Kayaker builds Hobbit Van with butterfly windows for vanlife

[@luvnotvideos]

I love the fact this is a work of art as well as a home. It proves tiny living doesn't have to be boxy, but can flow organically to make pleasing, visually interesting spaces. Well done!

[@46619TAB]

The windows in the Hobbitvan are to die for gorgeous and I love the seating area inspired by the water of a rapids. This little place is BRILLIANT!!!

[@amabile013]

Ive tweeted him to ask! Here is his website vanstarter.com/

[@marquamfurniture]

Side window is fantastic! Incredibly ingenious. A work of art and mechanics.

[@2phunter]

I love that butterfly window.... beautiful.

[@mandyhorne4333]

I hope he shares the design for those windows, they are really lovely.

[@kadmow]

lol.. look analyse copy, modify, the basic tenets of reverse engineering.

[@dancolombo6050]

P J Hunter - without that window it could be rather very sad place in earth to live...

[@738polarbear]

It is NOT his design .It is years old.

[@3gmom408]

I think he's a genius to design that window!

[@738polarbear]

He did NOT design it .It was designed years ago by a company called Klemmens Toorgler in Scandinavia.

[@kimpeasester]

IM AW STRUCK BY THAT FANTASTIC WINDOW! ITS GENIUS! A LOT OF HARD WORK HERE AND IT SHOWS! EVERYTHING IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS.

[@a.banks.7682]

This guy is truly a highly creative soul.... Thanks for sharing his story. His home and the views are fantastic. What I wouldn't do for the window desighs. He should market that idea.

[@XJLCA]

Wow, Ben is so talented and brave. A top ranking kayaker, an architect, a video maker and a home builder, where did he find time to learn all these things? That window design is so creative and he executed so well. Amazing!

[@BonnieBlue2A]

An origami window. That is sooooo cool! Beautiful hobbit van.

[@scottstafford7715]

I am an architect who just turned 48 and I can honestly say that this guy has created the coolest window I have ever seen. Everything else is great too. But when he unfolded that origami butterfly window, I could not believe it.

[@tigergreg8]

This was def one of the more interesting videos I've watched on YT. This guy really has it together. His skills and attitude are above par. I can't believe how much room space he created by his design in the back of a small truck. The windows are amazing by themselves. I laughed when I saw how that window opened up, how genius. I truly wish him the best in his dream for the Olympics. His attitude and hard work will more then likely get him there, He really has the Olympic character I like to see.

[@ronhart4166]

Ben Hayward , The window is simply AMAZING !! Great job on the build. Kirsten ,as always thanks for sharing your stories :)

[@Kikinahm]

The butterfly window takes more labor though worth the enjoyment!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Ron Hart that window is insane! I wish we knew how to do stuff like that. We used an old campershell to make our camper because it already had windows in it. We are Overlanding from the states to Panama. We have a vlog as well.

[@r.blakehole932]

+Ron Hart I wonder if that window of his might be patentable? I have never seen anything like it.

[@IARRCSim]

Yeah pretty impressive. If he doesn't make it with athletics, his design skills should be in big demand. Patent laws are pretty backwards. I wouldn't be surprised if a person could patent his window design after seeing it on youtube and sue the designer into paying royalties.

[@cristofacar]

... patenting costs a fortune and your patent is only as strong as the fortune you are prepared to spend in defending it. Also, you can't patent something, or try to enforce a patent, if someone can prove 'prior art'.

[@mrbadx19]

God bless him, he's living his dream.

[@thefloorhasgone]

love the drone footage. helps to tell the story! what a landscape!! 😍

[@kafkaian]

This van seriously needs some insulation in a British/EU winter even if the damp producing heater appears adequate. Love the coffee machine and this kayaker's brilliant attitude.

[@samrichards8251]

Near genius design with the butterfly window. Very original.

[@vukken99]

It is a beautiful way to live life...for sure...engaging the mind and muscles and the nature and still finding that intimate private space that can be called our own...Keep up that good work!

[@feizhou4388]

This vedio is just blow me away by Ben's dream, his attitude and his amazing van. The window design is so unique, and the interior structure is just amazing and creatively, I truly wish him the best in his dream.

