Tanya Nestoruk, 31, and Arya Touserkani, 38, embarked on an extraordinary journey of downsizing from a conventional four-bedroom house in Canada to transforming a school bus into a luxurious tiny home. Driven by a desire for simplicity, adventure, and environmental consciousness, the couple opted for a mobile lifestyle that allowed them the freedom to explore new places with minimal impact. Nestoruk, an environmental educator, and Touserkani, a photographer, found themselves immersed in the challenge of repurposing the retired school bus they acquired for $7,200 from a school bus contractor. Their meticulous renovation process involved recycling materials, DIY construction, and resourcefulness, all while adhering to a tight timeline in preparation for their escape from the Canadian winter to Baja California, Mexico.

Over one year and an investment of roughly $30,000, Nestoruk and Touserkani turned the school bus into a fully functional home, complete with a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and clever storage solutions. The inclusion of skylights not only illuminated the space but also enabled Touserkani to stand comfortably inside the bus. Equipped with solar panels for off-grid living, the couple incorporated practical features such as a rooftop deck for their motorcycles, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability and independence. While acknowledging the perpetual nature of renovation in their unconventional home, Nestoruk and Touserkani cherish the unique energy and connections fostered by their school bus lifestyle, aspiring to inspire others towards environmentally friendly living as they plan their next chapter on Vancouver Island.

Cargo, the ingenious space-saving house born from a humble shipping container, epitomizes the marriage of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Crafted by the Portuguese studio Madeiguincho, this tiny abode seamlessly transforms an ordinary metal box into an inviting home. Despite its modest dimensions of 6 x 2.5 meters, Cargo boasts a rooftop terrace and a thoughtfully designed interior that harmonizes with its surroundings. The exterior, clad in wood and punctuated by operable windows, ensures optimal insulation and ventilation, maintaining a comfortable ambiance within. Accessible via a ladder, the rooftop terrace extends the living space outdoors, providing a tranquil retreat adorned with a protective overhang and double glass doors shielded by wooden slats.

Within Cargo’s compact confines, Madeiguincho’s signature wooden decor infuses warmth and character. The studio’s pragmatic approach to layout optimization is evident, with a central room featuring a raised bed and storage compartments underneath. A cozy L-shaped seating area, accented by a porthole-style window, beckons relaxation and contemplation. The modest yet functional kitchenette offers essential amenities, including a sink, storage, oven, and stove, while a compact bathroom completes the ensemble with a toilet and shower. Situated amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Portugal’s Algarve region, Cargo serves as an idyllic short-term rental retreat, embodying simplicity and tranquility. Its minimalist allure underscores the transformative potential of repurposing shipping containers into contemporary, well-appointed dwellings, offering a compelling vision of sustainable living without compromising comfort or style.

Australian sculptor David Cox has found a remarkable way to grant old pianos a second life, transforming them into magnificent phoenix sculptures that soar with elegance and symbolism. Recognizing the sentimental value attached to these instruments, Cox delicately repurposes their parts into sweeping artworks that honor cherished memories shared around the piano. Inspired by architectural salvage and the recycling of historically significant materials, Cox infuses each sculpture with a profound sense of history and emotional resonance. What began as a creative experiment has evolved into a transformative endeavor, with Cox crafting over 50 phoenix sculptures that captivate viewers and serve as poignant reminders of the enduring power of art to breathe new life into the past.

Each phoenix sculpture Cox creates is a testament to the unique stories and personal experiences associated with the pianos from which they are born. Customized to reflect the individual tastes and memories of their owners, these artworks become cherished centerpieces in homes across Australia. With meticulous attention to detail, Cox ensures that every piece is imbued with its own distinct character and significance, creating a deeply personal connection between the artwork and its owner. As he continues to breathe life into forgotten pianos and evoke emotional responses from those who encounter his creations, Cox’s phoenix sculptures serve as powerful symbols of renewal and transformation in both art and life.

