Transformed Bus Becomes a Charming New Mexican-Style Tiny Home

DIY Adobe Skoolie: A Tiny Home With New Mexican Flair

In recent years, there has been an increasing fascination with living in smaller dwellings, commonly referred to as tiny homes, as people seek to downsize and embrace a more sustainable way of life.

One such example of this trend is the DIY adobe skoolie, a unique and beautiful tiny home created by Felicia and Jake. The couple transformed a 40-foot Bluebird International 3800 bus into a space that feels like a New Mexican casita, complete with lime plaster effect walls, wood floors, and handpicked Mexican tiles.

The design and inspiration behind the DIY adobe skoolie is heavily influenced by the homes the couple grew up around in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The turquoise exterior gives a strong New Mexican influence, and the overall color scheme of the bus is inspired by the warm earth tones of adobe buildings.

The arched hallway and dreamy bathroom with more arches throughout the space further add to the unique character and charm of this tiny home.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the features and layout of this DIY adobe skoolie and take a tour of this tiny home that is infused with New Mexican flair.

Key Takeaways

• Felicia and Jake built a DIY adobe style skoolie tiny home for around $35k, starting with a 40-foot Bluebird International 3800.
• Their skoolie conversion was designed to feel like a New Mexican casita, with adobe-style walls, rich wood textures, and a turquoise exterior.
• They incorporated handpicked Mexican tiles, a wood-burning stove, and a tiled bathtub that doubles as a shower space.
• The conversion allows them to take a piece of their childhood homes in Albuquerque, New Mexico, wherever they go, and explore new places, people, and food.

Design and Inspiration

The design of Felicia and Jake’s DIY adobe style skoolie tiny home is heavily inspired by the traditional New Mexican casita. From the lime plaster effect on the walls to the rich texture of the wood floors and Mexican tiles, the overall aesthetic of the bus exudes a strong cultural influence.

The curviness throughout the interior space also adds to the adobe style, making the tiny home feel even more authentic. The turquoise exterior of the bus is also a nod to the New Mexican influence, as it is a popular color choice in the state’s architecture and art.

The handpicked tiles around the wood-burning stove and the tiled bathtub also add to the unique design of the skoolie, showcasing the couple’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a space that truly feels like home.

Features and Layout

Uniquely designed with a blend of traditional and modern elements, the layout of Felicia and Jake’s converted bus seamlessly integrates functional features to maximize space and comfort. The living area, located at the front of the bus, is an open space with a cozy couch that doubles as a guest bed. The kitchen, complete with a full-size refrigerator, sink, and propane stove, is situated at the center of the bus. The couple made sure to include plenty of storage space for their kitchen essentials and pantry items. The bathroom, located at the back of the bus, features a tiled bathtub and a composting toilet. The arched hallway that leads to the bathroom adds a touch of elegance to the space.

To emphasize the customization options available in their skoolie conversion, Felicia and Jake incorporated a table that showcases the appliances and features they installed in their tiny home. The table, shown below, highlights the practicality and functionality of each element, such as a mini-split air conditioning system that can be operated remotely. The couple’s attention to detail is evident in their choice of materials, such as the lime plaster effect on the walls and the rich texture of the wood floors. Overall, their skoolie conversion is a testament to comfort and functionality, proving that a tiny home can be just as comfortable as a traditional home.

Feature	Description
Full-size refrigerator	Provides ample storage for food and drinks
Propane stove	Allows for cooking meals while on the road
Composting toilet	Environmentally friendly and saves water
Mini-split air conditioning system	Can be operated remotely for convenience

Tour of the Home

Felicia and Jake’s converted bus features a functional layout with an open living area, a central kitchen with ample storage space, and a bathroom with a tiled bathtub and a composting toilet.

The living area is designed to be comfortable and inviting, with soft seating and plenty of natural light.

The kitchen is equipped with a full-sized sink, a refrigerator, a propane stove, and a microwave, as well as plenty of counter space and storage.

The bathroom is situated behind the hearth and features a tiled bathtub that doubles as a shower, a composting toilet, and a sink.

