Boeing DIY inventor shows new ultra-cheap houses to nomad shepherd
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- Опубликовано: 18 фев 2023
- Two of the people we keep meeting who have spent years innovating designs for nomadic ultra-light living are Boeing retiree (and legendary DIY maker) Paul Elkins and "guerrilla grazer" Aaron Fletcher. Recently, the two met for the first time to swap ideas. We put together a video timeline.
Around this same time, we visited Paul at his new workshop on Camano Island (north of Seattle on the Puget Sound), where he showed us his tiniest livable camper (05:15). It’s only about 4-feet long (he sleeps curled up) that includes LED lighting, lots of storage, a one-gallon-bucket skylight and a propane burner for a stove. The tiny mobile home costs about $150 to build, mostly from trash; “Including the $20 bicycle for wheels, 1x2" wood for the frame, screws, tape, zip ties, insulation, paint, and hardware, the total cost came to roughly $150".
At his new island home, Paul gave us a tour through his collection of ultra-cheap shelters, vehicles, and survival ideas, from his corrugated-plastic dwellings to his foldable-plastic boats (made for about $24) to his new mini Conestoga Wagon to his DIY prepping tools like his recycled-bottle bidets, bucket toilet and the tiniest rocket stove (2-inch-square).
Paul’s sketchbooks on human-powered vehicles: elkinsdiy.com/product/sketch-...
To buy Paul’s plans: elkinsdiy.com/product-categor...
Paul Elkins' videos: / @paulwelkinsdiy
Aaron Fletcher's: / @123homefree
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/guer... 
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I know I've said this before. Kirsten Dirksen has the best content on the internet. Not just RUclips - the internet. Relevant. Interesting. Natural. Wholesome. Passionate. Inquisitive. Meeting the most interesting people in the world. I am thoroughly enamored with every video.
She's about the only one I can watch all the way through and learn every minute. She's a jewel .
Same here . I am totally taken by her. She is a true champion out there. Her videos are captivating and so educational I cannot get enough of them . Being homeless ,I am now in the realm of making my own true shelter or home based on the. many many things I have learned from her . I hope there is a way I can give back as much as she has given me. much love and respect .... Sean B.
I totally agree I also think that there is so much to learn from your wonderful videos
Me too. 🇨🇦 here. Happy trails, all. 🙏🏼🐾🎶. Huge appreciation, respect. Miles of smiles.
😅 that was one awesome video. I watched it front to end and enjoyed every second. Mind you, that’s how my brain works. Two years ago I made 10 rocket stoves out of discarded lpg gas bottles and two rocket stove ovens. I sent these to Vanuatu. I think they may need lotsa shelters and housing, basic gardening tools and building tools too after the last 2 cyclones, just putting it out there that I have contacts in Port Vila and southern islands.
Brian in NZ
This is the kind of neighbor, we all need. This dude is amazing.
Be careful what you wish for.. the ones who are all changing definitions and setting the policies want everyone to live like this. 15 minute city life. Its like living the luxury prison life. As long as we have cameras and AI, the prison bars will remain invisible.
Not just the neighbor we need, the type of person we can all be. :)
He's a Sigma male.
I could watch this guy for days. He's doing what I would do if I were a retired airplane engineer. He even uses simple mind-logic instead of complicated mathematical or geometric absolutes. He figures it out with basic weight distribution, trial and error and thinks like a kid would, he plays. Love this guy.
You are salt of the earth
It's a kind of brilliance!
I totally agree. As an engineer myself I am always dabbling in creating alternate designs. My shop is a literal trial and error lab.
It gladdens my heart and gives me hope for humanity to hear a statement such as this from a woman. Love the way you think Ingrid.
He reminds me of David Byrne from the Talking Heads. Creative innovators!
