At just 13 years old, Luke Thiell from Iowa proved that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing dreams. While most teenagers are focused on video games and social media, Luke decided to do something much more hands-on—he built himself a tiny house. Situated in his parent’s backyard, this small but impressive structure became his personal sanctuary.
A Vision and a Dream
Luke’s journey to creating his dream house began with a simple idea and a lot of determination. He was feeling bored, and instead of reaching for his phone or gaming console, he decided to turn his energy into something productive—building his own house. He began researching, planning, and setting a goal to bring his vision to life.
After a year of hard work, Luke raised the $1,500 USD he needed to gather materials and start construction. He mowed lawns, hosted online fundraisers, and took on various odd jobs to make his dream a reality.
The Build: A Hands-On Project
Luke used about 75% recycled materials for his house. Some of the materials came from his grandma’s house, while others were donated by friends and family. Even the front door was a gift from his uncle’s friend. The build was a true testament to Luke’s resourcefulness and determination. He also learned some valuable skills along the way, such as installing electricity, with the help of a friend who knew how to work with electrical systems.
The Tiny House
Luke’s completed tiny house measures just 89 square feet, with a length of 10 feet and a width of about 5.5 feet. While it’s not large, it’s packed with everything Luke needs to call it his own. The house has electricity, but no plumbing—meaning there’s no toilet, sink, or shower yet. Despite that, Luke is proud of the minimalist design.
“I liked the minimalism,” Luke said. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Inside, Luke has created a cozy space with a lofted bed, a microwave, and a TV. He even has a small BBQ outside for those warm summer nights. After school, Luke often does his homework in his little house, and occasionally, he sleeps there too.
Parental Support and Life Lessons
While Luke’s parents, especially his dad, Greg, supported him with the building and finances, Greg made sure that Luke covered most of the costs himself. He saw this project as an opportunity for Luke to learn important life lessons.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg said. “It teaches life lessons.”
The experience not only helped Luke gain practical skills, but it also taught him the value of hard work, determination, and independence.
Future Plans and Inspiring Others
Luke has already set his sights on building another house, but this time, he plans to make it a bit larger for when he goes to college. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire other young people to take on ambitious projects and show them that it’s possible to build something meaningful at a young age.
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” Luke said.
Conclusion
Luke’s story is an inspiring example of what a young person can accomplish with a clear goal, a strong work ethic, and a little bit of support from family. His tiny house isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a symbol of creativity, determination, and the potential in every young person to create something amazing.
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