Couple makes garage home + campervan a consistent life combo
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- čas přidán 14. 10. 2017
- Bryan and Jen Danger spend most nights on the road in their converted Sprinter van, but when they’re back home in Portland, they sleep in their converted garage. They rent their 3-bedroom home (attached to the garage), as well as the garage when they’re not in town.
Five years ago, the couple quit high-paying jobs (after tucking away a nest egg), rented out their home and moved into a remodeled VW van. Back in Portland after a year and a half on the road (to Central America and back), they realized their 3-bedroom home was too big for their shrunken lifestyle and they began to focus on creating shelter in their garage. Upon discovering their remodel would qualify as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), making it free from permitting fees, the couple joined a local wood-and-metal-working shop (Bryan learned to weld) and began to craft the old parking into a 480-square-foot home.
Using mostly recycled wood and steel, they lofted their bed above storage stair unit that includes a closet, washer/drier den and a built-in TV and fireplace. With he same materials, they built floor-to-ceiling storage along one wall (they don’t use all the space). They laid the OSB floor and poured concrete into molds to create industrial countertops. A section of the counter swivels on casters to become a dining table, workspace or cocktail bar. The bathroom, the biggest room in the home, is a “wet bath” in acrylicized waterproof concrete inspired by the road trip’s outdoor showers.
Not wanting to give up on travel, they sold their Westy (not reliable enough) and bought a Mercedes Sprinter van. After adding insulation and wood paneling, they dropped in temporary OSB furniture to test run on road trips. Once they were comfortable with the layout, they crafted permanent furniture in bamboo, including marine-grade off-grid refrigerator, toilet and automated retractable awning (built to withstand high winds).
Today, the couple work designing small spaces for clients, and thanks to their light lifestyle, they haven’t had to return to full-time work even after 5 years on the road.
Bryan and Jen's blog - www.thedangerz.com
Their small home design. - www.zenboxdesign.com
Sprinter van conversions - www.ZENVANZ.com
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/coup... - Jak na to + styl
i keep coming back to watch this. These guys are creative, practical, and stylish!
This was the closest I’ve seen that reflects a person’s life philosophy and the use of technology to support that! Brilliant! Not just a van or garage conversion video, but how human’s build the lives they want that fit their beliefs.
Were still working on it/building it... but thats the goal!!
@@leahtv7778 missing the forest for the trees, huh?!!
I'm touched that they plan their travel around their aging dog. I did the same and I have no regrets.
YES! I am also touched by this.
You rule, friend. I'm right there with you.
It’s a worry for me too. My girl has severe arthritis but I only have a small window of opportunity for travel. I’m managing her pain as best as medically possible, but getting into and out of the van is getting difficult for her, especially getting on the bed which is her favourite spot. She is going to have to get used to being on the floor I think.
exactly!!!
@@sventer198 So sorry to hear of your little gorl's arthritis. Please make sure to get her a nice, comfortable dog bed instead of the floor. You can find some large, plush ones at many stores for a good price. (My dogs have a dog bed in every room in our house so they can be comfortable whichever room they go in.) Best wishes to you and your doggie.
When your wife will push start the family van, she’s a keeper for sure.
Couldn't agree more! ;)
No doubt!
Dave Scott I did that after I had my son hurt my back was 25 . Was the stupidest thing I ever did.
nice one
"I'm a designer" Understatement of the year. This dude is a great designer.
This is by far the best van conversion I've seen. If they were ever going to start a business van conversions would be a great one for them. How smart to use things that are made for boats. A lot of great ideas for anyone thinking of building tiny or converting their own van.
Thanks!! We haven actually finally broken down after many, many requests and will be building out a few custom adventurevans for others... www.ZENVANZ.com
This guy is so intelligent! The way he does things is so well thought out and precise!
Typically when CZcams recommends videos that I've already watched I get slightly annoyed. But I've watched this whole video 3 times now and I still love it. Definitely inspiration for my future living spaces.
This was thee best small space design I have seen thus far!! You two are a true inspiration!!
I'm amazed and astounded at the beauty, multi purpose, and accessibility of both the camper and garage home. They are a talented and unique couple. Thanks for sharing.
I'm officially an addict of watching tiny homes on CZcams :-/
Grr wuff me too I wish it was more of a thing in the uk, lol I play sims a lot and love designing my dream tiny home on it and enjoy seeing how it functions. I’m constantly amazed at how multifunctional they make their spaces.
