This Couple’s DIY School Bus Dream Home Will Make You Rethink Tiny Living
Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Felix Starck and Selima Taibi were determined to break free from the mundane and embark on an extraordinary journey. Felix, a filmmaker, and Selima, a musician performing under the name Mogli, dreamt of exploring the world and living life on the open road. Their ambitious vision included a trip through North and South America, immersed in the beauty of the great outdoors. While some might have dismissed them as mere dreamers, Felix and Selima proved otherwise by turning their dreams into reality with their project, Expedition: Happiness.
Preparing for the Journey of a Lifetime
To kick off their adventure, Felix and Selima decided that converting a school bus into a mobile home was the ideal solution. This choice would provide them with both transportation and a cozy living space while they traveled.
Though some might view this lifestyle as unconventional, the adventurous couple found it exhilarating. From Berlin, they began the search for a suitable school bus in the U.S.
A Fixer-Upper Challenge
Fortunately, they discovered a bus that fit their needs, but it required significant work. The condition of the bus posed a challenge; it was far from perfect and needed extensive repairs before they could convert it into a livable space.
Sharing updates on social media, they documented their progress: “We got all of the flooring out yesterday, but we found one huge hole in the floor. The bus has a lot of rust, but that’s the risk when you buy a bus located in Florida while in Germany.”
Embracing the DIY Spirit
Felix and Selima committed to handling the repairs and conversion themselves. Upon arriving in the U.S., they focused on transforming the bus into a comfortable home. Selima removed old stickers while Felix organized the flooring.
Given that the school bus was not originally designed for living, they had to make several modifications, including adding insulation for their travels to colder climates. “Pumped to get some sub-flooring and insulation in today!” they excitedly shared.
Tackling the Rust Issue First
The couple purchased the bus for $9,500 before flying to the U.S. Although they were initially disheartened by the amount of rust and damage, they maintained a positive outlook. Felix posted, “We found more rust yesterday. We’re gonna fix the holes by screwing in some metal sheets, but first, we need to get rid of the rust.”
Finding Guidance
While Felix and Selima were optimistic, they lacked the carpentry skills necessary for the project. Luckily, they met a nearby couple in North Carolina who had converted their own school bus and were eager to share their expertise.
As they received hands-on advice, Felix and Selima discovered they had a knack for building. Felix proudly shared, “Mogli just built us a bed… no big deal, I guess!”
Start your next woodworking adventure with TedsWoodworking! Dive into 16,000+ projects and bring your ideas to life. Build unique furniture and master new skills with Ted’s detailed, step-by-step plans guiding you every step of the way.
Welcoming Rudi
While the couple took on the bus conversion, their Bernese Mountain Dog, Rudi, was ready to join the adventure. The choice of a school bus over a tiny home was perfect, allowing Rudi ample space to lounge.
Felix and Selima were thrilled to include Rudi in their journey, especially as they anticipated his first encounter with snow!
Constructing the Kitchen
With the bed frame complete, the couple turned their attention to the kitchen. The narrow layout of the school bus required careful planning to maximize every inch. They recognized the importance of functionality in such a compact space and felt satisfied as the kitchen cabinets were installed.
Expanding the Bathroom Space
As they progressed, the bathroom became a focus as well. Felix captured a moment of Selima crouched in the small area, captioning it, “painting our teensy tiny toilet.” To create a sense of space, Selima painted the bathroom white and added handmade tiles, turning it into a cozy nook. Throughout the process, their mutual encouragement kept their spirits high.
A Fresh Exterior Look
With the interior taking shape, it was time to give the bus’s exterior a makeover. Although they originally envisioned a white paint job, the result turned out gray. Felix shared this amusing mishap with their followers, but they pressed on, deciding to paint the black sections cream.
Designing the Office-Kitchen Galley
As the bus transformed, it no longer resembled the bright yellow school bus of its former life. Felix and Selima designed the layout to feature a long counter along each wall: one side for the kitchen and the other for workspaces. This arrangement allowed Felix to edit his films and Selima to focus on her music while sharing their journey on social media.
Creating a Private Bedroom
Another key element of their design was the bedroom, which they wisely placed at the back of the bus for privacy. You’d never guess that this couple had no prior furniture-building experience, as the space showcased clean lines and beautiful design.
Powering Their Home on Wheels
Given the array of lights and appliances, the couple needed a reliable power source. Felix gave a glimpse of their powering station, which allowed them to plug into the grid or harness energy from the solar panels on the roof, helping them save on travel costs.
Rudi’s Cozy Spot
While Felix and Selima had a comfortable setup in the back of the bus, they ensured Rudi had his own space too. The bus provided enough room for a large dog bed in the front, keeping him close to the action, along with a custom elevated table for his food and water bowls.
Smart Storage Solutions
Maximizing storage was crucial during the conversion process. The couple designed deep couches to provide additional storage and kept Selima’s music equipment stashed at the rear, maintaining an organized living space.
Adding Personal Touches
Once the essential elements were in place, the couple infused their artistic flair into the interior. They hung a graphic that read “live simply,” though the effort and dedication they poured into their journey belied that simplicity.
Ready to Hit the Road
After 12 weeks of hard work, Felix and Selima were finally ready to embark on their journey across the Americas. They enthusiastically shared, “After 12 weeks of daily failure, we are done with the conversion and ready to take our beauty all the way down to South America.” While they hoped to visit every destination on their checklist, they were realistic about their plans, stating, “If we make it that far—who knows? But we’re definitely going to have a great time!”
A Goal, Accomplished
The journey of the filmmaker and musician teaches us that no dream is too big and nothing is beyond reach. Despite skeptics who viewed their vision as unrealistic, they persevered and transformed a school bus into their dream home on wheels.
Now, reflecting on their adventure, they cherish the memories made along the way. The couple remarked, “375 days ago, we purchased a school bus and turned it into… well, call it what you will. It was truly the trip of our lives!”
Ready to start your next project? Join our DIY community to receive tool tips, how-to guides, and exclusive creative insights. Subscribe to the ManMadeDIY newsletter now! Click here to unlock a world of hands-on inspiration.
Charlie Golsley
