Building a house may be a difficult task, but it also gives a chance to develop important life skills along the way. Claire and Tim found this when they constructed their own modest home on wheels in New Zealand. Claire and Tim used to move around a lot until the former grew interested in the idea of creating their own house.
For the couple, who had no prior construction knowledge, creating their DIY house was a learning experience. They relied on YouTube tutorials and the help of their friends. Claire’s buddy helped them with the deck foundations, while another came to help with the roof. Claire and Tim’s parking spot provides stunning views of the ocean and woods.
Tim’s parents started house searching six years ago and were directed there by a real estate agent. They knew they were at the right spot as they got onto the platform. Claire and Tim are the fortunate newcomers. The couple, who are both interested in sustainability, reforestation, and permaculture, used the space to create some gorgeous gardens.
“I think it’s just in my blood.” Claire added, “My folks were great environmentalists.” “I believe you can’t help but fall in love with it and want to be a part of it.” The 23.79.6-foot house is supported by steel frames. To make things inconspicuous and to fit the building with its surroundings, the façade was painted black and green.
The residence’s outside facilities include a hot tub, a shower, and a composting toilet. They also have a walkway leading down to the water. On the way up, they’ve erected a shower to rinse off. Claire and Tim also created a lot of storage space in front of the trailer for their hot water cylinder, washing machine, and equipment.
When you go inside the house, the wood and greenery will immediately make you feel at ease. Their cabinetry is created from repurposed wood from Tim’s family’s café’s tabletops. The sitting space is rather large for a compact cottage and may accommodate three people. The sofa turns into a double bed, and all they need to do is pull down the projector and enjoy a nice movie night.
The table in the living room serves many purposes. It can function as a bed, a dining table, a coffee table, and a workstation for Tim to utilize when he works from home. Each cushion on the couch can be removed to expose storage space underneath. The guest loft is upstairs, so Claire and Tim don’t have to give up their living room to accommodate guests. They also utilize the room, which includes a bookshelf, as a private reading spot.
The stairs lead to their bedroom loft, which features a full-sized bed and clothing storage. A rectangular window offers a beautiful view of the ocean. The kitchen has a solid timber counter, a full-sized fridge and sink, and an oven. Claire and Tim also left the exposed beams on the end wall to store their spices and mugs.
The bathroom contains a shower that is about regular size and a composting toilet. Claire and Tim have been living in the home for a year and a half, and it took around two years to construct. So far, they’re having a great time. I adore it. It’s so simple. “It’s a pretty simple place to live,” Claire stated. “Less cleaning, less heating, lower power cost.” “In terms of a living footprint, it’s minimal,” Tim noted.
The house cost them roughly NZD 65,000 (USD 41,100), and as you’ll see below, every penny was well spent! In the video below, Claire and Tim show you around their little residence.