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Carpenter builds 17-foot boat trailer into beautiful bow-top wagon home
The woodwork in this wagon-style tiny home is exceptional and it was all built with reclaimed materials. 😲
Jessica Adler
09.26.23

Step into the world of Nick, a passionate carpenter guiding us on a journey to a world where the art of carpentry meets the allure of tiny homes.

The journey begins on Salt Spring Island, where he showcases a bowtop wagon he built a decade ago.

This wagon, which had seen better days, was recently restored and renovated by Nick, who transformed it into a masterpiece of woodwork and design.

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Nick’s love for building began in his childhood, where he spent his days constructing tree forts.

His journey into the world of carpentry was influenced by Victorian-style building, which he was introduced to during his time in heritage restoration in Victoria.

Over the years, Nick honed his skills and eventually ventured into building tiny homes, each reflecting his unique style and craftsmanship.

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The tiny house, built on a 17-foot modified boat trailer, is a marvel of design and functionality.

While its original roof was made of canvas, typical of traditional bowtop wagons, Nick decided to innovate.

He introduced dormers, allowing for windows on the sides, and replaced the canvas with 26-gauge sheet metal.

The interior, crafted primarily from cedar, exudes warmth and coziness.

The floor, made of salvaged oak, adds a touch of rustic charm.

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Stepping inside, one is greeted by a Dutch door that opens up to a well-thought-out living space.

The kitchen, designed as a round island, maximizes space and functionality.

Adjacent to it is a pantry, fridge, and coat closet. A dual-purpose desk, which can be used for sitting or standing, offers a workspace.

The antique potbelly stove from Sears is a primary heat source that adds a vintage touch.

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The back of the tiny home features a fold-out couch, which doubles as storage space.

The wiring is simple, with a 110-volt system connected to a small panel.

The water system, too, is straightforward, with a hose connection on the outside leading to the sink.

Waste management is efficiently handled with a direct pipe system.

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Aesthetically, the exterior of the tiny home is adorned with beveled cedar siding, a remnant from the original build.

The windows, custom-built for this project, blend seamlessly with the design.

The door, made from reclaimed fir, testifies of Nick’s commitment to sustainability and his knack for repurposing materials.

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One of the standout features of this tiny home is its barrel-shaped design.

Traditional bowtop wagons are dark and often lack insulation. However, Nick’s design, with its circular beam structure, ensures strength, light, and insulation.

The arch of the tiny home, despite its lightweight framing, is robust, making it an ideal choice for such a construction.

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This tiny home, which began as a passion project for Nick, soon found an eager buyer.

Nick’s journey from building tree forts to establishing his own tiny home business is nothing short of inspiring.

He emphasizes the importance of owning one’s home, a sentiment that resonates with many in today’s world.

The tiny home movement, according to Nick, offers sustainability, affordability, and a unique living experience.

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In a world where space is a luxury, Nick’s tiny homes offer a blend of functionality, design, and sustainability.

His dedication to craftsmanship and his ability to repurpose materials make each of his creations a testament to the art of building.

As more people seek sustainable and affordable living solutions, Nick’s bowtop wagon shows us that with passion and creativity, even the tiniest spaces can be transformed into cozy, dreamy homes.

Take the full tour of Nick’s beautifully built custom bow-top wagon home below!

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