Building the Tiny House
At just 13 years old, Luke Thill from Dubuque, Iowa, achieved an extraordinary feat. With a mere budget of $1,500, he built an 89-square-foot tiny house in his parents’ backyard. Luke’s journey began when he discovered the world of small homes on YouTube at the young age of 11. Inspired to create his own humble abode, he spent a summer mowing lawns and doing small tasks for neighbors and family to save money.
With the help of his father, Luke estimated a budget and used reclaimed materials and generous donations from friends and neighbors to keep costs low. After a year and a half of hard work, determination, and creativity, Luke had his very own tiny house by the time he turned 13.
A Cozy Getaway
Luke’s tiny house was not just a place to live, but also a charming getaway and gathering spot for friends. Although it didn’t have plumbing, it had 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 tiny house one year, proving the simplicity and functionality of his design. The resourcefulness and creativity he exhibited truly highlight his impressive skills.
Embarking on a Teardrop Camper Adventure
Not content with one project, Luke eagerly joined forces with his twin brother, Cole, to build a teardrop camper. Spending approximately $2,500 and countless hours on the construction of the 36-square-foot camper, Luke found it even more challenging than building his tiny house. Every detail needed attention to ensure it would be durable on the road. However, the effort paid off, as Luke and Cole have had over 50 amazing camping trips together since completing the camper in 2018.
Community and Independence
Throughout his journey of building the 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 now understands the significance of belonging to a group and the positive influence it can have on an individual’s life. His experiences have taught him the value of community and independence.
Embracing the Future
As Luke focuses on his high school studies, he continues to prioritize his friendships and personal commitments. However, his passion for compact living remains strong and he plans for it to play a significant role in his future. He has even considered building a larger tiny house to live in during college. With his determination, creativity, and sense of adventure, Luke is an inspiration for people of all ages. We look forward to witnessing more amazing accomplishments from this talented young individual.
Luke Thill’s incredible journey, from building a tiny house at the age of 13 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. Luke Thill is a true inspiration for people of all ages.