About a year ago, I was talking with a homeless man I met outside of our local Nectar juice. He had a dog with him and it had been a windy day. I asked him if he considered living in a van but he told me he didn't have a driver's license. I walked away from the conversation feeling a bit defeated. I gave him some money but I wished there was a way to improve his situation long-term. Not long after that I saw a homeless guy on a bike with one of those baby trailers attached. I wondered if something a bit bigger could be built for an adult (and a pet). I recently saw Aaron Fletcher's channel but this is my first time seeing Paul's content. Paul's micro shelters are exactly what I was thinking but didn't know how to put in words. They are lightweight, eco-friendly and cost effective. I'm really excited about what he's doing! Makes sense that he retired from Boeing. Both men are extremely creative. Thank you Kirsten always showing great content!
You think it hadn't occurred to him to live in a van? Let them eat cake much?
Guys like this inspire me to pick up carpentry. Always respect those who can create things with their hands
I have been dreaming of this for years. And he is doing it! Bravo! I want to contribute
@@soulspaces same my friend, same. I like your vids btw!
If you want carpentry inspiration, the two best channels I have found are “Essential Craftsman” and “Perkins Brothers”.
@@newworldbro thank you friend 🥰
I've often thought of teaching my skills to those of a like mind, who didn't have the familial link.
I have to say... remedies for the homeless... I love that. I truly love that. I've been homeless, my sons have been homeless... homelessness is a reality for so many. It is an unavoidable subject. Thank you for covering this and thank you to the people who care!!!
It's also not a problem that is one dimensional. There is no one set of solutions and in most cases there is no solution. Homelessness more times than not isn't normal people who just hit bad times. There are many addicts and mentally ill people that are homeless because they cannot function. The vast majority of homeless people today are dope and meth addicts. The plague-like increase in homelessness we see today is largely due to the opiate epidemic. As a recovering addict myself and as someone who's been thru the mental health system I am sympathetic towards people with addictions and mental illness, however it is a fact you really cannot help many of these people's situations. When the rubber meets the road those people need to take responsibility and take their meds or stop using drugs. You're throwing money into a paper shredder if you think money will help these people. Some people will always find a way to ruin their lives, waste help that is offered them and remain homeless, that's just how it is.
I love these little campers. But as someone who’s been homeless throughout life, it feels very dystopian every time someone recommends an even tinier box to live in rather than consider actual solutions.
Great comment 🌸
After WW II, when energy was scarce, there was a car developed in Germany called Isetta, that had a tear-shaped Design like some his models.
@@notcosteffective9920 There’s no recommendation, nor the word homeless in the title. This is not a “here’s what you do” video but a positive peek at a very complex issue. We don’t think we’ll contribute much to the conversation by doing what the rest are doing.
This guy is amazing! His ideas are absolutely wonderful and he is not out to make money he wants to make lives easier. Thank you for sharing. I'm glad to see such human beings exist.
This man needs his own museum and team! His creations are amazing 🎉❤
This guy is the most practical and unconstrained thinker! Brilliant!
That is why he worked for Boeing
Nothing better than Kirsten Dirksen, Aaron, and Paul .. for a good way to start the day!!! Great video!!! Good conversation!!
After seeing Mr. Elkins use bamboo and hearing the problems he described, I thought of an alternative called Wild Honeysuckle which is an invasive plant in many mid western states. The long branches would be ideal because they are pliable when cut, contain no thorns, have thin bark and are quite sturdy after drying out.
Oh, my! I didn't know that plant had any use except to make people tear their hair and rend their garments in extreme frustration! Now, to find you can actually do something practical with it. Huzzah!!
@@damogranheart5521 One important principle in permaculture. The problem is the solution. Also: There is no waste (or weeds). Waste equals resources (or in that example an "invasive plant" is an abundantly growing no-fuss resource in form of a plant.
there's a way to prepare and cure bamboo, it's a non-problem with the right knowledge!
Japanese used to make everything out of bamboo, it was the plastic of Asia until the forests were burned down in WW2.
Takes 10yrs to make a bamboo forest that can provide building materials for a nation.
U can make everything u want out of bamboo. From houses, plumbing, flooring, plates, spoons and forks.
Willow. Done
I love the way this guy thinks. We need more people like this in the world.
Oh Lord 🙏, I'm a former homeless man living in NYC ! but now I miss the streets 😞 and getting my act together in an apartment and getting SSI but still enjoying life, this is a game changer for me. Thank you ❤️.
