08.11.2014   solar energy

Australian Man Builds Tiny, Solar-Powered Retreat Using Almost 100% Recycled Materials


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The Upcyclist, James Gallelty, The Bower, Australia, Sydney, tiny house, tiny bedroom, tiny house movement, tiny houses, tiny homes, solar power, led lighting, space saving furniture, fold up bed, upcycling, reclaimed materials, salvaged materials

Galletly and The Bower realized early on that building a tiny house atop a 6×8 box trailer was nonviable, and so scaled back their plans to build a tiny bedroom instead. Constructed mostly from salvaged materials, the Tiny displays a one-of-a-kind feel on both its exterior and interior. The facade is created from an eclectic combination of reclaimed zinc alum, corrugated iron, cedar weatherboards, and hardwood fence palings, whereas the interior walls are lined with richly colored plywood sheeting and flooring sample boards. The structure is 100% waterproof and is insulated with a combination of earth wool, polyester batts, and pink patts in the walls. A reflective foil lined air-cell insulates the ceiling.

Inside, a fold up single bed with a bright, multicolored spread entices users up the Tiny’s pallet wood deck and stairs and through a set of restored red cedar double glass doors. The Tiny is also equipped with space-saving furniture like the foldaway desk and flip up/flip down shelving made from Tasmanian oak cupboard doors, as well as multifunctional amenities like the Bower’s signature wooden storage crates that double as seating. Its LED lighting system and 240v power point are powered by solar energy.

Related: Man Transforms School Bus into a Groovy Mobile Cabin Made from Leftover Forest Cuttings

“The project is an experimental build,” writes Galletly. “The idea is to have a go at building with recycled materials. To see just how much salvaged stuff we can use, what’s commonly available, and what little quirks come up due to using secondhand stuff. We are also doing it to gauge people’s reactions to the tiny house concept.” The Tiny is currently available for purchase, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards funding Galletly’s startup business of building tiny houses with recycled materials.

+ The Upcyclist

+ Bower Reuse and Repair Center

Images via James Galletly, © Alicia Fox Photography