Space Available, a pioneering force in the realm of circular design, has unveiled its latest endeavor: a physical studio space and global headquarters nestled in Bali, Indonesia. This launch marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable design, as the studio continues its mission of repurposing waste materials into innovative solutions across various disciplines. At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to recycling, upcycling, and biodesign, epitomizing the ethos of environmental stewardship. Within the sprawling 500 square meter renovated warehouse, collaboration thrives alongside craftsmanship and ecological innovation. Equipped with state-of-the-art recycling machinery, upcycling stations, and a cutting-edge biodesign lab in partnership with MycoWorks, the studio emerges as a dynamic hub for sustainable creativity. Notably, the studio’s exterior showcases a striking facade crafted from waste plastic offcuts sourced from its own production processes, exemplifying a seamless integration of sustainability into architectural design.

More than a mere workspace, the Circular Design Studio embodies a culture of creativity and community engagement. Beyond its role as the headquarters for Space Available’s design team, the studio serves as a vibrant hub for educational initiatives, including workshops, discussions, and exhibitions, inviting the wider community to partake in the journey towards a more sustainable future. Every aspect of the studio, from its recycled fixtures to its innovative facade, serves as a testament to the transformative power of circular design. With its doors now open, Space Available’s Circular Design Studio stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound impact that conscious design practices can have on both the environment and society at large.

Hexagro’s latest innovation, the Clovy, presents an ingenious solution for individuals seeking to bring a touch of nature into their homes, even with limited space. This modular, app-controlled vertical garden is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, catering to those with a penchant for gardening but lacking the necessary space. The system offers the flexibility of hydroponics or aeroponics, allowing users to choose their preferred cultivation method. The stackable design enables the garden to grow taller, accommodating the development of users’ green thumbs over time. The pods, where plants are housed, are constructed from recycled materials or agricultural waste, aligning with Hexagro’s commitment to sustainability.

One of the standout features of Clovy is its Internet of Things (IoT) irrigation system, which eliminates the hassle of daily watering. Through a companion mobile app, users gain fine control over the irrigation process, and an AI-powered cultivation assistant named Hexbee guides them through plant care and maintenance. The IoT system allows users to schedule irrigation at specific times and days, optimizing water consumption, reducing waste, and promoting responsible water resource management. Furthermore, the system includes electrical outlets for easy automation and connection to additional electronic devices, enhancing the overall convenience of the vertical garden.

Hexagro caters to different user preferences with the Clovy system, offering a standard version made from 100% recycled plastic in small or large configurations. Additionally, an eco-premium option is available, crafted from upcycled bio-composite materials sourced from agricultural waste. The system features a container base with a low-pressure pump and a two-week water supply, and users receive notifications when the nutrient solution is running low. Each pod can host up to four different plants, providing a versatile and customizable gardening experience. The Clovy is currently seeking production funds on Kickstarter, offering backers the opportunity to secure their own unit with perks starting at €139 (~US$145) for a small standard model or €159 ($165) for a small premium. If the crowdfunding campaign proceeds as planned, shipping is expected to commence in April 2024.

Embarking on a DIY duck coop project over the last 6-8 weeks, the hardworking creators are excited to reveal their masterpieces. The duck run is ingeniously attached to a shed, offering a convenient location for access to fresh water and food, especially when the shed transforms into a she-shed or garden shed in the future. The coop’s dark moody color, graphite by BM, adds a touch of elegance without being overly black. To ensure the safety of the ducklings, the coop is constructed using hardware cloth instead of chicken wire, providing robust protection against potential predators.

Addressing both practicality and aesthetics, pea gravel lines the inside and outside of the coop, contributing to a European feel and preventing mud accumulation. While acknowledging the rising cost of lumber, the creators made strategic use of scrap wood to manage expenses. Plans for a winter roof are in the works to shield the ducks and prevent snow-related issues. A pond, thoughtfully placed in one corner, enhances the ducks’ environment, and a custom-made copper handle facilitates easy water replenishment.

The inclusion of electric and plumbing elements was a meticulous process, ensuring functionality and convenience. Decorative touches, both inside and outside, complement the structure, creating a welcoming and visually appealing space for the ducks. With plans to enhance food options and incorporate playful toys, the DIY duck coop stands as a testament to creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to providing a comfortable and enjoyable home for the ducks.