I'm homeless or houseless an this is brilliant. Why aren't the ultra rich donating to such things... Brilliant sir just brilliant ppl in this world... DO we really need a government to "guide us"!! I question the need if we humans just walk in love an kindness daily. It's free to be loving an kind daily
I agree! I think if Mackenzie Bezos, Mr. Beast, or some other philanthropist could get a commercial license from Paul to build these in bulk, and donate them to those who need it, it could be helpful to a lot of people who need a place to shelter.
First I LOVE her reporting and docu-type story-telling! If he has not, Paul Elkins should have won some sort of humanitarian award! Let's make it happen RUclips! ❤❤
YES! I've watched Paul for years, and started watching Aaron because of Paul as well. Both with great ideas.
RUclips's algorithm is now favoring longer form content with voiceover, and I see you have adapted somewhat. I love the change. As a communications major, you are an inspiration for me. Not to mention all the people you spotlight, they're inspiring as well.
Love this. I was homeless and living in canvas and sticks shelters called benders in UK. In the 90s. I would have loved this.
How does that hold up in wet weather?
@@jamescovan8853 very weather proof as you can lay a groundsheet and even have a wood burner inside.
@@sarahburton3110 okay, cuz i had heard that canvas can be very leaky if you disturb it while it is wet.
IKEA makes/donated sheds to a homeless place near me. They work great for persons who can't yet be close to other people. We need this sort of dwellings. Thank you for continuing to build things.
Ingvar Kamprad had relations to the Nazi Party in Germany. Don't be fooled just because they're do-gooders.
What city or town?
In reality sheltering the homeless costs pennies when any decently sized manufacturer mass produces trailers with basic ammenities.
But the government hates our people and loves their siffering and death.
Kirsten's Channel, and her affiliated Channels produced by like minded creators, is mind expanding!
Thank you Kirsten, Your Family, and Your Friends!
This man is a genius. For people like me, who at 15 years old put 25 lead acid batteries and a 2000w motor to a bicycle, this is pure inspiration. As a kid, my answer to "what do you want to be when you grow up" was "an inventor". People like him or Colin Furze make me realize it's something doable.
Thanks for bringing always high quality content, Kirsten.
This video came up Vid suggestion feed. Glad I watched in a world full of turmoil and heartache this guy is awesome will subscribe . Governments, banks and landlords dont do very little or even care for the homeless this gentlemen is a jewel of a human being.. More needed like him on planet earth.Thank you Miss Dirksen .
My world isn't full of turmoil and heart ache. At least no more than normal.aybe you need to change what you consume
OMG! This fellow is not only a creative genius who knows how to think outside of the box, but, most importantly, still possesses a free flowing zest for embracing everyday life that a lot of us once had as kids. While watching this video, I had a feeling that every problem in the world would either melt away or suddenly seem solvable if only more people could be thinking like this gentleman. I sure wish I could have even 10% of his can do, happy spirit.
That's it, now Im motivated to nominate Fair Companies as a recipient for an Emmy award..I'll research how to go about this and later add the nomination procedure to this comment. This feature is such a gem🎈
A good mixture of creativity , sence of humor and service to a comunity . Liked very much many of his works . Thanks for sharing Kirsten !
Beautiful!!! I've been so upset by the endless tents in Abbotsford Canada. We are about to get snow. I feel so bad for our people. This is a cheap and ingenious idea. I live on the other side of Mt Baker!! What an inspirational sight she is! Thank you!
this just hit my recs 4/26/23. i find him " fascinating".
We are currently working on the idea of a residential electric car. There will be a full bed and good insulation and ventilation. By joining the community, you will be able to have access to special parking lots where you can take a shower, wash clothes and cook food.
In fact, this is a great solution for digital nomads.
Nearly lost my wits 🤯when CATAMARAN came out, right after i was wondering what was that human-length thing about.
This man is truly magical inventor!
Huge respect!❤🔥
oh wow, the 3 sheet version of the Thermasheath would work great on my truck bed for camping. Ive been looking for something that would fold up easily and then deploy when I get to the campsite and hold back the heat of day and contain the warmth at night. Great idea.
