Building a Tiny Home Kitchen from Scratch: Lorry Update

Summary

The video tours progress on a custom lorry conversion and two other van projects. Although the builds are still underway, the focus is on making limited space practical for living, storage, and travel.

Lorry conversion

The kitchen is planned beneath the kitchen window. A damaged door area has been blocked off to create a sturdy surface for kitchen cabinets and storage. A service hatch will provide access to the back of the shower for future plumbing inspections and repairs.

The shower is tall and spacious, with a rain shower, black tray and fittings, and a planned turquoise brick-pattern finish. It will also have a window and ventilation.

The living area will include a seat that converts into a bed, with power outlets nearby. The main bed area is planned to have windows, bedside sockets and USB ports, switches, and room for a projector. Slatted ceiling boards will be added later. A Maxxair fan is installed, while the builders consider where the air conditioning unit might fit.

A partition separates the living space from the garage. Its design may change, and a hatch has been added to provide access between the two areas. The garage is being arranged to carry two motorcycles, with compact electrical equipment, reinforced floor mounting points, garage flooring, bright hexagonal lights, and roller doors planned.

In the cab, the lower bunk will be replaced with two belted passenger seats. Clean- and waste-water tanks are planned underneath the vehicle. The builder is also considering an arch or covering around the cab doorway to make the interior feel more like a home. The customer chose Citroën Relay windows rather than plastic windows to reduce concerns about scratching.

A dry toilet is designed to slide into the shower room when needed and tuck away afterward. The high bed leaves room underneath for the toilet, possible diesel heating, and storage. An ottoman-style lift-up bed is also being considered to improve access to under-bed storage.

The air-conditioning setup and roof position are still under discussion. Omitting a sunroof may leave space for additional solar panels.

Other van projects

Tornado: The kitchen is underway, with storage and ventilation at the rear. A standout feature is a RIB bed that folds out to create an extra sleeping space. The kitchen layout depends on the arrival of the seat, and there has been confusion about the seat order and delivery.

Transit: The compact layout includes a Murphy bed that folds back against the wall. Gaps and holes beneath the mattress allow airflow. The planned L-shaped kitchen will include a refrigerator, and the build also features a large electrical system and overhead storage.

Names and products mentioned

• Vehicles and projects: the lorry conversion, Tornado, Transit, and a previously built Crafter
• Products and components: Maxxair fan, RIB folding seat/bed, Victron MultiPlus, Citroën Relay windows, Raptor paint, and a possible diesel heater
• People: the builder/narrator and Lee, who is working on the Transit