At just 13 years old, Luke Tilley embarked on a remarkable journey that would change his life forever. A high school student from Dubuque, Iowa, Luke set out to create his very own tiny house in his parents’ backyard. With a budget of $1,500, which he earned through odd jobs in the neighborhood, Luke poured his heart and soul into this project for a year and a half.
But this was only the beginning of Luke’s passion for living small. Alongside his brother Cole, Luke went on to build a tearfully awe-inspiring tiny home for an elderly woman. His determination to embrace the tiny house movement and make it a lifestyle has truly paid off.
From YouTube Inspiration to Reality
Luke stumbled upon the tiny house movement on YouTube, and it instantly captivated his imagination. With no immediate plans for the future, the 11-year-old boy saw building a tiny house as the perfect project to work on during the summer of 2016.
Together with his father, Luke calculated that building a modest house would cost around $1,500. To save up, Luke started working various jobs in the city, from mowing lawns to helping his grandparents and neighbors with odd tasks. And so, his future home slowly began to take shape.
A Labor of Love
While Luke had some experience with small home renovations, constructing the tiny house proved to be his greatest challenge yet. To keep costs down, Luke and his family relied on recycled building materials donated by friends, neighbors, and relatives. Even the windows and doors were reused to give his home a unique touch.
With the help of his parents, Luke spent a year and a half completing the construction. When Luke turned 13 in the fall of 2017, he proudly became the owner of his very own house. Although he never intended to live in it permanently, his tiny house became a cozy shelter and a gathering place for friends.
Functionality and Community
Luke’s tiny house features a living room with a folding table, a small kitchen equipped with a microwave, electric stove, and coffee table, and a staircase leading to the attic where Luke and his guests can sleep during movie nights or weekend getaways. The minimalist design of the house reflects its purpose as a space for connecting and creating memories.
In fact, Luke even hosted his family’s Thanksgiving dinner one year, proving that size doesn’t matter when it comes to warmth and togetherness. With the completion of his tiny house, Luke was ready to embark on a new project alongside his twin brother, Cole.
The Teardrop Camper Adventure
Luke and Cole decided to take on the challenge of building a teardrop camper. At the age of 14, they purchased a 31-square-meter trailer, spending about $2,500. The camper project proved to be even more detailed and challenging than the tiny house. Safety was a top priority, ensuring that nothing would fall off while traveling at high speeds on the freeway.
The brothers completed their teardrop camper in 2018, and since then, they have gone on over 50 camping trips throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Over the years, Luke has made several upgrades to the camper, including updated woodwork, new cabinets, and a fresh coat of paint.
Life Lessons Learned
Through his experience of building and living in a tiny house, Luke has learned valuable life lessons that extend far beyond construction. Hard work, financial responsibility, and the importance of community have become pillars in Luke’s life.
Luke’s neighbors played a significant role in his journey, trading items and offering their support throughout the construction process. This sense of belonging to a group was a valuable lesson that Luke cherishes. His tiny house not only brought his neighbors together but also created a strong sense of community.
A Bright Future Ahead
While Luke currently prioritizes his high school studies and spending time with friends, his passion for compact living remains strong. He envisions a future where tiny houses play a significant role, and he has even considered building a bigger house to live in while attending college.
Luke Tilley’s story serves as an inspiration to all, regardless of age. His determination and ingenuity have shown that with hard work and passion, dreams can become a reality. Luke has truly crafted his own path, leaving a lasting impact on his community and showing us the true magic that lies within living small.