Me too 🤩 This one is in my top 5
Me too I don't have the guts to live an unconventional nomadic life
Absolutely
Its June - 2023 - how did I miss this one?!
One of the best.
Thank you.
Another (actually two) amazing builds. They should write a DIY book.
That man is really well spoken. Learned a lot from this video, thanks!
TheAngryMaskSalesman
Man?
TheAngryMaskSalesman It's just a shame that he interrupts the woman 20 000 times in this video.
didnt notice a single interuption
@@deandre1988 ya, i'm halfway through and haven't noticed one yet.
Yeah except how many times he incorrectly uses the word "literally". Man it's aggravating. Also why can't he pronounce an L? Is it an accent?
I normally skim through videos longer than 20 minutes but this had my attention from start to finish!
I planned to skim through this too but it captivated me also.
I had the wrong idea that people that live this simple and free were pot heads or hippies, but this couple has proven me wrong, well-spoken, smart and really in sync. I love their two projects and show you what you really need in life. The garage and the Van have smart designs full of surprises and well-thought ideas. Super cool that they consider the dogs needs.
NO CORNERS - brilliant.
I can’t decide which is more amazing, the garage house or the van! I love them both!
Johnny FD The van looks great, but it’s bad for the environment and not very safe compared to modern cars.
both.
Love the Garage and Van sharp design!
Congratulations you're leaving the life God bless you
This is nice , I'm literally building out my garage now and this has some cool ideas ...
You have inspired my build at my elderly father's home so we can help each other ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️thank you soo much going on line now!!
This was one of the coolest vans built that I've seen and liked. Especially the 4x4 part. I forgot to add that I am glad I traveled most of the world before 24 so now I can travel to just certain parts I loved when I retire soon. Thanks for a great inspiration!
One of the more intelligent, creative designs I've seen for both the home base space and amazing diy van space. Inspirational. Just get out there and do. Love it. Well done.
I have to admit they live the ultimate lifestyle.......without question.......that van and the garage they built...... knock me out! Very cool video.....
And Airbnb pays for it.
I love how they up-cycle scrap materials and transform them into something functional & beautiful. Great work!
Wow! Both the house and the van are beautiful! The house is a lot like many Southeast Asian AirBnB's and small, modern homes. I loved how small yet functional the spaces were. The bathroom is exactly like many I'd seen in Thailand. Very simplistic. I love it!
I am so you..!! Thank God for CZcams. Just bought my sprinter three weeks ago. My credit union didn't have a problem loaning on a used vehicle so I went 2006. The family wants me to see someone, "Just talk about things", because I told the builder to start with the Garage and give me a price if I didn't build the entire house. This didn't go well but it feels so right. Wait until they find out I am quitting my job in 3 months. I was cruising CZcams for Ideas and found you. Can't think of anything I would do different. Well done and good for you.... :_)
Enjoy the journey!!
Hands down the best van build and garage-home I’ve ever seen. The garage is gorgeous and so is the van. I’m envious
A Sprinter Van is a Mercedes Benz and they come in. 3 Different sizes..... I worked at M B before n saw a large size converted with. Full corner leather Couch etc..... have to have money to get...... what you need especially if a single Mom or. A senior.
This has been by far the most inspirational story you have ever put up Kirsten! At the moment we are living in a van full-time with a 4 year old and we are dreaming of a setup where we can rent out the main house full time and occasionally use the garage part of the house. Just wow, amazing story and build and setup and lifestyle etc, just perfect
This is the high end hobo life. Nicely done on the garage home and sprinter setup!
Living in a van DOWN BY THE RIVER!!
One of the most interesting interview you have come across yet, thank you for this one
I'm almost convinced that living in a smaller space is just the ticket, which is one reason why I'll only live in a two bedroom condo, and eventually do lots of traveling in a van.
This couple has become my superheroes! Love the ideas, and how they make them happen! :)
Greetings from India. Everything is well designed. You both are the ultimate outdoors couple. Continue your journey for the love of belonging with nature. Thanks for the video. Regards...
Still one of my favorite builds. I never get tired of seeing this❤️❤️
Love the longer format video, allows me to vicariously live thru other people much easier than if it were a 10 minute video.
