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Mati and Luli moved to New Zealand about seven years ago, where a stay in a cozy treehouse unexpectedly shifted their entire outlook on space, simplicity, and what it means to live well. Realizing they needed far less than they ever imagined, they were inspired to build their own tiny house from the trailer up—using mostly reclaimed materials—and spending just around $18,000 USD to bring it to life.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the couple, and below you’ll find their full story, a tour of their beautiful tiny home, and a look at the school bus they later converted into a charming small apartment. Enjoy!
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Their Tiny Home From Reclaimed Materials & Bus Conversion!
We got into tiny living because lived for 5 months in a 5×3 m (16.4 x 9.8 ft) tiny house, which was in the middle of a bush at tree height, and we discovered we did not need much space to live comfortably.
Life is more about experiencing the outside, enjoying the views, and being immersed in nature.
The downsizing and decluttering aspect of going tiny was also attractive for the lifestyle we aim to live.
So we built our tiny house from scratch, even the trailer, using lots of recycled materials and reclaimed wood, doors, and windows.
After building the tiny house, we also converted a school bus into a small apartment (not a motorhome), in which we are living now.
The tiny house took approximately 10 months (while working 40h/week), and the bus took 4 months (almost full time).
We do not live on the road, but we spent a sabbatical year travelling with the bus using savings.
After discovering this alternative way of living, it has absolutely changed our lives for better.
Connecting more with the outdoors, feeling more free economically (due to low rent pay), and being more conscious about our consumption (what and how).
When you live in a small space, you think twice about what goes in.
One of the hardest parts of tiny living was that we did not have a washing machine for a long time and had to do the laundry outside. It was a bummer.
But the most rewarding part of living tiny is that we go to sleep knowing we are not paying 60 % of our salary on rent.
And the outdoors, of course, it is amazing to have a coffee looking at a million dollar views, and with no neighbours!
If you’re thinking about going tiny, do not doubt it and go for it! We are convinced everyone can build their own house, and trust us, doing it will be one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences you will ever have. Ask for help if you do not feel confident in any part of the building process. There is a big community out there ready to help.
Highlights:
- Mati and Luli realized after a stint of living with a woman in her treehouse, that they didn’t need nearly as much, or as much space, as they thought.
- That’s when they were inspired to build a tiny house using many reclaimed materials. It took them about 10 months to complete their home and most of the materials were found free or reclaimed.
- The house is about 21 ft x 8 ft.
- After living in the tiny house, they wanted a new adventure, and purchased a bus to convert.
- Working on the bus full-time for four months, they were able to transform it into a beautiful home on wheels.
- They spent a sabbatical year traveling New Zealand in their bus.
VIDEO: Amazing Ultra Low-Cost Dream Tiny Home!
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Related stories
- From Shed to Sanctuary: Building a DIY Tiny Home to Foster Mental Wellness
- Teen Cooks Thanksgiving in Her DIY Tiny House
- Documentary On Building a Tiny House Entirely from Reclaimed Materials
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Alex
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