[@BusLifeNZ]

As someone who designed, built and lives in a house bus in Middle Earth (New Zealand), I feel I am suitably qualified to tell you, this is Sweet!!!!

[@KaerryKat]

You sound like you have an interesting tale. And I agree, it's sweet!

[@myralawson4543]

Bus Life NZ I would really love to see your bus!

[@TheMinnie419]

I love your little Hobbit Van. It's something that any woman would love to have, even without the toilet facilities. It's cute, it's spacious, it's pretty. You really made a dream a reality. Good for you. Good luck on your travels and God bless.

[@wehavealwaysbeenanointed4929]

Your Van is so amazing! I absolutely love your Van! The 3D window's that become interchangeable as you open them, are the most beautiful design I have ever seen! I wish you could of seen the ear to ear smile, I had while I was watching you build them. My heart felt like it was going to explode with complete happiness. I was so happy for you, to see how content and peaceful you are, in your awesome home. I completely love your life! As I was watching you explain your priorities. Having built your life around your dreams. I know that if everyone lived for their dreams, their lives would be so much happier. No mort gage. Wow just looking at breaking down mortgage. It looks like mort, as in mortar. And gage as in gagged. Like gag me with a spoon full of mortar. Neither of which sounds movable, or life supporting. Thank you Kirsten, for taking us along with your family as you, explore new places, and meet the most amazing people. Your channel, is ultimately the reason why, I see my life going towards the nomadic Tiny home/van/flatbed/truck life. I did the whole rent thing, had a successful business in a tiny space. It was 268ft. And it was more than enough space. That was including the basement space as well. Towards the end, all I could keep thinking is" man I could put in a Murphy bed, and have a small cook top/kitchen space, and boom, apartment worries are all gone." It's now one year later, and all I can think of, is going out west and living in my tiny mobile home, and moving from RV park to campsite so I can plug into the grid to sew. I love making cloths. God bless you for all that you do for us! When I get up and running, I will send you my build, and story! Take care, and please keep them coming!

[@MrNarcalot]

We have always been.... You come across as being such a lovely person. I wish you well in everything you do in life, and may it be happy and long!

[@jakeerussell7496]

Yup> The word mortgage is derived from a "Law French" term used by English lawyers in the Middle Ages meaning "death pledge", and refers to the pledge ending (dying) when either the obligation is fulfilled or the property is taken through foreclosure.

[@Ethicaly]

MORT means DEAD = as in MORTAL, im-MORTAL , you gagged until your last breath grrrr

[@Ethicaly]

Thank you .

[@reneep9968]

I hope you patent for your window design. It's gorgeous. The rest of your RV is nice too.

[@phrobozz]

It doesn't seem very secure, either. It could use a rollup security door that's hidden when it's open, like they used to have in shopping malls.

[@738polarbear]

Thats not his design .It is years old.and already patented.

[@reavervolfeed5454]

@@738polarbear can you tell me the name of that type of window. those hinges are amazing .

[@jamieking5021]

YOUR A SUPER TALENTED GENIUS,THIS GOT TO BE THE BEST SELF MADE CAMPER I HAVE SEEN OUT OF 100,S-DUDE THOSE WINDOWS! INCREDIBLE!!!!!,FOOD SETUP FANTASTIC!!!!!OVER ALL DISIGH WOW!!!

[@traciewise3988]

Beautiful window, love the uniqueness. Hobbit designs R becoming popular. This is the first I've seen of a hobbit vehicle/home. Very nice. Thanks 4 sharing

[@consaka1]

That round window is awesome.

[@i_love_rescue_animals]

That side, triple-hinge window - with the really cool, intricate detail / design - blows my mind!! Dude is an amazing designer as well as kayaker!!

[@cnl1213]

The drone shots are great! Great way to showcase this piece in particular.

[@paminsalem4875]

Awesome story of Ben's life and his pursuit of happiness on the road. Very talented young man. Thank you.

[@rob16268]

Your window opening just blew my mind! Go Canada. Thanks!

[@tiffsaver]

What a GORGEOUS piece of handiwork!! The wind vane just adds the remarkable design of this little Hobbit habitat. Congratulations, and thanks for posting.

