Building your home can be a real journey, but it’s also an opportunity to gain valuable life skills along the way. That’s precisely what a couple named Claire and Tim discovered when they built their very own tiny house on wheels in New Zealand.
Claire and Tim moved around a lot at one time, until they were both attracted to the idea to build a home.
The couple had no previous building experience so creating their DIY home was a learning curve. They relied heavily on YouTube videos and sought out help from builders friends. One of Claire’s friends helped them with the foundations for the deck, while another came to help them with the roof.
Claire and Tim’s parking spot provides spectacular views of the ocean and the forest.
Tim’s parents went looking for a property six years ago, and a real estate agent brought them there. After walking onto the platform, they knew it was the right place for them.
Claire and Tim are now its lucky occupants.
Both are interested in sustainability, permaculture and reforestation. The couple made the most of their land by planting beautiful gardens.
“I think it’s just in my blood. My parents were really keen conservationists,” Claire explained. “I think you just can’t really help but love it and just be involved.”
The 23.7×9.6ft home is made of steel frames. They kept the exterior in black and painted it green to keep the structure subtle and integrate it seamlessly into the landscape.
The house also has an outdoor shower, hot tub, and composting toilet. They’ve also got a track going down to the sea. On the way up, they’ve installed a shower to rinse off.
Claire and Tim also added lots of storage space to the trailer’s front, where they keep their hot-water cylinder, washing machine and other tools.
You will feel warm and cozy as soon as you enter your home thanks to all the greenery and wood.
Their cabinetry is made from recycled timber from tabletops used in Tim’s family’s café.
The lounge area can accommodate three people and is large enough for a tiny home. The couch can be converted into a double bed by simply pulling down on the projector.
The table in your living area can serve multiple purposes. It can be used as a bed or a table.
Each cushion on the sofa can be detached to reveal storage space underneath.
Upstairs is the guest loft, which means Claire and Tim don’t have to lose their lounge space to accommodate visitors. The area has a bookcase and can be used as a private reading space.
The stairs lead to the sleeping loft with a full-sized bed, storage and clothes storage. A rectangular window offers a beautiful view of the ocean.
The kitchen includes a counter made of hardwood timber, a full-sized refrigerator and sink, as well as an oven. Claire and Tim left the beams along the wall at the end exposed so that they could store their spices and mugs.
The bathroom includes a shower that is almost normal size and a composting toilet.
The house took approximately two years to construct and Claire and Tim have lived there for a year. So far, they’re enjoying every moment.
“I love it. It’s so easy. It’s a really easy space to live in,” said Claire.
“Lower electricity bill, less cleaning, less heating. In terms of a footprint for living, it’s small,” Tim added.
Building the home cost them around NZD 65,000 (USD 41,100), and as you’ll see below, every buck was worth it!
Take a tour of Claire and Tim’s tiny house in the video below.
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