THIS MESSAGE IS FOR PAUL: if your don't do something with that foot-golf idea you are nuts. That is SOLID GOLD. Everyone will be playing it within 5 years and you will be designing all of their equipment and sponsoring every event. Do it!
I disagree
I cannot believe it, I've wanted these two to build the ultimate wagon for years now. I'm so glad they've met!
I really admire his compassion for others. He's always thinking of how everyone can live, easily minimally & happily. What a genius mind. He really is one of the most humble, savant inventors of our time. Kirsten, you are pretty rad yourself. I've always said your channel is one of the best hidden gems of YT. I hope to run into you one day while out nomad gypsyin' about. ❤️
Some amazing designs, but I really like the backpack, it's just so clean in it's design.
Paul is a character, I have been subscribed to his channel since he first started it. His "reverse engineering" video is my all time favorite video. its gone through some edits over the years as have most of his videos due to RUclips TOS but its still hilarious and never fails to bring a smile to my face. wish him nothing but the best, he has brought some great ideas to the world and watching the evolution of his designs has greatly enhanced my imagination and inspired an entire genre of tinkerers...
The teardrop vehicle reminds me of the Aptera, which you covered in your channel a year or so ago- They are gearing up for mass-market production and I wonder if it would be worth it to cover it the way you have Aaron and Paul. Would be cool to see more people exposed to efficient design based on first principles!
I agree. They are in need of more advertising for their crowd funding campaign. Kirsten and crew would help out immensely.
My thoughts too, though why he doesn't go electric, maybe cost? Sure he could find something cheap.
Paul Elkins is brilliant! Thanks for the insight, and thank you Kirsten for bringing him to my attention!
If I had the money I'd for sure help fund and design a new Aaron Fletcher-style nomad home!
It needs to be a powered thing. The new LiFeP04 batteries are much lighter than lead acid. In a sunny climate it could be solar powered if an inexpensive lightweight type of efficient solar panel could be designed. Lightweight flex panels don`t last long. Folding panels may last a few years but are heavy. For cooking you can just get a 500w solar power station and a 100w portable folding solar panel plus a 350w Dash mini griddle. For a fan and light get a 3 speed USB fan, Onite light bulb, and two 20,000 mAh power banks. The folding panels often have three USB ports....two for charging power banks and one for direct fan power during the day, and a power station can be left connected to the 12v charging port.
This is one of the few types of Washingtonians, if not specifically a Puget Sounder, that makes me love and appreciate the place. He's the one redeeming quality of this place
I was just talking about this guy. His video made an impact on me years ago. A very very positive one and I changed my whole way of living.
Paul has so many ideas! Can he invent/build the ideal nomad wagon for Aaron?
You can't help but love that Paul Elkins he's a cool dude.
My eyes were glued to this video.
Thank you for sharing this piece of inspiration.
This is amazing! My grandfather built a couple of houses next door to my grandmas and I used to make shelters like these out of the scrap left overs. I was a child and I loved to sleep outside. I used to sleep in these in The back yard reading comic books at night lol 😂 well done! I still love sleeping outside. And I am being charged too much for rent today. I wish I could build one to live in. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Simple is genius! Paul’s designs have inspired me for years! I just completed a 5’ wideX12’ longX 8 ft ceiling tiny house. It’s on 4x6 skids and can be put onto a 5.5 x12 foot trailer. It always comes down to space vs weight. Paul is a master at it! I love the computer table. I have a version for a tablet! Asking the question “what if” can create a lot of ideas!
The tilting door on the insulation shelter is so elegant, a great piece of simple engineering.
The best toilet bucket should be a square, easier to put away. The removable wooden seat is best to cover with birch tar. It's nontoxic, mold resistant, and a natural antiseptic. Happy travels and Thank You for your wonderful, very interesting work. Cheers!
- Can you sit on this thing ?
- yeah
- ok, that's tough.
Love all of his different projects !
Thank you for highlighting these two amazing men and getting them together Paul is very prolific that's for sure
I am equally impressed by Paul Elkins's genius and humanity. What an interesting, inspiring individual!