[@sassas5761]

Amazing truck 🚚 ! I really love those windows 👍☺

[@clayepiphany6326]

Omg this video is absolutely jaw dropping....... the pop up window a gem in its crown! Massive congrats to the kayaker for all his achievemens and a big thank you for being so inspirational!

[@keithko007]

The drone shots are incredible! What an amazing journey and really like the bus design and the window!

[@mlackey9812]

More 'real life' prof that 'less is more' The human spirit as well as just the 'human' experience really requires very little in way of 'stuff' Great video.....I really enjoyed it and the freedom he's found and it all represents. Kudos!

[@kellymahoney7363]

wind turbine on a mobile home is brilliant. haven't seen this solution before.

[@stupidburp]

It will make fuel economy worse if you leave it up while moving. More practical if you will be staying at some base camp for extended periods rather than on the road every day.

[@coraartus4622]

Stu Bur how would it be bad if your moving? you would get even more wind wouldnt you?

[@paulie-g]

Drag. Energy doesn't just appear out of nowhere. A wind turbine on a moving vehicle is just a very, very inefficient alternator.

[@bigdaddyyc]

​@@coraartus4622 When using energy to move the vehicle forward, there are several ways that energy loss occurs, for example: heat loss from the engine, tire rolling friction, and air friction aka. drag. Adding an object like a wind turbine, to the aerodynamic shape of your vehicle, increases the surface area of air friction and drag, resulting in a greater loss of the energy used to move the vehicle forward. Because the object is a wind turbine, some of that air friction is converted by the rotating turbine to electricity. However, using energy to propel a vehicle forward in order to convert some of that energy back to electricity is an inefficient conversion of energy, and you're better off keeping that wind turbine stationary or removing it when travelling long distances. You can't generate more energy from the turbine which you are expelling in your vehicle - if that was the case, there'd be wind turbines on all of our vehicles providing endless free energy.

[@cleverblonde4406]

Well done to the builders. That is the most spacious tiny house I've seen. Everything looks perfect. Enjoy Eupore and I hope you do well. Thx Kirsten

[@jesscmovie]

My god that window is so fine I absolutely love it! (great shots on this video such a pleasure to watch KD! )

[@aryansunil24]

Awesome windows.. Shows you need not compromise with beauty, just because you are compromising with space.. Love it. Best of Luck.

[@Paddy_Mac]

Wow Kirsten, one of your best videos yet! Loved the human focus of the story - the Hobbit van the delicious icing on the cake.

[@summerseday2633]

The window is amazing, truly a work of art. I would get lonely being so far removed from everyone and everything. I wish you the best of luck and hope you do make it to the Olympics and win GOLD. When you decide to leave the race world you definitely have a future in an artistic venture.

[@Charleroifa]

That window is beautiful - design and engineering.

[@jeanfresco5667]

Best of luck from Canada. We'd be proud to have you represent our nation. Great job on the van; that window design kicks major ass!

[@BrassLock]

Another really captivating story - had me enthralled all the way through with his commentary and videography.

[@jamescarpenter7973]

Wow, what a great living/travelling space. Nothing like home from home. You truly are living the minimalist lifestyle. Hat off to you Sir!

[@girlonfire2.076]

the windows are a thing of beauty I'm really interested in the wind turbine and how that powers electricity

[@DuncanCunningham]

my home country... wet roads, grass, cloudy skies.. oh bliss. that is the most amazing window on the side.. well designed.

[@TJackSurvival]

The drone really adds to your production value. Very impressed.

[@fnnnknorth]

Ben! You make me proud you're Canadian. Who says you can't have it all. Looks brains, and athletic skills!

[@bonilla2022]

O.M.G. LUV the aerials!!!!! BEAUTIFULLY shot , nat sound, narration great. CONGRATULATIONS on another wonderful video . BRAVO! 8-)

[@Ballenxj]

This is one of the COOLEST motorized homes I've seen in quite e while, and the fact that you made it yourself makes it even nicer. Kudos, and thumb up for sharing!

