Brooklyn crafted, impermanent house gets wiser with owner

Tim Seggerman bought his Brooklyn home (Crown Heights) at an auction in 1987 for $140,000 (his down payment of $14,000 was his entire savings). It had been abandoned for 20 years and had holes in the roof, but Seggerman was trained as a builder and carpenter so he began working on it himself.
Over the past couple of decades, the home has grown with Seggerman's changing needs: a lofted bed became an indoor cabin for kids and when the nieces and nephews had grown, it became a lofted bed again; the bedroom was once divided to provide workspace for his ex-wife, but after the divorce, the wall came down; and a once-open corner office became a shuttered workspace and is now- in preparation for Seggerman's retirement- is morphing into an open movie library.
Seggerman is both architect and builder, as well as a master carpenter, and he's crafted all of the home's furniture, mostly out of scrap materials and local woods.
He believes in taking his time to build and that a home is never finished. It's an idea embraced by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi: everything is impermanent, unfinished, and imperfect. In Seggerman's home cables and pipes are uncovered and molding has been removed to leave the caulk line visible.
- Website: timseggerman.com/timseggerman/...
- Facebook: / tim.seggerman
More info in the original story on *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

[@kirstendirksen]

Downstairs is his workshop, but I didn't have time to even walk down the stairs that day. I definitely want to return and create another story with Tim.

[@Bamshi101]

I think this is one of the most genuine and personal homes I've seen on this channel, very lovely and as he said "collaged"

[@vout2970]

Collage* from the french verb "coller" meaning to assemble things together.

[@Bluessongstress1963]

I so agree!💜🙏

[@Bluessongstress1963]

To hear his spirit and see his vision which came to such life... what a beautiful thing. I wish I could see it t in person, but so grateful for this video/story.🙏💜🤗

[@donaldraya]

I felt very comfortable when he said " unfinished is fun"

[@trudydiane]

this is the coolest guy ever. He gets it.

[@MrBeaux]

I've been subscribed to Kirsten's channel for a long time, and this remains one of my favorite houses she's filmed. You can tell that this guy put a lot into this house, and it really looks lived in, not like some of the houses that look like showrooms rather than somewhere someone actually lives.

[@janlfcfan]

This home is every book lover's dream :)

[@dinamustafa3473]

My sentiment exactly

[@lilspiderlily]

the cat is another attraction too. such a sweet kitty =3

[@racoonsister]

I appreciate his passion and love for wood

[@aslfdjalskjflkajs134]

Beautiful! And the cats seem so happy because they can go EVERYWHERE with the way the house flows and doesn't have a lot of doors & barriers!

[@snipergirl21]

Now THIS is a man I would love to share a beer with, just to hear his stories about how he built his home.

[@KerrieRedgate]

I agree with him about trees and plant life being possibly the highest form of life - they have evolved way beyond us. We would die without them. But they have been here a lot longer than we have! Great house. I love all the wood and his use of offcuts etc. Nothing is wasted. I also love his Alvar Aalto No. 31 chairs (originally designed in 1931, and the first time laminated wood had been cantilevered in a chair) - they fit the house design perfectly.

[@Sluchowiska]

What I love about this guy that he's well-read, plenty books and a Kafka's picture on the wall, perfect.

[@MLSoll]

Books make a house so much more homely. I love this

[@SparklingGems]

Wow, what an artist! I love his home - it is so beautiful...and those cats are insanely adorable. Words of wisdom too...he reminds me of an old sage. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@margeryharper7837]

There are so many workings and designs in your house that it is mind boggling. At first sight it appears on the screen to be unfocused, but that is because we have all been led down the lane of modern design sculpture. Your home is truly a masterpiece of your painstaking history and living momentum with it. Thank you so much.

[@StateStreetThatGreat]

A Carpenter 'and' a Philosopher!!!! Thanks for the Inspiration!!!!

[@clicgear100]

I could watch another hour of this easy.

[@debra-vs]

I love "It isn't fun if it's finished"! This would be more the reality of my dream house than any of the perfect houses I've seen so far: movies and books, at least two comfy couches, books and movies, a work area with a U-shaped desk, movies and books, an efficient kitchen with a descent pantry, books and movies, a descent-sized bedroom and closet, movies and books, a small outdoor area with ample sitting and a table, books and movies, a small, but expandable eating area, movies and books, and an efficient bathroom with a linen closet/storage, books... and magazines.

[@ravent3016]

Plus kitties!

[@onefeather2]

Wow, good for him, it is great to be able to do something like this and save the older buildings. Love the cat, they are great to have.

[@conflictofinterests]

What an interesting + inspiring guy. I love his approach!

[@TalkTasteTeach]

This is a man after my own heart. I do also love wood, the past and working with things that is around us. We have a saying in my classroom that, "you do more when you're poor." That means more creativity comes out of you when you do not have access to first rate materials. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@Strylover]

This is an amazing space. It looks very livable, very functional and very comfortable.. And yet it is nice on the eyes. The fact that it is a "collage" is a big plus. And you can see the creative hand everywhere in the space. And all those books and videos......wow. I could easily plop down in that space.