In a captivating venture documented on YouTube, 23-year-old Danner Cronise and his father have embarked on the ambitious task of transforming an abandoned Home Depot shed into a unique and expansive tiny home. The family purchased the $5,250 shed two decades ago for storage purposes on their 22-acre property in the hills of southern Tennessee. Originally intended as a temporary residence while building a new home, the shed became a neglected structure until Cronise’s father revisited the property in 2020.

Prompted by the need to “rescue the shed,” the father-son team committed to an extensive restoration journey. Chronicling their efforts on Cronise’s YouTube channel, which has nearly 35,000 subscribers, the restoration project unfolds in more than 30 videos capturing various stages of the shed’s transformation. The initial visit revealed challenges such as overgrowth and an unexpected encounter with a snake, but despite the obstacles, the duo remained resolute in salvaging the structure. The renovation commenced with the removal of the shed’s upper level to facilitate the rebuilding of the roof. Beyond the shed itself, the team dedicated significant effort to enhancing the 30-acre property, clearing land, cutting vines, and removing fallen trees.

Amidst this endeavour, Cronise, pursuing a computer engineering degree at the University of Alabama, found himself acquiring diverse skills, from using a chainsaw to mastering construction techniques. Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, he expressed how the project expanded his skill set beyond his initial interests in videography, technology, and programming. As he approaches graduation, Cronise’s journey exemplifies the fusion of personal growth and the preservation of a family’s unique and evolving living space.

Are you in search of a unique and eco-friendly way to enhance your living space or garden? Look no further! In this article, you can explore creative and sustainable ideas for repurposing plastic bottles into charming hanging lantern flower pots, perfect for vertical gardens. This DIY project not only offers a fantastic method to upcycle plastic bottles but also introduces a touch of beauty and greenery to your surroundings. To embark on this environmentally conscious endeavour, gather your materials, including plastic bottles, a pair of scissors or a box cutter, a marker or pen, a drill or hot glue gun, and some sturdy ropes or strings for suspending the lanterns. Once you have all the tools necessary, you can find inspiration in the pictures below on how to cut the plastic bottle and transform them into planters. Use the strings to hang them and the pen to decorate your lanterns in creative ways. You can also use a hot glue gun to glue pieces of plastic together, creating whimsical shapes.

Transforming discarded plastic bottles into functional and aesthetically pleasing flower pots is a rewarding way to contribute to a greener and more visually appealing environment. Creating your very own vertical garden using recycled plastic bottles is a straightforward process that not only promotes sustainability, but also allows you to personalize your living space with a touch of green innovation. With the right tools and a dash of creativity, you can turn unused plastic bottles into charming hanging lantern flower pots, providing a delightful solution for both waste reduction and decorative enhancement.

At the age of 19, Jack from the UK embarked on an extraordinary journey, meticulously constructing his own $6,000 tiny home. However, this achievement was not just a result of financial savvy but a testament to Jack’s unparalleled dedication and hard work. For three years, Jack immersed himself in the intricate process of building his dream home, showcasing a remarkable blend of youthful ingenuity and practical resourcefulness. With an eye for detail and a commitment to sustainability, Jack cleverly sourced materials and chipped away at the project, transforming his vision into a reality.

Jack’s journey in tiny home construction had its roots in his early teenage years when, at the age of 13, he built his first micro cabin. The experience not only ignited his passion for building but also laid the foundation for the resourcefulness that would characterize his $6,000 tiny home project. Remarkably, Jack took recycling to a whole new level by repurposing materials from his initial micro cabin to construct his current house. This sustainability-driven approach not only reduced costs but also demonstrated a profound commitment to minimizing environmental impact. Jack’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, dedication, and a passion for sustainable living.

The inception of Jack’s tiny home project coincided with the beginning of his university journey in 2020, reflecting his ability to balance academic pursuits with a hands-on commitment to building. Jack’s story serves as an inspiration for young individuals, showcasing the profound impact of determination and a willingness to invest time and effort into realizing ambitious goals. As he opens the door to his $6,000 tiny home, Jack not only steps into a cozy and cost-effective living space but into a future where sustainability and self-sufficiency are at the forefront of his lifestyle choices.