake dress selapis and flat ala ala pakaian waktu di Singapore masi sanggup, tapi kl matahari ilang, buru buru deh.."jaket mana jaket?" Gw dari dateng, mo OOTD an yang cantik ala ala fashion blogger gitu, ga kesampean dong! hahahaha..komitmen nya kurang sih ini namanya. LOL! Jangan tanya soal youtube, uda gw record diri gw sendiri..pas gw nonton balik, gw eneg ndiri..dan gw delete, begituuuu terus jek! Tolong akuuuu lah! Hahahaha.. gimana dong?

Anyhoo, about life di Auckland..I found few interesting nice stuff to share :)

1. My Food Bag

This is company co-own by NZ Masterchef winner, Nadia Lim..jadi konsepnya tuh, kita bisa jd masterchef at home :)

Gw order family pack yang datengnya begini, jadi mulai dari resep sampe ingredientsnya semua dari mereka. $162an per week. Cukup buat dinner 2 adult + Ethan, dan dibawa sisanya buat lunch besok siangnya. So far, kita nyoba sekali dan omg sayurnya banyak aje! LOL!

Menu minggu itu kayak gini..and I would say, ingredient nya super fresh bo! Dan sehat bener! Cuman sayangnya, kl tengah minggu pengen makan sop buntut..#eaaaa..harus nunggu sampe minggu itu kelar dulu deh. Tapi enaknya, lu ga usah pusing besok mo masak apa.

2. Auckland Sunset

Breathtakingly beautiful! Ini gw photo dari backyard gw, and gw bisa cuman duduk sambil nungguin matahari ilang :) Cakep banget ya?

3. Homemade Breakfast with "Cafe" quality food.

Gw dari dulu mikir masak itu susah aje, and rempong bener buat dikerjain. Rempongnya masi sama ding, cuman uda ga sesusah yg dulu gw pikir. Dan disini, bahan bahan buat bikin makanan gini tuh murah banget. Kayak Egg Benedict, di cafe sepiring tambah bacon ato salmon bisa $22 alone. Masak di rumah $22 bisa dapet Bacon 500gr + Roti + telor se tray kali..yang ujung ujungnya bisa buat breakfast seminggu :)

4.Shopping Paradise, nope!

Bukan tempat shopping ni negara :)

Walo ada sih tempat tempat lumayan kl mo cari barang ato baju yang local designer, cuman harganya ga wajar bo! Kebiasaan beli Charles and Keith kan ya, $50 dapet lah buat cakep cakepan beberapa kl pake..disini $200! -_-'

Yang ada malah online shopping cantik, seperti hasil belanjaan dari Amazon USA dibawah ini :)

Ini 2 sepatu pilihan Bang Arip bo, gw cuman bilang " I want silver espadrilles " dan ditanya ukuran apa..lalu tibalah sepatu ini :)

Dan yang Gold pun dateng bersamaan as a Christmas gift.

Hore, istri senang!

5. Gardening

Edisi besok besok gw bakal posting soal kebon sayur gw yang kecil :)
Sekarang mo pamer bunga hasil metik dari kebon...gila yah bisa cakep gini warna kombinasinya. Love it to the max!

Trus, gw sekarang nyimpenin sayur sayuran sisa dapur buat ditumbuhin gini. Ini Bak Choi, jd potongnya disisain segini, trus tarok di aer..nanti uda mulai tumbuh tunas tunasnya trus dipindain ke tanah. Lumayan loh, buat persediaan sayur pas winter, secara sayur mahal aje kalo winter. 

6. Sample sale

Mungkin ini lebih ke gw yg kerja di the biggest retail company disini, jadinya sering bener sample sale! Tempat lilin ini, gw jadiin tmpt tarok brush daily gw..tebak berapa harganya? Dan gw ga pernah sample sale di Singapore, pas sampe sini..gw girang bener! Shopping di toko mahal, jadinya shopping di kantor :P

Kalo ada yg pengen tau tentang something di NZ, drop me a comment or email as always :)
Tapi ga usah tanya gimana proses pindah kemari yah, itu google aja "Migrating to New Zealand"..semua ada di situ.

New Zealand Travel Destination: HOBBITON!

A home to hobbit, and a place to unlock the imagination of the middle earth.

Be ready for this amazing scenic 2 hours journey of the land of hobbit. I am serious when I say this, because I was constantly "Wow-ing" over the gorgeous details of this world known movie set. I am so blessed to get an opportunity living in New Zealand, and be able to see the beautiful scenery this country has to offer, and Hobbiton is really one of the place I'm so glad to spent my money on.

If you are travelling to Auckland and have 1 day to spare, I would suggest you find the local tour that can pick you up to go to this place. Easy google " Hobitton tour auckland " could give you list of day tour that cater to your schedule. As for me, we drove all the way from Auckland to Hobbiton! It was a bloody long trip especially with lil one being cranky most of the time. But, I guess it's worth it.

Take a look at the scenery that greeted me on that day!

And the sleepy lil one, sleeping on me like little Koala :)

Isn't this place amazing? We went to this place on December (which is summer in this part of the world.) and although the sun wasn't that bad during our trip, I would still suggest you guys to apply sunscreen, and bring your sunnies and cap. It could be pretty burning.

You can get your ticket HERE or buy directly at the ticketing area, which is a good idea as well just in case you running late. Overall, minus the cranky baby - I will give this place a 4.5/5 rating, where the 0.5 number goes to the nature of the place that are not accessible by disable. That would be great if one day, I don't know how they do it, but it will be accessible for the wheel chair-er. :)

Enjoy the sneak peak, and till the next travel destination in New Zealand!

I'm so amazed on the details!

The HOBBITON TOUR