[@BonziBuddys]

I love how he has a picture of his old pickup truck above the kitchen. He must of felt close to that truck considering it probably helped him build that whole house.

[@lynguini]

HANDS DOWN BEST HOUSE ON THIS CHANNEL. the story + creative design/use of everything is just perfect and superb.

[@gourleygirldebbie]

great story, he and the house are a work of art... thanks for sharing!

[@lauraj.5426]

I really admire this guy's creativity. Really amazing.

[@Art_Travel_and_Hobbys]

Awesome house, love the double couch...

[@mariannelottes7922]

a dream home . so much character .

[@shoryajain05]

The telephone with a round dialer... My parents possessed one when I was a kid... Now it's a part of my nostalgia....

[@donbagley2322]

Books, books and more books. I love it. Also, bring on the movies and opium! Best retirement ever.

[@jonathanspengler8913]

What a cool fuckin guy...

[@LadyPenelope]

What an amazing man, amazing house, amazing story...thank you for sharing your life with us.

[@shelleynobleart]

I love this fellow! Half a dozen things in this inspire me deeply. Great interview, Kirstin. I would indeed love to know more about his view on trees and historical layers.

[@henrietta9206]

IN LOVE WITH this place....gawking at the storage !!!!

[@KitaraHena]

beautiful house, beautiful thinking

[@MTMF.london]

What a brave, resourceful and visionary guy. He is great at DIY too - he's my hero.

[@kirstendirksen]

THe bottom floor is his workshop. I just didn't have time to go downstairs and film there, but I'd like to.

[@Bluessongstress1963]

I’m so impressed with Mr. Seggerman’s philosophy, much of which I share as well. I think ‘imperfections’ are what is lacking in much of todays’ cookie cutter dwellings, and architecture. All the wood he’s given new life, actually imparts life. I love everything about his awesome home. 🤗🙏💜

[@marytekowski9036]

I really love all the wood My father saved old wood and made new chairs tables so he could be remembered YOUR mind must always see new things to change in your home!!!! FANTASTIC!!!!!

[@sidewalks7931]

This is the first video I watched from Kirsten years ago, I was just an Architecture student before, and I fell in love with the channel ever since. Just rewatched it. It's really nice.

[@susand484]

What a wonderful way to live. Just occurred to me, I remember the other day blurting out "my house will never be finished!". So nice to hear somebody else say that. I'll watch again and see how much I can pick up. He made his own nest with his own hands. how wonderful.

[@hamskw]

amazing work. beautiful house!

[@evah787]

"He didn't have much money but he made much with what he had"..... love it, it is very light and lots of creativity! 😊 (from Australia)

[@MyDiamondLife]

totally inspiring in every way, he is a wise man

[@kikodagreat656]

That Cardboard & Paper Lamp idea is BRILLANT!!!!! I will try to duplicate (Vid Liked)

[@MariaChelidoni]

One of the most inspiring home-videos I have seen so far. I keep coming back to it from time to time, when I need some motivation. Thanx!

[@MsCissyBlue]

At 2:10 - the ceiling fixture for the light - sweet!

[@kellyszymanowski5715]

i love this mans love of trees.

[@jinora123]

I love it! He is genius

[@traceydelfs2657]

What a wonderful home. I love that they have one-off towels just thrown on a shelf in the bath. Glad i'm not the only one that doesn't like matching towels and doesn't give a crap if they're folded perfect.

[@brandonburrell8517]

All of those books. . .

[@MrKiwispirit]

looks so homely

[@MariaChelidoni]

Every time I see this video, I like this home just as much!...

[@ruralangwin]

What a cool dude. My new favorite quote "Trees are the highest order of life."

[@translanguager]

my favourite home in your channel Kristen. I cant belive I hadnt seen it til today! thank you!

[@campy4896]

Beautiful home, and I enjoyed his insight very much. Thanks for this!

[@SargonBighorn]

Wonderful video, man, living space, attitude. Wonderful all around.

[@jeanettenaumiec7784]

Such a beautiful livable home ! Stylish , open and comfortable . I love how well designed and stocked the home is made. A great home for folks who endeavor to fuel their curious souls. Wonderful ! Thank you

[@Kiwiwanderer]

I just love the vibe , the Space, the style. It feels like a building that breaths and would calm any owner or visitor.

[@petroniaskho]

I love this man's approach to his craft and his life. Very inspiring.

[@jklxn]

i wanna hang out with this guy...AND his truckload... i like where his head is at... AND he has a cat like mine... a butterscotch drop cat

[@MrGoldrush13]

Absolutely gorgeous, thank you for sharing your wonderful home with the world.

[@cargogh]

Always good to see others that think like I do and have. In my younger days, I hesitated to have family visit. It was never positive. I was indecisive, couldn't finish a project, and my houses always were unfinished, mis-matched and junky to them. "Why don't you clear this out and buy some new matching furniture?" Some people will never get it, but Mr. Seggerman does, and his living environment is richer because of that gift.

