The Cool Down
Off-gridder shares video tour after transforming old bus into rustic cabin on w…
A retired Texas daycare's bus was gutted and rebuilt into an off-grid cabin on wheels.
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From School Bus to Sustainable Sanctuary: A Musician's Off-Grid Home on Wheels
A unique vision of sustainable living has taken to the road, as a musician and storyteller, known as livefromthebus, unveiled his meticulously crafted off-grid home: a converted 2002 International flat-nose bus. The innovative dwelling, dubbed a "cabin on wheels," features a host of custom elements designed for both comfort and self-sufficiency. The conversion boasts a raised roof, providing ample headroom, and an interior adorned with natural wood. Among its most striking features is a salvaged door dating back to 1863, originally from a cabin in Colorado's San Luis Valley, which now serves as the entrance to the bus's advanced electrical system. This system includes a lithium battery bank, inverters, and solar wiring, ensuring reliable power for an off-grid lifestyle. Inside, the bus offers a versatile living space. A dinette area transforms into a bed and also functions as a music recording studio, complete with a microphone setup. For heating, a compact wood stove is installed, complemented by a live-edge countertop concealing a propane water heater and water pump. The bathroom features a shower and a composting toilet, ingeniously integrated into a repurposed 50-gallon solvent barrel, with its original lock ring now serving as a window trim. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner cooktop, an oven range, and granite countertops, designed for efficient use of space. A washer/dryer unit and a fridge/freezer are also incorporated, demonstrating the bus's comprehensive amenities. The rear of the bus houses a Murphy bed, which folds into the wall to maximize space, and an air conditioning unit with a heat pump. The creator also expressed plans to further develop this area into an additional music studio space.
