Luke Thiull, 13, wasn’t your typical teenager for his age. Most kids have something different 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 own home, which is located in his parents’ garden. The small project cost him about $1,500, but it’s the little house of his dreams—come and see it!
It’s amazing that this brave teenager is doing what he’s doing, especially at a time when young people are surrounded by smartphones, iPads, revolutionary computers, and gaming systems.
He decided to take a “more traditional” approach to building his house.
On his YouTube channel, he explains everything about his desire to build a small house and how his boredom led him to do it.
After much thought, consideration, and quite a bit of research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how his envisioned plan would come to fruition!
He spent about a year gathering the money and materials for the project. He mowed lawns, organized online fundraisers, did odd jobs for anyone he could, and generally did everything he could to raise money.
Luke was friends with someone knowledgeable about electricity, and he helped him install the entire electrical system in exchange for Luke clearing out his entire garage, so to speak, as a barter.
During his project, Luke used about 75% recycled materials. Many things came from his grandmother’s house, and the front door was a gift from his uncle’s friend!
The tiny house is about 89 square feet, 10 feet long, and approximately 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 made many short videos that he posted on YouTube, sharing his project and how motivated he is to do this. Many people are curious about him and his motivation.
Luke received a lot of help from his parents, both with the construction and the finances, but his father, Greg, made sure 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 play sports.”
“There are life lessons involved.”
The house is a complete dream home for a teenager, a small refuge where he can relax and have his own space. It has a microwave, a TV, a loft with a bed, and even a grill on the back!
Luke diligently does his homework after school in his little house and sleeps there at night, at least occasionally!
Luke already has ideas and dreams of building another house, but this time a bit bigger. 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, a determined work ethic, and, of course, a little support from their parents can achieve!
Share and love if you think more people should see and hear about Luke’s stunning little house!
