Building a home from scratch can be a daunting task, but for Marlena and Eugene, it was an adventure worth every challenge. With a passion for repurposing materials and a commitment to sustainability, they embarked on creating a unique home that reflects their love for nature and simplicity. Marlena and Eugene’s story began in 2016 when they met and quickly discovered a shared dream of living off the grid.
source.image: Tiny Home Tours
Their small but efficient kitchen is a perfect example of their ingenuity. Featuring a large fridge, a deep sink, and a propane stove, this kitchen, though compact, serves their needs perfectly. The Butcher Block countertop, a cherished piece from Marlena’s grandfather’s house in Mississippi, adds a touch of family history to their space. The couple’s resourcefulness is evident in every detail, from the repurposed fence panels used for cabinets to the vintage door knobs salvaged from a trash pile.
The living room was the first space Eugene built entirely by hand, without power tools, as they were fully off-grid at the time. The floor, made from repurposed wood from an old gym, and the wood stove, a gift from a client, highlight their commitment to creating a cozy, self-reliant home. As their solar power system expanded, they were able to install a mini-split air conditioner, a much-needed addition in the Texas heat.
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In their bathroom, the couple installed a dry compost toilet system, reflecting their dedication to water conservation. The bathroom also features a unique shower with a rock floor, adding to the rustic charm of their home. The entire house is powered by a solar system that Eugene meticulously set up, with batteries repurposed from electric vehicles and water filtered through a comprehensive filtration system to ensure purity. One of the standout features of their home is the rooftop deck, offering stunning views of the Texas Hill Country. This space is a testament to their love of nature and their desire to live harmoniously within it.