[@axcvilla]

WOAH. THAT window. I'm just. Flabbergasted

[@johnboyc8924]

And you see the world instead of from a plane which looks like green patches and clouds. Love what your doing Bro.. Keep smiling

[@anotherblonde]

Picket fences ain't all they're cracked up to be, look what happened to JFK. Great vid, excellent window design, wish I could make one just like it and be as happy as you are with it.

[@davidconbananas4721]

Wow, it is just amazing! What a collection of fantastic ideas, that sofa, the window, the atmosphere is really harmonious. I love that your home have a lot of curves and not just straight lines. Have wonderful time!

[@janetf23]

I was really liking this till I saw that window, then I knew it was love

[@Apeizzle]

This is by far my most favourite version of a van home. GREAT JOB BEN!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

very, very cool. That build looks a lot like ours except bigger. We choose to go with thinner wood, and fiberglass it for longevity and durability since we do a lot of off roading. We happen to have a vlog and our 2-5 episodes go over our build. We are currently driving from California to Panama.

[@chunkeeone8408]

Amazing home & incredible human being! I'm wondering if there is anything he can't do... But then again, he is Canadian. They always impress me!

[@animal355]

But how does he carry his kayak??

[@kirstendirksen]

He hangs it on one wall inside.

[@animal355]

It would of be great if you'd of shown that, its given me ideas...thanks for the upload, I love your channel...

[@kenmarapese9085]

He rents!

[@neildoerdan2298]

He rents the kayak when he gets to the competition.

[@orcaflotta7867]

Exactly what I thought. Kayak is obviously sponsored by Canadian Kayak organisation or some private sponsor so he's gotta show it off to the public. Anyway, trasnporting it in the living cabin is the first solution that springs to mind. Modern kayaks are featherlight and very small, so no need for roofracks and similar bullshit.

[@shelleynobleart]

Omg.that side window mechanism is the most extraordinary design I've seen! Fantastic film about a fantastic fellow.

[@internetvide0]

I would want the outside to look as shitty as possible so no one wants to rob me.

[@NoOneHere2Day]

Mission accomplished.

[@internetvide0]

Well I bet his Kayak is top of the line and worth at least 5grand

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Tony Roberts that's a smart plan. Especially when traveling through some countries.

[@fatsocurrywurst3139]

Yeah but he nicked it himself anyway ( Kayak ) and the Van looks shitty enough for most Parts of the World,to be honest ....

[@z.c.m9908]

Wowww!!! This is absolutely gorgeous!! The windows I mean, really nice. And I love how spacious it looks in there and I being a mother with three small children,can see myself and them being able to live in something like that for a few months at a time!! very nice.

[@scdobserver835]

he's an alien. he doesn't need to poop nor to wash...

[@robmarth2226]

What do you think he does when kayaking? jajajajaja

[@wwaxwork]

If he's kayaking at training facilities or events, they'd have bathrooms & gyms.

[@cleverblonde4406]

Camp grounds...

[@patches_kitty]

Scd Observer "The great outdoors"

[@Jinisinsane]

he pees and poops inside the kayak, no one would be wiser.

[@amandaleffler2787]

the best time house hands down I've ever seen. i now know exactly how I'm going to do my tiny house and i love the wind turbine power!!!! bravo!!

[@Albisriede]

Another inspiring video. Thanks.

[@ParadoxKismet]

The window is gorgeous! So intricate. I love both windows of course but the butterfly effect is wonderful. I love the round door! The entire van is lovely and a wonderful space. I did wonder about bathroom needs. He didn't mention an emergency composting toilet/ bucket stashed away. I have seen a few of these with no facilities.

[@anthrax47]

Love those windows!! Anyone know where I can learn to make those? Thanks

[@BrittBeeMcGee]

This is absolutely gorgeous. Oh my goodness, those windows are breathtaking. I love this so much.

[@rippy4freedom499]

Amazing ! Loved it ! Thank you!

[@carried7223]

What a beautiful home.. and to see a different setting outside your window each day too.. love it.

[@TheFairlyLocalFamily]

Love this! And a fellow Canadian!! 🇨🇦

[@TheBrickTavern]

What a beautiful undertaking! So glad you're getting to enjoy the results of all your hard work. Beautiful!

