A FAMILY-OF-FOUR who live in a self-built tiny home have divided opinion with their toilet “bucket system”.
Manuk and partner Marcel live in the caravan-style home in the Black Forest in Germany, and spent a total of £2,500 building the property on an old trailer so that it can be moved if necessary.
They live in the home – which is 2 metres wide and 6 metres long (6.7ft by 20ft) – with their two children, aged two and four.
They gave a tour of their home to the Alternative Houses team, and Marcel explained that it took him around two years to build the property, with Manuk offering the majority of the inspiration.
The couple used recycled items where possible, such as the windows – which they were given by old farmhouses in the local area.
They have a 6.7ft by 6.7ft bed which all four of them sleep in, as well as a “super tiny” fridge in the kitchen and a gas stove.
They also have an outside shower and toilet.
“We cut out a beautiful chair, made a hole and then we use a bucket system,” Manuk said in the YouTube video as she showed the camera their toilet.
“Here we have the wood and the toilet paper, safe from the rain. You poo inside and then we have a compost.
“As a family we have to empty it once a week I would say.”
She added that it’s very nice to be able to look out “into the forest while pooing”.
But acknowledged that things are a lot colder in the winter, so you have to “be quick” on the toilet.
“You get used to it – you get used to everything,” she smiled.
However, lots of people in the comments section of the TikTok video insisted they wouldn’t want to get used to that kind of toilet.
“I was totally on board till we hit the potty bucket. I gotta have a real toilet lol,” one wrote.
As another agreed, adding: “everything is ok ,until the toilet.”
“Lost me with the toilet situation,” a third wrote.
While someone else added: “Charming except for the bucket.”
“No! I need to be able to flush,” another commented.
As someone else wrote: “Had me till the potty bucket, my spoiled self needs a real toilet with a bidet.”
