Austin Hay began building a Tumbleweed Fencl tiny house as a high school sophomore, demonstrating that age is no barrier to tiny house construction. His motivations included downsizing, environmental responsibility, and financial independence. The project proves that with determination and proper planning, anyone can take on a tiny house build.
Project Details
- Builder: Austin Hay
- Model: Tumbleweed Fencl
- Type: DIY tiny house on wheels
- Motivation: Downsizing, environmental impact, financial freedom
- Status: Self-built project
- Message: Demonstrating one person can make a difference
Fencl Build in Progress
Photo via Austin Hay
Lessons from Young Tiny House Builders
- Age Does Not Limit Construction Skills: Teenagers can successfully tackle complex building projects with proper planning
- Environmental Values Drive Action: Concern for the planet motivates practical lifestyle changes
- Financial Independence Starts Early: Building instead of buying creates long-term savings and ownership
- Established Plans Reduce Complexity: Using proven designs like Tumbleweed models provides clear construction guidance
- Public Projects Inspire Others: Documenting builds encourages peers and adults to consider similar paths
Related DIY Tiny Houses
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Alex
Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
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To answer my own question first:
Right now I’m living in a 500 square foot apartment so it’s already small but I’d still love to live in a tiny house in the future.
I haven’t started because the expense of the trailer and my current small apartment. Thankfully I am going to one of Jay Shafer’s workshops in Orlando January 2011 and I know that will motivate me to start and give me more confidence in my building abilities.
I’m happy in my apartment though. Not to say it wouldn’t be fun to go smaller. Especially if I end up saving money meanwhile. The experience of letting go of more of my stuff will be interesting (liberating?) too.
“What’s stopping you?”
Uh, hello? Have you been paying any attention at all to this issue?
If you had actually tried to build a tinyhouse yourself, you would know the answer to this question. For anyone that has the money or access to it, the answer is simple:
Zoning. (“building codes” and “can’t get a permit” are this, essentially)
If you don’t “have the money” the answer is most likely still:
The government’s assholeitude and unreasonable fees/permits/other excuses to impose absolutely outrageous taxes on the poor. Because these things usually increase the necessary money needed a lot, especially in remote locations.
Otherwise, lack of financing would be blamed on fat cat banksters that are not interested in lifting a finger to make money by giving you small loan, because they have tons of it rolling in for free already.
Did you know that if it’s built on a trailer you don’t need building codes because it’s considered an RV? Then you can park it anywhere an RV is allowed and you have yourself a tiny house.
I know the government is out of control but if you stop blaming everything on the things you can’t directly control you might be able to move forward and find another way.
I haven’t built one because I’m happy in my apartment and don’t yet have $20,000 for materials. I haven’t tried getting a loan for it though…
Some people have built them with their credit cards.
I think this is awesome on so many levels! for a young person to start a project like this. Austin will learn so much from this experience.
From the fact finding and planning to earning the money to buy materials and building experience.not to mention the environmental impact.
I think all kids should tackle a project like this what a life experience!!
@ Kevin
I agree – for just about anybody to start a project like that is an incredible learning experience on all levels.
I can’t wait to keep following Austin’s progress and to do it myself some day.
⤠I love the Tiny houses
and plan to have my own.
Much love friend.
See you around.
~Love & Light
~Debbie:)
Hi Debbie thank you for stopping by. 🙂