I LOVE both of their spaces! The use of humble materials, the bespoke design, and especially how the respective spaces reflect their needs, wants, and priorities. Fantastic.
I freaking LOVE this!!! The way they used the scrap wood and made it look so upscale and beautiful is amazingly creative and a great way to save cost. Did I mention how beautiful it is?!!
Thanks!
So Kirsten Dirksen did another great video! The lovely couple did fantastic and ingenious work! Especially the big barrier- free shower with sunroof in the garage and the rounded bamboo interior in the van! Congrats! It's also correct what he mentioned: Too much thinking about/over stops from doing it (unfortunately this behavior inhibits me currently from downsizing/getting my own cheap property). Only 2 things should be thought over again: 1) The concrete countertop has sharp edges although they avoided this especially in the van for several good reasons! 2) In my opinion stairs are definitely no good solution! If you are ill or cannot walk sometimes (and/or getting older), all stairs will be nearly insurmountable barriers. Especially the high ones going up to the beds (van and garage). The other stuff is done wonderful. All the best luck and health to you all (of course including Kirsten Dirksen and the viewers)!
they are just living life without worrying about getting stuck in daily routines....more people should live like this....less stress and more freedom
Agree
Yea, until they all start requiring what society (people with jobs) produces: Electricity, internet, waste management, healthcare, fuel, infrastructure services, food supplies, car repairs etc etc. I'm all fine with people living their lives how they want if they can afford it, but society won't function if nobody contributes to it. Consuming less is definitely the way.
FunkyDoolittle IT ALL TAKES A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY THO
SO SAD FOR THE REST OF US “UNFORTUNATES”...
toasteh PERFECTLY STATED!
As Grandma always said:
“The world needs ditch-diggers too!”
The best of both worlds in two beautiful tiny houses!
CoolCat Carolena i
So glad you like them! We love the process of designing them...whether for ourselves or for our clients! ;)
Two expensive tiny houses... Kinda missleading " living out a tiny garage and a camper"...
bryan danger A. DREAM. COME TRUE. I teared up at the beauty of the garage. Thanks for insight on ADU's. A whole family could live there.
The one is tiny. The garage was a two car. That's not small. It's got high ceilings and a loft - that's actually probably more space than my own relatively small home. They say 489 sq. ft. but the standard 2 car garage is 24x24=576. A loft is like a 2nd floor.
Love the garage home's wet room/shower. Love the van's interior layout and functionality. This is great and I wouldn't mind living in it for a while! Good work, you two!
I love the fact they built the campervan so they can travel with their four legged family member. Both garage home and campervan is .... amazing!!
So nice to hear such an articulate guy. Thanks for posting.
I always hate hearing/seeing myself on film... but articulate is certainly not the word that popped into mind for me. Thanks though
While there were a few 'y'know' or 'kinda' fillers, I didn't catch an ah, um or uh type pause/filler that flood many interviews and demonstrations like this. To be able to speak on a topic without the additional fluff certainly meets the criteria of being 'articulate'. Solid build and an interesting source of inspiration for reflection. Enjoy that slick home.
Josh Shelby Or be never works and spends all of his time reflecting on his "genius" design. He's given this interview in his head many times. Smug.
Aaron Rossiter just like your reused comment. I'm surprised that you didn't use "literally" anywhere in your commentary. Although, I'm certain your response will contain, "actually." You're such a crab.
Yes, very well spoken! Do many more videos about anything.
I cannot front, I am absolutely envious of the life they've created for themselves! Living in a garage and a van never looked so perfect!
Dispite their modesty and humbleness they truly have discovered and figured out what life is truly about.
I love their priorities...dog, travel, minimal living. They've earned their happiness
You two made me smile, thank you for sharing a moment in your life!
Don't change anything about your channel cos it is dam perfect!
This is the very best video I’ve ever seen on the nomadic lifestyle. While there is no way I could ever create anything close to what this couple has created, it has inspired me to come up with my own version of getting out there & living this life. It may not be as beautiful as theirs, but at least I’ll be doing it! Thank you for the awesome ideas!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We didnt make any of these things because others would find them beautiful, we made them to match our point of comfort so that we could live this way as long as we wanted/needed.
Go get it!!!
Both the garage and van are put together beautifully. I really like the industrial hardware, used of reused wood is always a plus and providing additional savings
The garage is beautiful, but the Van is absolutely perfect! Both of you are very talented. Great work!