[@rawlawgirl]

P. S. When I look at guys like this one, I look at my three academic degrees, including my law degree, and I think I am a talentless pathetic being. LOL. Gee, these mobile people have so much talent and passion. I swear I feel like I missed the boat. I was at the front of the line when they were handing out legs, beauty, and maybe even brains, but I was sleeping when they were handing out passion and creativity! Signed, Almost Hopeless. LOL.

[@hingeslevers]

Uhh

[@KiloByte69]

+Raw LawGirl You're really full of yourself, aren't you?

[@rawlawgirl]

KiloByte, Indeed, I am. Thank you for the kind words.

[@KiloByte69]

+Raw LawGirl No problem, stuck up!

[@nevaehsangel9620]

Raw LawGirl Hahaha, it's called confidence,and you have it! 😀 Lol... I've always loved Law and wished I would've taken that route in my life. At least your passion is arguing your point and trying to win ! 😁 This guy is awesome and so talented at what he's done with this truck camper! Loving those windows too!

[@jeanelleray9465]

After months of watching van conversions, this is amazing and is my favorite!

[@frylock6403]

Bare essentials include- Coffee, Coffee, Coffee, Grinder

[@3rty7]

yeah that coffee setup was way cool.

[@benjamindaw1386]

Anyone know what those coffee contraptions are called?

[@tainteddaisie9396]

he had an Areopress (plastic pressure plunger coffee maker) , he used a drill and grinder for the beans and also had a large stainless steel pressure maker the gadget is called a Presso, I have both the Areopress and the Presso, they are great, but the REAL secret is in the bean and the grind...........x

[@sikantis61]

Wow! A lot of love and care, both in the creation of this project and your video. Always the highest of production values on Kirsten Dirksen videos.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Cute. Intersting. Artistic. Now for the pragmatic downsides: Likely not enough engine for the weight. You have to bend over to enter through the door. The door swings out and sweeps you off of the tailgate. The amount of tail-swing given the location of the rear axle, is too great. The flat front of the camper catches a lot of wind and diminishes fuel efficiency. There was no explanation of shower or toilet.

[@ignazs.5816]

Kevin Hornbuckle He did say he did this to mainly sleep in, in order to forgo the expensive hotel rates, not to drive far distances.

[@derpate7616]

I ABSOULUTELY LOVE this tiny hobbit home on wheels, he did such an amazing job on the details!

[@qristv1912]

really cool im saving this to favs

[@dananelson3534]

Awesome video Kirsten. Ben could have been a famous architect, but he's pursuing the goal of being in the Olympics. I admire that and once had that goal, but life happens.

[@CuteBumbleBee4]

Where does he store his kayak?

[@chatteyj]

Thats what I want to know!

[@SueChicago]

My thought exactly.

[@desiree8687]

I wish I could meet a guy as handy as him. :-) Fabulous craftsmanship all around.

[@Mrbullydog66]

Great stuff, just lacking what looks like some insulation, washing and toilet facilities. Other than that, looks awesome.

[@Natascha1979]

Exactly, how does one stay warm in this van?

[@glong86]

+Natascha de Rooij An extra sweater?

[@valle3452]

He explains the use of a kerosene heater, I believe?

[@TheJamisons]

Love the diversity of projects and spaces you show on this channel. Very inspiring!

[@rimmerd9908]

What's the counter top wood please? Very inspiring build though. You've got me seriously thinking about doing something like this (though I don't think I have your skills). Sorry you got ripped by the British insurance companies. I hope you don't think their avarice represents the better side of the British people. Peace...

[@KlausHildner]

I cannot double or quadruple like this video ... the organic-looking dual-use sofa rocks! :)

[@ComradeScrungus]

This is what we Roma call a Vardo.

[@MultiScrappydo]

It's so wonderful! What an achievement! I love it! And those windows are to die for, especially the butterfly one! Bravo!!!