This guy has a mind like my husband....however he has provided the visual ....results...He is a genius.....my husband is now inspired...too create his own designs....I am forever grateful🌹❤️
He's my favorite Inventor Guy! So mellow and smart! Thanks for sharing him.
32:12 I legitimately think this could become a new sport. A major reason people never even try golf is because of the high cost of entry for all the equipment. If you could go play a version of golf where all you need is a $20 adapter for your shoe, that could be huge. Looks like fun.
My county doesn't allow shelters they will cut them up. Something people can drag off when they get harassed by police are good, but more often then not they will just take the person and leave the stuff behind. If everything you have can fit into a small bag they might be able to put it in your property. That being said if we had a legal structure to register and protect these, they might become a good option. They are more difficult to cut up or dispose of than a small improvised shelter.
This man is really a💯% genius and try to help the homeless people with his wonderful creations 😀 a big 👍🏻up
Thank you so much for connecting these two!!!!!
I've read somewhere else that as far as duck/ duct tape, that Gorilla brand is the most waterproof.
Amazing man.. and thank you Kirsten and your family. 🙏💕
Very clever man, inventor and humanitarian.
Hola, I mean Hi. This man is an example of what humanity needs. I hope I can send him my most sincere congratulations.
The sleeping curled up thing ismt really great long term. Your knees and back eventually start to hurt and you wish you could just stretch out more. Maybe consider extendable foot areas. Ive been homeless a couple times in very hot and cold areas. I really like the idea of having i individual smal sleepers. Shelters are terrible usually.
My sentiments on just about everything, particularly the size of modern vehicle's . If we all drove small cars there would be more to go around . Good show.
That man is the world's coolest uncle!
He is totally awesome!
What's a better use of thins but to have a shop and bold what ever you want and help the needy.
Killing it at retirement.
I love everything about this video. As a nomad and a maker, it was just my cup of tea.
So refreshing to see Paul allows homeless people to have the plans needed to build these tiny homes for free! Some companies want to selfishly charge folks for simple DIY foldable "paper airplane" tent plans like these, but what Paul is doing sets him apart.
If you are interested in the insulation panel tents, look up “Hexayurt” design by Vinay Gupta, and yes, they are free.
This is one of your best videos ever. This guy needs to be making millions on these inventions.
Paul Elkins is a great designer. I really like his stuff.
I made my house kinda of similar.. I used hog panels, insulation, plastic sheeting, and tarps.. added a wood stove, windowed front door.
Where? Is it a permanent dwelling?
@@2degucitas Oklahoma.. I just put up a video about it today.... The Checotah carver. .
@@2degucitas I have been living in it over a year now.
@@bryantcolby4038 Sounds great! Is it legal to build like that without a permit?
@@2degucitas you will have to check where you live.
This guy is the best! I love all of his inventions. He is a genius! He is having fun while creating stuff. Love love love him and his inventions! 💚
i own and operate a foreign car repair shop in Virginia and really love the old 356 porsches and have love for old VW buses. I always say a VW bus is as aerodynamic as a box of kleenex! ~ this was fabulous to watch and i miss my ole exacto knife and paper and tape...I might need to sit down and do some cardboard work today! TY again for amazing content! TY
Simply AMAZING! I am very happy that Paul and Aaron could meet up = two great minds, who enjoy simple solutions to life's complexities. I appreciate the fact that you have taken an interest in the plight of the homeless! It 'should' concern us all! WELL DONE! Thanks 4 sharing your adventures with us! Health and God Bless! :)
im glad for simple . why do we have to over complex and or over engineer everything?
Drastic times call for drastic measures 💪🏽
Great to see these two meet up. Two great minds. I want to be like Aaron someday.
You turned me on to paul elkins long time ago. This was a great video. Too great youtube we're getting together. Kirsten and Paul.
New Zealand, As a retired engineer this was awesome I would really enjoy spending a few days with him
Sounds like a simple business plan to keep him, and his followers brainstorming and staying out of your wife's hair.
1. First day, build a shelter to stay in while you're at the Home.A.Con
2. Second day, build a giveaway home using the best model made on the first day. This you donate to the homeless community of the week.
