Man builds world’s smallest tiny home measuring just 19.46 sq ft — but the shower is outside

world's smallest home
Levi wanted to break the Guinness World Record (Picture: Jam Press/Levi Kelly)

Thought your rented flat in the city was tiny? One man has embarked on a quest to build the world’s smallest tiny home, with the result measuring just 19.46 square feet.

Levi Kelly, 27, decided to build the teeny property in a bid to win a Guinness World Record.

Still, he didn’t scrimp on the essentials, as it’s fitted with everything a regular house would have, including a bed, kitchen, hot water, a toilet, shower and even air conditioning.

The definition of a tiny home, as outlined by the International Residential Code, necessitates the space being no bigger than an ergonomic 400 square feet – which Levi has certainly mastered.

But there’s a science behind the design, as Levi has incorporated flexible elements to make the space more breathable, including a folding bed and a moveable toilet.

Building process of Levi Kelly's trailer home. Man builds 'world's smallest tiny home' measuring just 19.46 sq ft with functional hot water, toilet and kitchen
Levi’s tiny home construction measures just 19.46 square feet (Picture: Jam Press/Levi Kelly)

He also keeps the shower outside to save on space, and notes that anyone sleeping in the bed needs to be shorter than 5’10” (sorry, tall folk).

So far, Levi has kept costs relatively low, and has spent around £3846.40 ($5,000) on the project, which he developed out of an old trailer he was using.

‘[I] fixed it up and started with the framing, just like a normal house,’ Levi, who is from West Virginia, tells What’s The Jam.

‘Exterior is cedar cladding and it is insulated. Then I used 2x3in studs to save a little space and weight.’

Levi Kelly gives a tour of his tiny trailer home. Man builds 'world's smallest tiny home' measuring just 19.46 sq ft with functional hot water, toilet and kitchen
The tiny home has all the functions a regular house would (Picture: Jam Press Vid/Levi Kelly)

Upon walking in, many of his friends and family are wowed, as he notes that ‘people seem to be impressed that everything can fit in such a small space.’

‘Is it made to be lived in full-time? Possibly. Would anyone want to? Probably not,’ he adds.

Going forward, Levi hopes to be able to use the home as a retreat for his wife, Savannah, and their two children, aged three and nine months respectively.

However, in order to set it up for a camping trip, there are a few things he would change – including the fold-down bed and ventilation system.

‘The space to get into the bed is pretty tight,’ Levi reflects.

Levi Kelly gives a tour of his tiny trailer home. Man builds 'world's smallest tiny home' measuring just 19.46 sq ft with functional hot water, toilet and kitchen
Levi would change the fold-down bed and ventilation system (Picture: Jam Press Vid/Levi Kelly)

‘I forgot to add ventilation so the hot air gets trapped at the top. I would also make the bench fold out for a larger platform that could be used as a second bed.

‘I would also change the battery situation, adding a larger battery and better solar panels for more off-grid usability.’

Since debuting his tiny home on the internet last week, Levi has gathered 36K views on his YouTube video – and viewers are enamoured.

Levi Kelly gives a tour of his tiny trailer home. Man builds 'world's smallest tiny home' measuring just 19.46 sq ft with functional hot water, toilet and kitchen
Levi spent just $5,000 building the home (Picture: Jam Press Vid/Levi Kelly)

‘It’s got everything, SO cute and well-built,’ @kellygreene2081 noted in the comments, while @itsjustmel1217 challenged Levi to ‘make a step up for the “restroom” area and a tent that covers for privacy.’

‘I love your “all-inclusive” set-up with heater/AC, hot water and a toilet. It’s great to see what’s possible in such a small space,’ @emmaschneider3638 added, as @autanyalucas8708 said his construction was one of their ‘favourite tiny houses.’

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