The arched hallway leading to the bathroom is another example of the adobe-style design that Felicia and Jake incorporated into their skoolie.

In addition to the functional layout, Felicia and Jake’s skoolie features several design details and customization choices that make it unique.

The lime plaster effect on the walls and the wood floors add warmth and texture to the interior, while the Mexican tiles around the wood-burning stove and in the bathroom add color and pattern.

The mini-split air conditioning system is a practical choice for staying cool in warm climates, while the rainwater showerhead and holding area for breakables add convenience.

Overall, Felicia and Jake’s DIY adobe style skoolie tiny home is a beautiful and functional space that reflects their love of New Mexican design and their desire to explore new places and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long did it take Felicia and Jake to complete their DIY adobe style skoolie conversion?

Like a marathon runner reaching the finish line, Felicia and Jake completed their DIY adobe style skoolie conversion after a timeline of hard work and dedication.

The exact duration of their experience is unclear, as there is no information available on the timeline of their conversion process.

However, their attention to detail and commitment to creating a New Mexican casita on wheels is evident in every aspect of their tiny home, from the turquoise exterior to the handpicked tiles around their wood-burning stove.

Their passion for the project shines through in the rich textures of the wood floors and counters, and the lush greenery throughout the bus.

Despite the lack of information on the timeline of their experience, it is clear that Felicia and Jake poured their hearts into creating a unique and beautiful home on the road.

What challenges did Felicia and Jake face during the conversion process?

Felicia and Jake faced several challenges during the conversion process of their skoolie tiny home. One of the primary challenges was budget constraints, as they had to work within a limited budget of $35k.

They also had to find suitable tools and equipment to carry out the conversion, which required extensive research and planning. Additionally, they had to overcome various technical challenges, such as installing the tiled bathtub and creating the lime plaster effect on the walls.

Despite these challenges, Felicia and Jake were able to successfully complete their DIY adobe style skoolie conversion, resulting in a unique and personalized home that reflects their New Mexican roots.

How do Felicia and Jake handle waste and water management while living in their skoolie?

Waste disposal and water conservation are crucial aspects to consider while living in a tiny home or a skoolie. There are various systems available for waste disposal, including composting toilets, incinerating toilets, and portable waste tanks. Felicia and Jake’s approach to waste disposal and management in their skoolie tiny home is unclear.

However, water conservation is essential, and they might use a variety of methods, such as low-flow faucets and showerheads, water-efficient toilets, and rainwater harvesting systems. Additionally, they could use biodegradable soaps and cleaning products to minimize their impact on the environment.

Proper waste disposal and water conservation are vital for a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle in a tiny home.

How has living in a tiny home on wheels changed Felicia and Jake’s lifestyle?

Living in a tiny home on wheels has brought about significant changes in Felicia and Jake’s lifestyle, introducing them to the benefits of minimalism and travel freedom. By downsizing their living space, they have been forced to prioritize their possessions, keeping only what is essential. This has allowed them to simplify their lives, reduce their environmental footprint, and save money.

Moreover, their skoolie conversion has given them the freedom to travel to new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures. They can take their home with them, allowing them to explore without the limitations of traditional housing.

Overall, their tiny home has transformed their lifestyle, providing them with a newfound appreciation for minimalism and the freedom to travel.

What advice would Felicia and Jake give to someone interested in converting a skoolie into a tiny home?

When considering converting a skoolie into a tiny home, there are several cost considerations that one should keep in mind.

The initial purchase of the bus itself can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and condition.

Additionally, the cost of materials for the conversion can quickly add up, especially if one is aiming for a specific design inspiration, such as the adobe style chosen by Felicia and Jake.

To keep costs down, it is important to prioritize which features and design elements are essential and which ones can be compromised or postponed.

As for design inspiration, it is helpful to gather inspiration from a variety of sources, including online resources and other converted skoolies, but ultimately the design should reflect one’s own personal tastes and needs.

Felicia and Jake’s adobe style skoolie, for example, was inspired by their New Mexican roots and childhood homes, resulting in a unique and personal space that reflects their individuality.