I turned an old Coke lorry into a tiny home – it looks like a wood cabin but we have curtains to activate ‘stealth mode’
A SAVVY couple wowed people with their epic tiny home built out of an empty Coke lorry.
Tiny homes have boomed into popularity across the world over the past decade, mainly down to affordability and sustainability reasons, as well as the desire for minimalist living.
More purse-friendly, they offer a path to homeownership for those unable to afford larger properties or who wish to avoid debt.
Millennials and Generation X are the primary adopters of tiny homes, with the majority of tiny home dwellers being between 30 and 50 years old.
Amongst them is also Clara Trindall and her partner, from Australia, who managed to get their hands on an old Coca-Cola truck and turned the vehicle into a gorgeous home on wheels.
The thrifty Aussie duo have been sharing their journey on TikTok, proudly showing viewers what the lorry looked like when they first bought it – and once the makeover was complete.
Clara explained that when they purchased it, the truck was totally empty, didn’t have any walls and had been used for deliveries around Sydney.
But with some DIY skills and jobs, the savvy couple gave it a brand new look, adding walls on the sides, which made the truck ”look like a little wooden cabin”.
”And the curtains still close, which is good,” Clara said, adding this could activate ”stealth” mode in no time.
The inside, too, had been renovated from top to bottom, with a brand new kitchen set-up and all the other essentials needed for life on the road.
Wowing fellow social media users with the jaw-dropping glow-up, Clara gave viewers a peek into their epic home, which featured a stove, an oven, a stunning worktop and cupboards to store all the must-haves.
Meanwhile, the lounge area at the back of the truck, she said in the video, could also be turned ”into a bed” with a window above to admire the skylight.
There was also an extra table on the side for the Aussie couple to enjoy their meals, as well as additional storage.
Needless to say, the epic transformation has taken the internet by storm, with the clip racking up more than 356k views and hundreds of comments.
Amazed by the before and after results, social media users raced to share their thoughts, with one writing: ”That looks fantastic. Love it.”
The rise of tiny homes
By Jonathan Rolande
Property expert Jonathan Rolande told Fabulous: The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared.
Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense.
Things to consider. (the boring stuff)
Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space.
You’ll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached).
Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider
Walls, are they cavity?
Roof height
Windows
How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected
Insulation – it will be cold!
Fire safety
Damp proofing
Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited.
Many added that they’d been sceptical when Clara first showed the truck at the start of their journey – but were left gobsmacked.
”I have to admit, when I saw him sanding the rust I def didn’t imagine this! This is so awesome,” another fan praised the couple.
Someone else chimed in: ”Best truck/van renovation I’ve seen. Keeping the curtains is so clever.”
Another begged: ”can you do mine for me because that is amazing great job you can start your own business.”
”Usually see these builds and people rush through, I can tell you guys took your time and did it right, this build turned out awesome,” a viewer penned.