3. Day 3, "Show and Tell." What have you created on your own that's your baby? (No real baby's please.)
4......
What an amazing mind Paul has, an inspiration to any budding inventor 😊😊
I have told so many people about this guy! ❤ What he is doing is a great alternative way of life. I would love to have a permaculture farm but I not interested in having livestock so something like this would be fantastic! Best of both worlds. This would be a hard life where I live though. 🇨🇦 Rockies.
Amazing source material, so glad it's all available on the internet for everyone that has some link to the internet to find.
Greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.
Whoa! Roadster in the front, lightcyle in the back! 👍🏾
This guy is amazing! There should be a Nobel prize for people like him!
This is the third video( I'm pretty sure, at least!) that you've done with Paul Elkins now. And I must admit I loved every single one of them! What's something your channel and his channel have in common? I've literally watched every single upload from both of you lol! Absolutely ❤ love the content and look forward to many more great videos!
I always wish they were longer when it's Paul, he never fails to show you how something works. The guy is absolutely brilliant and I love his style of making things work easily but complex at the same time.
Aaron Fletcher, you have the best DESIGN. THANK you from my family. Love your design. I will make it about the same but stand up. It has to be light, floatable, yet durable for 2 people and portable by bike.
Paul Elkins is a genius
We need more people that will welcome other humans to share space like this on their properties and the power of beings 'allow friendships' to continue to be made. Like the olden days. lol
Wow!! Thank you so much for yet another amazing video! I've watched and enjoyed your videos for many years and been truly inspired countless times.. Thanks so much for this update :D This may be my fave video of yours ever, but then I often think that.. Thank you so much for giving creatives a platform and thanks for doing such a great job documenting and sharing this content! I've learned a lot from your channel and really appreciate your hard work
one of a kind guy. homeless don't need to die. în winter
Wow! This guy has creative energy to the max. A true celebration of universal intelligence.
What a brilliant and creative mind!!!! Love it.
Inspiring as usual! Thank you for documenting and sharing!
"You can sit on it" - Paul Elkins 😂
I love this guy!❤
I sleep curled on my side as well BUT I reflexively stretch during the night. I learned this when sleeping in a short bed and was awakened every time my body did the reflexive stretch.
Love it. Thank you for this story it was wonderful. Makes me hopeful that I'll retire to become a garage fiddler making things playing with ideas from necessity.
A Tinker was the old word for you:-)
John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrims Progress, was a Tinker.
Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem about him and his other great book: Holy War
Brilliant, and heartwarming.👍
Love this! Elkins and Fletcher are brilliant! I've wanted a teepee for camping, the fold up shelters could, with a few alterations, be a great shelter that could be folded up and put on my SUV roof rack. Thanks so much Ms. Dirksen for sharing this!
Paul Elkins is amazing. As you can tell, some engineer inventors interests are wide ranging, sometimes quirky, but always creative. I have known a few and they were very much like Paul. The seem to be able to capture in their minds a 3D image of what they want to make and how it would work. These thought problems, are very similar to some of Einstein's work. These maker's are not afraid of trying to make something different. They able to make creative fixes as they go along to get the output near their original imaginings. These people are thought artists.
Wow!
Thanks for finding Paul and sharing him with us.
this guy is a creater for sure!
WELL DONE
FOR YEARS YOU'VE ENLIGHTENED
YOUR WORK WELL DONE
INFORMATIVE AND CREATIVE
FILMING WHILE HAVING FUN
BOATS, TRUCKS, BIKES AND HOUSES
A TABLE OF ALL THINGS
MICRO AND GIANT PROJECTS
FROM GYPIES TO KINGS
ALWAYS EASY TO WATCH
ALWAYS ANXIOUS TO SEE
ALWAYS READY TO CLICK
SUBJECTS ON LAND, AIR AND SEA
OMGosh!!! 😊He was tickled pink when his friends came sputtering past 😅🤪😜 they’re super cool 😎👍🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I love this guy, he's so plucky and interesting, so full of ideas.
Three of my favorites! (you three)