Luke Thill, a determined and talented teenager from Dubuque, Iowa, accomplished an amazing feat at the young age of 13. With a budget of just $1,500, he constructed an 89-square-foot tiny house in his parents’ backyard. Luke’s remarkable journey was only beginning, and he has since expanded his collection of tiny homes. Let’s take a closer look at Luke’s inspiring story.
Building the Tiny House
Luke’s passion for building began when he discovered the small home movement on YouTube at just 11 years old. Determined to create his own modest cottage, Luke embarked on a summer of saving money by mowing lawns and performing small tasks for neighbors and family. With the help of his father, Luke estimated a budget of $1,500 for the project. He utilized recovered materials and received generous donations from friends and neighbors to keep costs low. It took approximately a year and a half to complete the build, and by the time Luke turned 13, he had his very own tiny house.
A Charming Getaway
Luke’s tiny house was designed to serve as a getaway and a gathering spot for friends. While it doesn’t have plumbing, it features a cozy living room area with a drop-down dining table, a small kitchenette, and a lofted sleeping area accessible by ladder. Luke even hosted his family’s Thanksgiving dinner in his charming tiny house one year. The simplicity and functionality of the design truly highlight Luke’s resourcefulness and creativity.
A Teardrop Camper Adventure
Not content with just one project, Luke eagerly joined his twin brother, Cole, in building a teardrop camper. The brothers spent approximately $2,500 and countless hours constructing the 36-square-foot camper. Luke found this project even more challenging than building a tiny house, as it required attention to every detail to ensure durability on the road. However, the effort was well worth it, as Luke and Cole have enjoyed over 50 camping trips together since completing the camper in 2018.
Lessons in Community and Independence
Through his experiences of building his tiny house and teardrop camper, Luke learned valuable life lessons about hard work, financial responsibility, and the importance of community. The support he received from his neighbors and the sense of solidarity they fostered left a lasting impact on him. Luke understands the significance of belonging to a group and the positive influence it can have on an individual’s life.
Looking Forward to the Future
As Luke focuses on his high school studies, he continues to prioritize his friendships and personal commitments. However, he remains passionate about compact living and intends for it to play a significant role in his future. He has even considered building a larger tiny house to live in during college. Luke’s determination, creativity, and sense of adventure make him a remarkable inspiration for people of all ages.
Luke Thill’s incredible journey from building a tiny house at 13 years old to constructing a teardrop camper showcases the power of determination and imagination. His commitment to his projects, resourcefulness, and ability to bring communities together are truly remarkable. As he looks ahead to the future, we can only anticipate more amazing accomplishments from this talented young individual.
