Bree and Lucas E3, S1 Candid Tiny House Podcast

After years of research and two years of hands-on building, Bree and Lucas completed a remarkable off-grid tiny house on wheels in Bree’s parents’ backyard in Brisbane. Conscientious, resourceful, and fiercely independent, this young couple committed to building a sustainable home — debt-free and by their own hands.

They started by attending our How To Build A Tiny House Weekend Workshop, then purchased one of our 7.8-metre trailers, and got to work. They knew from the outset that staying under 4,500 kg was critical, so they tackled the build with a weight-conscious approach from the ground up.

In their search for ultra-light materials, they chose Paulownia timber for their external cladding — a super low-density wood that looked like a clever way to save weight. But the Paulownia threw them a curveball. Despite being marketed as “waterproof” and used in boatbuilding, it turned out to be highly absorbent and prone to warping — especially when not sealed properly before installation.

Like many owner-builders, Bree and Lucas discovered the difference between theory and practice. After the cladding buckled and had to be stripped and salvaged, they got advice from a professional painter who helped them understand what it truly takes to make Paulownia water-resistant: oil-based primer on every surface, multiple coats, and then installation.

They got back to work, armed with better knowledge and the right materials. The result? Their Paulownia cladding is now a show-stopper — warm, natural, and visually striking. And because it was so light, it allowed them to “splurge” on other features like hardwood floorboards and a tiled shower base — luxuries rarely found in DIY builds that need to stay under 4.5 tonnes.

Their house is full of creative, smart design elements — from pull-out stair drawers in the kitchen cabinetry to a hoistable loft bed and a bump-out bathroom vanity over the trailer’s drawbar. It’s a cosy, character-filled cottage with a pitched roof, leadlight windows, and loads of thoughtful details.

Of course, every DIY build comes with challenges. But Bree and Lucas tackled theirs with patience, creativity, and determination. Their reflections are honest and generous: “It’s not so much that we didn’t know what to do, it’s that we didn’t know what questions to ask.”

This is exactly why sharing stories like theirs matters. Every time an owner-builder shares their journey, we all benefit. We learn a bit more about what works, what doesn’t, and what to ask next time.

Bree and Lucas have achieved something truly special — a home that reflects their values, suits their lifestyle, and shows what’s possible when you empower yourself with knowledge and take the leap into DIY building.

Want to hear their full story? Listen to our podcast interview with Bree and Lucas, below.