Luke Thiull, 13, was not a typical teenager for his age. Most kids have something else in mind than building houses, but Luke from Iowa is unlike any other schoolchild you’ve seen before!
This talented kid proactively created his own little paradise in his parents‘ backyard. The small project cost him about $1,500, but it’s the tiny house of his dreams. Come and take a look!
It’s amazing that this brave teenager is doing what he does, especially in a time when young people are immersed in smartphones, iPads, and revolutionary computers and gaming systems.
He decided to take a more „traditional“ approach to fulfill his dream. On his YouTube channel, he explains everything about his desire to build a tiny house and talks about the boredom that led him to this decision.
After much thought, contemplation, and quite a bit of research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how his envisioned plan would come to fruition! It took him about a year to gather the money and materials for the housework. He mowed lawns, organized online fundraising campaigns, did odd jobs for anyone he could, and generally did everything to raise money.
Luke had a friend who was knowledgeable about electricity, and he helped him install all the power in exchange for Luke clearing out his entire garage, so to speak, in a barter.
During his project, Luke used about 75% recycled materials, many of which came from his grandmother’s house. The front door was a gift from his uncle’s friend!
The tiny house is approximately 89 square feet, 10 feet long, and about 5 1/2 feet wide. It has electricity but no plumbing, so no sink or shower yet!
Luke said, „I liked minimalism,“ and „I wanted a house without a huge mortgage.“
Luke created many short videos that he can publish on YouTube, sharing his project and attracting curious and motivated viewers.
Luke received a lot of help from his parents, both in construction and finances, but his father, Greg, made sure that Luke would pay for almost everything himself.
Greg said, „It was an opportunity for a kid to do something other than play video games or do sports.“ „There are life lessons.“
The house is a complete dream for a teenager, a small refuge for him to relax and have his own space. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed. There’s even a grill in the back!
Luke diligently does homework after school in his tiny house and sleeps there at night, at least occasionally.
Luke already has ideas and dreams of building another, slightly larger house when he starts college. He also wants to inspire others!
He said, „I want to show kids that it’s possible to build at this age.“
Take a look at this project below:
Luke’s story is an inspiration for what a child with a clear goal and determined work ethic, and of course, a little support from parents, can achieve!
Share and love if you also think that more people should see and hear about Luke’s stunning little house!