Building a home can be a challenging endeavor, but it also provides an opportunity to learn vital life skills along the way. That is exactly what Claire and Tim discovered when they built their own little house on wheels in New Zealand. Claire and Tim used to migrate from one place to another until the former became interested in the notion of building their own home.

Because the couple had no building experience, constructing their DIY home was a learning process. They relied on YouTube videos and the assistance of builders’ buddies. One of Claire’s friends assisted them with the deck foundations, while another arrived to assist them with the roof. Claire and Tim’s parking site offers breathtaking views of the ocean and woodland.

Tim’s parents went hunting for a home six years ago, and they were led there by a real estate agent. When they stepped onto the platform, they knew it was the place for them. Claire and Tim are the lucky new residents. The pair, who are both interested in sustainability, reforestation, and permaculture, took advantage of the site by creating some lovely gardens.

“I believe it’s just in my blood.” “My parents were big environmentalists,” Claire explained. “I think you can’t help but adore it and want to be a part of it.” Steel frames support the 23.79.6ft house. The façade was painted black and green to keep things unobtrusive and to blend the structure into the surroundings.

A hot tub, shower, and composting toilet are among the outside amenities at the residence. They also have a pathway that leads down to the water. They’ve installed a shower to rinse off on the way up. Claire and Tim also built a lot of storage space to the trailer’s front, where they keep their hot water cylinder, washing machine, and tools.

All the wood and greenery will instantly give you a warm feeling upon entering the home. Their cabinetry is made from recycled timber from tabletops used in Tim’s family’s café. The lounge area is pretty huge for a tiny house and could sleep three people. The couch converts into a double bed, and they only need to take out the projector and pull down to enjoy a relaxing movie night.

The table in the living area has multiple functions. It can be used as a bed, a dining table, a coffee table, and a desk for when Tim works from home. Each cushion on the sofa is detachable to reveal storage space underneath. Upstairs is the guest loft, which means Claire and Tim don’t have to lose their lounge space to accommodate visitors. They also use the area, which has a bookcase, as a private space to read.

The stairs lead to their sleeping loft, which has a full-sized bed and storage to keep their clothes. A rectangular window provides a picturesque view of the ocean. The kitchen features a counter made from hardwood timber, a full-sized fridge and sink, and an oven. Claire and Tim also left the beams on the end wall exposed to use as storage for their spices and mugs.

The bathroom has a nearly normal-sized shower and a composting toilet. The house took around two years two build, and Claire and Tim have been living in it for a year and a half. So far, they’re enjoying every moment. “I love it. It’s so easy. It’s a really easy space to live in,” said Claire. “Lower electricity bill, less cleaning, less heating. In terms of a footprint for living, it’s small,” Tim added.

Building the home cost them around NZD 65,000 (USD 41,100), and as you’ll see below, every buck was worth it! Take a tour of Claire and Tim’s tiny house in the video below.