[@sshum00]

Someone got a drone ;)

[@rawlawgirl]

Very inspiring. Although I am just a Yogini, work full time, and drive a small hybrid while living in an expensive high rise, I still found inspiration in this video. Inspiration, maybe, to get outside more and to look more closely at the things that bring me real joy. Essentially, it is about him and his truck, but when we look closely, it is about doing what you love with mad insane passion! Thank you for the reminder.

[@dustymojave]

A nice camper as Americans call them, the Europeans like "Caravan". Awesome side window. It's amazing how many commenters make such a huge fuss over toilet facilities. Obviously many need medical help for such problems to be such a major concern. Also shows that many people just cannot imagine actually living on the road without all the "comforts of home". Spoiled people. You would think that horse drawn carriages had indoor plumbing for the last thousand years from the way people go on about toilets and showers. People of certain parts of the world did not habitually bathe more than a few times per year in the not so distant past. Most homes in Europe (and Canada and the US) did not have indoor toilets or bath tub or shower until the late part of the 20th Century. The famous race car driver Richard Petty did not live in a home with indoor plumbing until he had won a great many NASCAR races. And the owner of this caravan spends a great deal of his time in water. Get over it.

[@assimakipotter2365]

what a beautiful house..i love the design, imagination, personal element, spaciousness, light and materials..very inspiring, fantastic..!

[@stripymccatpuss]

The reason your insurance was so high had nothing to do with your driving record or you being Canadian, it has everything to do with people bodging together a van with no certifiable skills in electrical or gas instillation, Vans go on fire all the time, that is why it cost you £3000, if you took photos of the build , had a professional do the gas/electric and submitted the pictures and copy's of the installers certificates to the insurance company you could have got that insured for £500-£800, It probably would have cost you £500 to do all the gas and electric, saving you £1500-£2000ish , less haste more speed.

[@catmonkey4351]

Stripey McCat Puss. HAHAHAha. Brilliant info, thanks.

[@Knapweed]

Spectacularly good. Fine engineering on the window. A true work of art.

[@Caswell19]

Anything without a functioning bathroom is a terrible space to live in, sorry.

[@NathanielOffer]

Eric there are plenty of caravans that don't have bathrooms and people have been living in them for decades. It depends on where you stop to sleep as to how "livable" the van is. If it's at campgrounds with available facilities then it's not a problem.

[@youngloudandscotty]

What exactly are you sorry for? The man loves his home. If you can't brush your teeth without a bathroom, or have such a weak bladder that you have to be 30 seconds from a toilet (a "proper" toilet), or can't go a few days without a shower, then I'd say you have bigger issues than he.

[@LazyJacques]

If you'd spent any time in a small boat or small RV, you'd know a toilet is always a huge, smelly pain. Options are generally: porta-potty hidden under your couch, or under the bed. Alternatively, lose 20% of interior volume for a small, cramped closet with a toilet (either chemical, or with holding tank - yucky either way), and it's still smelly, cuz the door is 2' from your stove! Think of it this way: do you want to live in your bathroom? If not, the alternative is to forget about it, and use outside facilities which are always available, especially in Europe, where everyone goes "caravanning". No cleaning, no mess, no smell.

[@LazyJacques]

And the damn things are always plugged, or leaking, or downright broken. Fixing toilets in exotic places? No thanks.

[@nevaehsangel9620]

Haha.. I have to agree,sometimes your body betrays you and makes sure u have to run to the bathroom! ESPECIALLY as you get older, I'd have to have at least a composting one! Plenty people use cat litter and zero smell to worry about. Besides...it's just you alone , who cares?!?

[@charityfjogstad604]

OMG! I LOVE your awesome hobbit design, especially that amazing window that opens like a butterfly; that is brilliant! This is one of the most creative and awesome truck conversions I have seen! Well done! Thank you for sharing! All the best to you!

[@harveymushman2219]

Awesome !...Back in 1973 I did an interior in my 1972 Dodge van it was like building a ship in a bottle hard work...Turned out nice but this is just out there !....

[@susannorman4483]

Love your hobbit van/truck! Especially that hinged window. Hope to see you in the Olympics!

[@maxthrust976]

This is super cool, and those butterfly windows are mind blowing.

[@rogerboyesen4634]

I'm kind of having a boring day...... this video/story is just what I needed!!!!