When Luke Thull’s friends first saw his tiny 89-square-foot house, they couldn’t help but laugh. But the moment they stepped inside, their laughter turned to awe. At just 13 years old, this young genius from Iowa had built something extraordinary, all for the price of a smartphone.
While most kids his age are focused on school, crushes, or gym class, Luke was busy turning his dream into reality. With creativity, determination, and a shoestring budget, he constructed a fully functional tiny house in his backyard. And once you see what’s inside, you’ll understand why this young builder is anything but ordinary. Take a look!
While most teenagers spend hours glued to their phones or computer screens, Luke chose a different path. Instead of scrolling through social media, he rolled up his sleeves and put in the effort to create something tangible and extraordinary.
Luke shares his incredible journey on his YouTube channel, where he explains how a burning passion drove him to build his very own house. After countless hours of brainstorming, planning, and research, he finally brought his vision to life, turning his dream into a reality.
It took Luke nearly a year to gather the funds and materials needed to bring his dream house to life. Like a true CEO, he hustled to raise the money—mowing lawns, organizing fundraisers, and taking on any odd job he could find. His determination paid off, and he even managed to get some help with the electrical work by trading favors, like cleaning a neighbor’s garage. Talk about resourcefulness!
What makes his tiny house even more impressive is that 75% of it was built using recycled materials and leftovers from his grandma’s house. The finishing touch? A front door gifted by his uncle, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to his incredible creation.
The entire house measures just 89 square feet, stretching 10 feet in length and about 5.5 feet in width. While it’s equipped with electricity, Luke hasn’t added plumbing yet, so there’s no shower, toilet, or sink, but that doesn’t dampen his enthusiasm.
Luke shared, “I’ve always been drawn to minimalism, and I wanted to create a home without the burden of a massive mortgage.”
He’s documented his journey extensively on his YouTube channel, where he breaks down the project step by step. His videos have sparked curiosity and admiration from viewers worldwide, inspiring many with his creativity and determination.
Luke’s parents have been incredibly supportive, but his dad, Greg, made sure Luke took responsibility for most of the costs himself. Greg explained, “This was an opportunity for him to do something beyond just playing video games or sports. It’s a way to learn valuable life lessons.”
The tiny house is every teenager’s dream, a private sanctuary for alone time and personal space. Inside, it’s equipped with a microwave, a TV, and a cozy loft with a bed. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s even a BBQ grill out back!
Luke uses his mini home as a quiet spot to do homework, and on some nights, his parents let him sleep there too. It’s the perfect blend of independence and creativity, all packed into 89 square feet!
This kind of ambition as a young teenager is sure to take him far in life! Luke’s goal isn’t just to build a house. It’s to inspire others, no matter their age, to chase their dreams and think outside the box.
He shared, “I want to show kids that building something like this is possible, even at my age.”