“We ran away and we didn’t want to have jobs”
Me: i want that too *looks in to my wallet.
Nope. Can’t do that right now. They are inspiring though.
ernesto dors 🤣🤣🤣poor most of us. He’s not alone. I’ve been over working for “The Man.” “The Man” is the true bastard and SOB 🧐🤪😜.
I'm just 34 but leaving the Netherlands for Greece in 30 days. I have tenants paying my dutch home and I will buy another one over here. With a pool!
@@dhr.neuteboom4536
Nice job!
WOW - He must be an engineer & designer. Amazing
This man and wife need too share this house with the world its great and neat thanks Bryan-Jen KUDOS .
I stumbled upon this video just now and I have to say I love the mentality of this couple. So level headed and just down right cool. Kudos for living an "unconventional" lifestyle. Super inspiring!
LiznLin well said
We think you’re pretty cool too! 😏
I loved this so much , I think I enjoyed the fact this couple were so in sync , they both love where they are at in the world...bravo dudes!!!
Thanks. The sailboat stuff is a great concept. The fridge, especially the awning.
Hitting your head on stuff. It might help on a project like this to start with temporary padding, pool noodles are cheap, then instead of learning from pain, you learn from soft bumps. Very quickly you figure out which areas are not a problem and which need a more permanent solution. Maybe even keep different color sharpies. He hits his head, he makes a blue mark, she hits her toes, she makes a red mark, the dog a green mark.
I see that driveway and think, it would be so much fun to make leveling blocks for the van. You back up the drive. Stop. Then put the super-high leveling blocks in place, plugged into holes in the concrete--so they won't slide, and then just pull forward. (with a stop to keep from going off the end). I always got a kick out of puzzling out the leveling blocks when we rented a camper van.
One of the things you show on you videos is that life is ever changing. How many people like this couple have you come across that have changed what the worlds view use to be of get a job and stay there for life. But you find people young and old men or women who have stepped out of comfort zones and found a new life. And some really cool housing options.
I am so inspired by the two of you!! I wish you continued wellness and love!
BEST GARAGE CONVERSION! PERFECTLY EXECUTED...
Retired Tony, I love how clever they are, but...just two things:
If there is an appliance fire or cooking fire, sleeping up near the ceiling means choking on smoke in your sleep.
I don't want to be graphic, but the bed is so close to the ceiling. That limits positions. Right?
They have invented smoke alarms, didn't you know? I don't know if they are required in US, but in Northern Europe, they are required. In my country, You need one for every 700 ft2 of space. Last 20 years or so, they have been built-in in all new houses/appartments here.
☺☺☺☺
I'm in the uk..and I've seen plenty of D.i.y builds but this has got to be one of the best and most thought out jobs out there. from planning /construction /materials and ingenuity.(well done you)
Thanks!
Great to meet the two of you at Expo yesterday! Fun chatting with you!!!!
Ok, this became as one of my favourite videos ever here on CZcams.
Thank you so very much for this marvellous interview. Outstanding!
Greetings from Portugal.
That's an A+ for efficiency! Great job!
thank you kirsten for all these tubes of people with such a free spirit and great enthusiasm for life , it makes me realize that me and most people are chained to lot of stuff that we don’tactually need and the searching for a simpler life have to begin with ur environment first
Dear God, I had to go back and watch this twice to take it all in. A true designer!
Brilliant Design, Love the rolling table.
Loved all the work and design... deeply disturbed when he ran his hand around the inside of the toilet bowl...
They let their dog sleep in their bed. I doubt that he cares about germs.
I think there are more good tips in this one video, than all of the videos combined ( that I have watched). Thank you. Beautiful workmanship
The best of two worlds. The garage and the van are both awesome. A life of travelling is great. This is my favorite episode of your show.
Wow! The van is the best I’ve seen yet! Simply amazing.
www.ZENVANZ.com
Very cool video from 2 smart people... Thanks for sharing.
I NEVER watch something twice. Its been 6 months since I last saw your video but just had to review it again, and it STILL holds my attention, what a garage can turn into. Each and every design is just FANTASTIC. I want one for myself !!!!!
Stunning display of talent, beauty, skill and intelligence. Thanks for sharing your inspired lifestyle.
Love the metalwork and those bearing rollers. Must be satisfying knowing that you designed and built it yourself, just the way you want it.
