As interest rates and prices have risen, affordability is definitely an issue for many homeowners. Some are turning to smaller footprints for their primary residences. But certainly, just as many are turning to them for weekend getaways!
Just today, I happened upon a YouTube video that caught my attention, "I turned a Bus into a Luxury Tiny Home." Now that's cool! AND they did it with a 1991, dirty, ugly 20' school bus!
Since I grew up smelling stripper in our garage, I had to check this out. My mom sanded and refinished antiques, giving them new life and selling them for a profit. Likewise, these 3 guys (and their dad) were creating a one of a kind luxury tiny home! What a great project!
Starting out with a 1991 bus that needed a complete transformation was a great idea. They repurposed items vs. new, like the kitchen sink, which reduced the carbon footprint for the bus. The renovations included planning drinking water, gray water and black water. The extra insulation can reduce noise as well as maintaining temperature. They transformed the dash and driver's seat with a minor modification.
Loved the interior colors and finishes. They did a great job with the transitions and created a great floorplan/design!
After watching the video I know exactly what changes I'd make to the transformation. These ideas may have already been implemented, but just in case, I used my training and skills in sustainability to suggest the following:
- Make sure the finishes are light weight to save gas, improving the miles per gallon, ie vinyl tile vs hard tile.
- Plan for the AC unit before finishing the interior and put the compressor on the back to reduce drag and improve MPG. They acknowledged this.
- Make sure to vent the bedroom door to allow air flow since mini splits don't have ducts.
- Could the cooktop be induction to reduce heat gain in the kitchen?
- Does the kitchen window open for ventilation?
- An air fryer oven would be very cool if they make them that small?!
- Make sure all finishes have no VOC's. Volatile Organic Compounds include chemicals that aren't good to breathe. In such a small space, the off-gassing would take quite a while from carpet, paint, and other finishes.
- Exterior finishes should always be light color so the mid-range blue could be a little lighter, but the color makes it easy to spot on vaca!
- Wouldn't it be great if this was retrofitted with a solar panel to power the generator?!
What a great project. Just had to share this very cool transformation from some talented craftsmen! Enjoy!
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