Luke Thiull, just 13 years old from Iowa, isn’t your typical teen. While most kids his age are glued to smartphones, iPads, and gaming systems, Luke decided to take a hands-on approach to boredom—and built his very own tiny house in his backyard!
This ambitious project cost around $1,500, but to Luke, it’s a personal paradise—a mini house he designed entirely himself. Over the course of a year, he saved up by mowing lawns, fundraising online, and doing odd jobs for neighbors, proving that determination and hard work can turn dreams into reality.

Luke even got creative with materials. Around 75% of the tiny house came from recycled items, including leftover wood from his grandmother’s house, and the front door was a gift from a family friend. For electricity, he teamed up with a friend skilled in wiring, helping clear their garage in exchange for guidance on installing the system.
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