(12:16) "i think it's the result of 2 people living in a van..." down by the river! sorry, i couldn't resist. that said, seeing other people's creativity being put to good use to make their homes more functional helps to jump-start my own creativity. incredible living spaces!
WOW! You are living my dream. Awesome home and awesome van.
Fascinating, brilliant, wonderful, talented .... hats off to Bryan and Jen!
great video, love this channel. Great content, interesting housing and interisting people.
I really liked both the garage and the van. Such beautiful homes. :)
I'm so amazed and impressed by you! This is brilliant! Renting out your space while you live/travel in your van (even though it was a brief shot, the van looked really pimped out!). This is such an excellent way to cut costs, fund the life you want, while finding innovative ways to make it all work. Thanks for the inspiration!
Came for the garage conversion and loved the van too.
Awesome build.....great use of reclaimed materials and DIY skills! I also like that they were willing to spend the money on WEDI for the bathroom, most people are hesitant to spend the extra money, but it really is an amazing system! The irony to his comment regarding most people spending only 6-8 hours in a bedroom, is that most people only spend 10-12 hours a day in their home......
Interesting and valid point! We think it's odd that we only spend a few days in our home, but at least when we do we're there all 24hours to enjoy it! ;) Oddly, my wife pointed out after watching this that my numbers for average sleep are probably also well off ... I don't sleep much, so I guess Im a bit out of touch when i talk about a 6hour night of sleep. =)
He is a genius . They did a great job with there homes.
That van. I love the awning and the rounded bamboo surfaces. Perfect. Well done.
You did such a wonderful job of the van, garage, welding, steel, bathroom, & everything, I was so impressed; not with the work itself, although that is amazing, quality wise, OMG it's awesome, but with the simplicity & functionality & you were both so patient, testing it all out, making it work 1st, then building the final product. I'm so glad I stumbled across your video, so good, so nice & so pretty, even with the industrial feel, you & your wife are the perfect couple, I love how you did it all together, what a great tour.
Thank you
Awesome video and details!!!
Congrats guys may life be as full of adventures as you can fit in a lifetime!
I love your channel! Thank you so much for uploading these.
i so love the in depth interview.. everything is explained. well worth a watch. second time i see one of your videos - and i love them
Inspirational, thank you Bryan and Jen and to all involved in making this film - One life - Live it ....
The most amazing channel for me! Thank you. Very interresting.
My first thought is that it looks like an airstream trailer on the inside. very nice job with the metalwork and bamboo work!
I absolutely love your garage home. Well thought out, smart use of space and the off cuts of wood make the cabinets look awesome. Love the van too. Admire the way you live.
Much admiration Brian and Gen. Keep on moving forward with your precious lives.
Bravo to the designers/owners. Easily one of the best designs of a tiny house + van (what a treat)! Félicitations, Kristen. I've been a long time subscriber. Kristen is definitely a master in her craft. Thank you for another great presentation!
both homes are absolutely beautiful!
Everything about this is just... wow. But I can’t get over the brilliant stair cabinet idea. You’re the type of person I aspire to be. Much love
What an interesting couple. And to be resourceful like that (and have the confidence) is such a gift. I found interesting that they said the bedroom in the garage wasn't as important because you only spend maybe 8 hours for sleeping, yet they made a pretty sizable bathroom which one spends much less time in. Nevertheless, I really liked the overall space and simplicity of it. And the traveling, wow.
Love the Sprinter van interior layout and the bamboo 🙂. He's a very talented and creative man. I used to have a 72' VW beetle. For a while, due to lack of $, I had to either park on a hill, or get someone to push me. I called it the Wonder Bug, because everyday, I wondered what would break next 😟.. I'm not a VW fan.
“We ran away and didn’t want jobs” literally everyone in Portland
Sounds smart if you're not responsible for anyone
"It's where young people go to retire!" ~Opening of the first episode of Portlandia
😂🤣
Here in Eugene Oregon too! Haha I live on 8500.00 a year. It is fantastic!
@@auspicioustoot Exactly! I have no kids, by choice.
AAAAMAZING! So jealous & impressed! You 2 did a great job! One of my most favorite shows.
I'm so glad I came across this video. The design of the garage is functional and fucus of entertaining. Great job guys
The van is perfect!
Way to live a life of travel and experiences.