BusBus Floor Plans (Versions 1 – 3.2)

Floor plans, in my experience so far, are not created in one attempt. It’s more of an evolution and the accumulative iterations become a final floor plan. I’ll let you know once we have a final floor plan! I had planned to try to use an existing floor plan and then modify it to my own style. There are not too many full floor plans available for free or for purchase online. This surprised me considering the number available for tiny houses on wheels and “skoolies” have been around much longer. Fortunately, I love learning new skills and decided to master (or as it turns out, not master) SketchUp and design my own floor plan. What could get a person more enthused about their own tiny house/skoolie build?

Google SketchUp

A few months ago, I downloaded the free, basic version of Google SketchUp, which is a 3-D, CAD software. it is surprisingly simple to use. I started to watch the part one of the first tutorial on SketchUp’s website and, 5 minutes in, decided I never really read instruction manuals. I closed out the tutorial and jumped right into my design.

BusBus Floor Plan Version 1

While exciting, BusBus Version 1 left much to be desired. I hadn’t even remembered the refrigerator. My thought process went form “just get something down” in Version 1 to “you can make this look exactly the way it will look in a few months” in Version 3. For Version 1, I assumed that I could not make anything 3D and so 2D would have to do.

BusBus Floor Plan Version 2

The things I learned from V1 were incorporated into my very first 3D SketchUp design. It took me a long time to custom design each of these pieces including the wood floor. I didn’t use any groups or components and had a very difficult time moving objects without dragging part of the floor or wall. But hey, at least I remembered the refrigerator…

BusBus Floor Plan Version 3.1

My masterpiece. Well, at least until I learn more in SketchUp or change my mind. I drafted the V3.1 and then tweaked it a number of times. I decided to design everything similarly, but with the addition of objects already created by others and available through the 3D warehouse including the horse trough, composting toilet, shoji door, wood burning stove, bicycles, barn door track, and futon. Bart and I went through the design together and made some pretty wonderful changes. I think the layout is just about where it will be when we build.

BusBus Floor Plan Version 3.2

Here’s the current version with the most recent updates.

Back Right

Back Left

Entrance to Stairs, Engine Cover, and Driver’s Seat

Spice Rack and Bar Area

Kitchen

Hanging, Retractable Chairs

Horse Trough Bathtub, Shower, Storage, & Table/Bench – A wooden cover will go on top of the bathtub and act as a bench and storage area when not in use. A shower curtain will pop-up for the shower.

Wood Burning Stove and Brick Fireplace

Bathroom with Shoji Door

Wooden Shelving for Living Room and Bedroom Area

Composting Toilet

Laundry Washtubs/Tables/Benches/Ottomans/Hampers

Queen Size Mattress Futon

Shoji-Barn Garage Door

Garage with Bikes

Extra Desk and Counter Space/Bar Area

Extra Desk and Countertop Area

---

Have you designed in SketchUp or other 3D CAD software? Feel free to leave your suggestions and feedback in the comments section.