[@evitasdad]

One of my favourites, this was really enjoyable and ineresting to me, thankyou so much!

[@oliviagiles]

the coolest house, and the guy is awesome

[@fleurruth]

so cool, thanks for posting, inspiring

[@noworriesimfijian]

The character of the owner/builder/architect comes out in volumes in the building. One of the best episodes.

[@BTYBgraceperiod]

"..when I get old I wanna get a truck load of opium and just watch movies..."

[@MegaMoose1989]

People think I am crazy when I tell them when I turn 80, I will become a daily opiate user!

[@maddscientist3170]

LOL

[@hipatiadealejandria2452]

Love this kind of restaurations¡¡¡¡ More, more, more.

[@carolynbostic5784]

KD, another excellent video. Each minute brought another reason I'd want to move into that home. I love wood: the bookcases, the double couches (looks like they also had storage too), the "shoji screen" bedroom/closet door, every inch of kitchen storage. I could go on twice as long as your video. Thanks so much for posting & sharing this.

[@israelphoenix]

You always go a step above, love your shows.

[@chevkoch]

More from this man and his house would be great. Thanks for all the fantastic videos by the way.

[@redhoundoom]

this is my favorite video on KZbin, I come back and watch it a lot lol

[@ulichapa]

That's a house I could live in. I love it!

[@kismetau]

I love your videos! I enjoy hearing people talk about their unique homes and how each piece was created/adapted for a particular reason. A home is a living thing and Tim´s history of his home is wonderful. I agree that there is no better material than wood (trees). It sustains, shelters and feeds us. I´m looking forward to more videos :)

[@wyatt5001]

I grew up in a family of makers and wood workers. As i got older, I've lost touch with the art, but this has completely inspired me. Thanks!

[@TexasGal.]

I love this place and interview! I love how it is forever evolving...great backstory too!

[@brief_illusions]

Wow, what a wonderful home. It seems to give a really comforting feel about it. Or maybe that's just me.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

This is the beauty of New York. So many people and stories intertwined.

[@Cristobels-Green-Boots]

Brooklyn House --- this is what a great many DIY-ers/losers THINK they create (hark the voice of painful experience!). You are a wonder, an artist, a true creative -- may you never finish the work you were clearly sent here to do! ❤️

[@loreneknight9755]

Wow we zowie...you are very talented. I truly admire your forward thinking. Using what you have, find, repurpose, create...love it.

[@blsdava1]

I love his use of books as a design element. The prominent use of wood,; personal touches, and collected items from past projects all seem to work very nicely! He’s done a fine job considering the original condition of the place 👌🏽

[@MTMF.london]

I don't think he used books as a design element. I am sure those are his books collection and he built cases to store them -- that it all came together as a cohesive, well-designed space is a side benefit of his vision and creativity.

[@traviskoh999]

"your life changes and u need to move on...." classic

[@eatthebook144]

learned a few things...thanks Kirsten!

[@koekjeerbij1181]

Ohh how wonderful, one of the most beautiful houses I have seen, wish you could go back to see how it is now:)

[@lamaman21]

Nice house and great live style! I wanna get stuff finished in my house, so it's "done". But I know a house is never done, just like life is never done (finished). It's good to see someone who has such a lovely home, and who's contend with it not being 'finished' and keeps working and changing it.

[@akdo89]

Love his style!!!

[@DUFFYSaraxian]

He spoke about his nieces and nephews...boy are they going to have an endless thrill going to visit their uncle in the years ahead- the story-detail-story. We get older and appreciate more.

[@brandonburrell8517]

Awesome house.

[@swicheroo1]

Love the built-ins. Enjoy the unmanicured vibe. A lived in house.

[@mylightofhope]

Very inspiring, thanks for sharing.

[@thomasdale389]

This is possibly my favourite one yet! So beautiful and it is my dream home :)

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I have liked all your videos on houses, but this is one of my favorites, very unpretentious and practical and inspiring.

[@xewrtrigfodkf2669]

It's always a happy day when I find a new video from you :)

[@kevindrane2919]

Nice. I love this. Thanks for sharing. Peace and Blessings

[@peggygenoway]

What a story! It's a beautiful home.

[@maureenk1635]

Very beautiful.

[@TheCreativeautomaton]

this one makes me feel better. I have been working on finishing my round home for 3 years now and it just never feels finished. We are much closer to moving in than ever before but it still feels like years away even though it may only be months. he makes me feel like not so much of a failure for trying to build my house from scratch.

[@tasaman]

Great work! Very resourceful individual.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I agree. It's no fun if it's finished. Love his creative look at life. Except for the truckload of opium, I like this guy and his creative insights. No doors. Me too. Love it all.

[@audreybutts7856]

Well made home, not cookie cutter.I love your style.!!!

[@maxcaljc]

this is house is amazing. I hope to one day push my self to build something similar. what a house!!!!