David Miller’s tiny house, built in the style of a vintage railway sleeper carriage, is leading the public vote in the 2025 Tiny House Awards.
Spanning 7.2m by 3.1m, the unique build began at Lake Tarawera before moving to Matua and finally to Miller’s property in Ōtūmoetai.
“It had to be built between May 2023 and July 2025 to qualify for this year’s competition,” Miller said.
The project, crafted with care and a deep sense of nostalgia, was inspired by a set of historic handles Miller bought in 1986.
One of the Queen Elizabeth II coronation handles from her royal train used in the 1953-54 NZ tour. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
“They came from a Royal Train carriage used by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1953-1954 New Zealand tour,” he said. “I built the whole carriage around those handles. I just had to have them.”
Other details evoke the golden age of New Zealand rail: hand-made number plates, vintage lights, and a dining table mounted on a solid iron leg salvaged from a NZ Railways workbench.
“It’s timeless and beautiful. It will never date,” Miller said.
Inside David Miller's railway sleeper carriage tiny house. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
Despite its compact footprint, the home features a full-sized 1m x 1m shower, durable planked laminate flooring and wheelchair access. I went to the nth degree when I insulated it, it’s so warm.”
Inside, the tiny house is packed with character: enamel signs, NZR-stamped memorabilia, and a historic photo of the Queen’s train crossing a bridge on January 25, 1954.
Miller says his design approach was intuitive.
“I didn’t have a plan – I just had a vision. I think about things in great detail before I build, and I can see how it’s going to happen, so I know it’ll be right.”
A framed photograph of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal train crossing a bridge in NZ during her 1954 tour. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
Curious onlookers often ask where he got the carriage. “I just tell them: ‘Well, I built it’,” he said. “I designed it around standard plywood sizes and a queen-sized bed. It’s really comfortable – nothing’s cramped.”
The retired boat builder drew on his trade to make the most of every millimetre. “The layout allows space to move, and two doors through-draft ventilation on warm days,” Miller said.
“The dining table features a jarrah servery I cut down and laminated.”
Every element has been customised. Architraves and skirting boards were made to match the proportions of the space. A vaulted, curved ceiling and tongue-and-groove wall linings mimic original carriage interiors.
The 50mm by 200mm British racing green splashback tiles around the vintage-style sink. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
During Covid-19, Miller picked up a set of Art Deco lights from a 1930s rail carriage for $20 each. “I converted them to LED. They look beautiful with thick glass.”
Other highlights include a British racing green tile splashback, sourced online, and a converted railway buffer now serving as a unique bedside table.
“The whole space is warm and inviting — perfect for a honeymoon. It’s private, tucked away in my garden.”
Miller says he has no plans to sell.
“It’s such a lovely space. I don’t know why we build such big houses – you can have just as much fun in a small one. The interior feels like a NZ railway museum, filled with antiques and memorabilia, without looking cluttered.”
David Miller in the doorway of his railway sleeper carriage tiny house. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
Following the awards, he plans to list the tiny house on Airbnb. For now, he’s enjoying the recognition – and the attention. “We think it’s the only entry from Tauranga. Most others are commercial builds, especially from the South Island.”
Already, he’s had two people ask him to build them one. “But I’ve only got one railway carriage,” he said.
The Tiny House Awards 2025 feature 29 entries across four categories: Commercial, DIY, Most Creative, and Overall Winner. Public voting for the People’s Choice Award is open until September 30. Winners will be announced October 31.