Rob Scott dropped by our blog a few days ago and left a comment with a link. My jaw dropped when I clicked through and saw his truck studios made out of recycled materials.
I know you guys will love his work. It’s really one of a kind. The first thing I thought was… These are tiny houses built right into classic trucks. Before you leave, share your favorite thing about these trucks in the comments.
When you look at the beauty inside and out they’re in a class of their own. For sure the most beautiful truck houses I’ve seen.
Prepare to be amazed. I’m looking forward to seeing what Rob does next. I’ll leave you all with a few words from the builder himself.
* * *
Alex: So what inspired you to build these? Can you share some more of your story?
Rob: I always liked cubby houses and small spaces, more intimate and cosy.
So I wanted to bring the delight back into building and hated seeing those horrible prefab toxic boxes being used for granny flats in Australia.
They had aluminium sandwich panel walls, fluoro lights, vinyl floor, aluminium windows, chip board kitchens and so on….
So I decided to make a non toxic romantic granny flat with as much natural timber and recycled material as possible.
As I was investigating portable bases, I found the costs were too much and that I could buy old trucks for half the price.
This way I could have my base and a way to move them all in one and they are more romantic to my eye. The first I built was on an old truck we already had sitting on our farm unused for many years.
When it was finished my daughter begged me to let her have it for a bedroom…..I relented….I’m building my fourth now and plan to start a trailer version very soon with kitchen bathroom and loft for sleeping.
All our guests love them and some times I just go and sit in them as they are so lovely to be in…
I’m not sure what to do with them all. I have sold one and cried when the couple said they would take it, yes I get attached to them (truck 2 in the pics ).
Maybe there is a rental market? Or we need to start our own bed and breakfast. Anyway I’m looking forward to building more and better versions.
Regards Rob.
I can’t get over how freaking awesome these are. Help us spread the word by sharing on Facebook and Twitter using the buttons below.
To see more pictures of Rob’s projects, including the construction process on some of these, click over to his Flickr page right here. And make sure you favorite it!
All photos thanks to Rob Scott. A huge thanks to him for letting me share it with you guys on our site.
Alex
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It is like a modern version of the gypsy wagon. It is – IMO -way cool. If one could tow a small car behind it, it would be a great way to tour the country. :)
I love it! I do see it more as something you’d leave in one place for the most part (like a tiny house on a trailer) because it looks very tall and heavy so it likely won’t be much fun to go cross country in. Not very efficient either. But perfect if you have to move 1-2 times a year or so.
Love it!
Me too!
Are those too tall to actually drive on the highway? I believe the height limit is about 13 1/2′. I was thinking about building something on the back of my pickup — take the box off and build a flatbed first. Would have to keep it roadworthy, though.
Yeah I believe these are too tall for highway and most roads… If I had one I’d just keep it on the property.
Check this out, you can build a Vardo for the back of your truck using these plans: http://tinyhousetalk.com/go/vardo/
Hi,
these house trucks are under the legal height limit for Australia. they are about 4.2m hight
Oh, cool, I didn’t know that. Thanks, Rob!
Kathleen they look taller than 13 1/2′. I know some bridges are even shorter and the Tumbleweed style tiny houses on trailers have a hard time getting underneath. But I’m sure you can get them to where you want by avoiding certain areas.
Too tall for the road, but cool.
That’s true!
The detail to the windows etc. is STUNNING!!! I also LOVE how even though the bed is a loft bed, it has a sort of staircase rather than a ladder which could pose a dilemna to some of us “older” folks!!! even if I could not live f/t in a tiny house, I would like one 4 vaca & for when the power goes out in the Northeast, it would be a great alternative/emergency shelter!!!
Glad you like it Jeannie! I think the craftsmanship and style on it is pretty amazing. These would be so great for that in addition to a little guest house / emergency shelter.
PS- if I had one of these & sold it, I’d cry too!!!
Yeah, they’re too cool to sell, just give to friends and family maybe!! They do have many..
This is my kinda design guy – I especially love the hidden/recessed porch. Awesome.
Glad you liked the porch, it’s one of my favorite parts too. Thanks, Jenn!
BEAUTIFUL!! The attention to detail – the wonderful stained glass windows – room to sit up in the loft bedroom – just superb! Wish he was closer – would love to rent one to see how they feel. Gives me some great ideas, tho! Shorter would be better for the road, but would sure ruin the greatness of the loft! Awesome job! Bed and breakfast idea sounds like a good one….
-Kat
I think they’re perfect… So beautiful. Thanks Kat!
Really BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!! I would have cried to loose one of these also. Very creative!!!
Thanks Faye!
Beautiful eye Rob!
For me he’s captured the essence, the style, the tradition of housetrucking. These images represent the very best examples one could see. They are inspiring and simply glorious!
Congratulations Rob Scott and
thankyou for sharing them…
Keith Levy
Thanks, Keith, couldn’t have said it better. Glad you enjoyed looking!
I have added some images of the latest studio truck at http://www.flickr.com/photos/studio_trucks/
This one has more built in furniture and again is under 4.2m in height so no worries for moving it on the road (however they are not meant for touring). It also has a pot bellie stove and we have had the warmest winter ever living in it (five of us). When we cook we have the windows open and clothes almost off as it heats up so well, though our winters are not snow filled. We are living in the truck while doing kitchen and living room renovations in our house and still use our house for clothes storage and bathrooom. We all love being in the truck and have had a party with 12 people in it! I love small spaces now and wonder how being back in our house will be….thanks for all the kind comments, regards Rob.
Thanks so much for the update Rob. If there’s anything I can do for you guys just let me know. Glad you are loving your small space.
WOW! This is awesome! I love the stained glass windows and the woodwork. I want one!!!
Glad you liked it, Jo!
This gives me so many ideas. I like the idea of the campers that slide into the back of a pickup, but I would make one that would fold out on all sides and look like a small cottage. It would be self supported so you could take the truck if you needed to. Thanks for the ideas, Brian
Thanks, Brian, cool idea!
I agree with Alex that Brian has a really cool idea. It would be neat to see some drawings of how it would or could look like.
I’d love to see that, too!
I am ready to live in that…now!!
Wow!! I would love it!!
Haha- I feel the same way, John. If that were something that was available around here.. Or even if i’d have to travel.. I wouldn’t think too hard about it!!
My family (2 adults and 3 kids) lived in a school bus for about 6 months when I was a kid, we and used it for traveling and “camping” for many years before and after it. It was very functional, quite comfortable, and I have many fond memories of The Bus. But never did it have the beauty and class of your lovely, lovely trucks!
I hope it’s ok – do tell me if it’s not – I posted some of the pictures on Pinterest, and I included this link on every posting: http://www.tinyhousetalk.com/tiny-truck-houses-by-rob-scott/
If it’s not OK let me know and I’ll take it down. Just that… such care and craftsmanship is an inspiration and joy to see!
OMG! I ADORE your stained glass windows!! How well do they travel? Bumps, rough weather, etc while driving? Have you had to replace any panes? Your houses are absolutely AMAZING! I can’t WAIT to start building my own, and yours gave me some beautiful ideas, I am SO sharing this on FB!
Hi Ione,
the stained glass would not travel well and would need glass or perspex on each side to secure it if touring. These truck houses are for parking or some moving around your own property or driving to your next location to live. They are light hearted joyful structures, beautiful small spaces for bedrooms, studios or offices or full tiny houses, more like an alternative, green “granny flat” as we call them in Australia. Good luck with yours