Imagine turning the fuselage of a retired passenger airplane into a unique and sustainable living space. Joe Axline, a Texas resident, did just that by transforming two McDonnell Douglas jets into a dream home that encapsulates both innovation and nostalgia. Nestled in a private airport, this architectural marvel not only stands out for its creative reuse of materials but also for its surprisingly low cost of living.
Inspired by the adventurous spirit of the 1970s television show “The Magician,” where the protagonist used an airplane as a mobile base to solve mysteries, Axline embarked on what he calls “Project Freedom.” This project represents more than just a housing solution; it’s a personal journey of rediscovery and freedom following significant life changes, including a career shift from aviation to IT and a recent divorce. Let’s take a closer look at how this imaginative endeavor turned into a practical, cost-effective residence.
Joe Axline’s Journey to “Project Freedom”
Joe Axline’s journey to living in an airplane home started much earlier than his actual construction project. As a child in the 1970s, Joe was captivated by the television show “The Magician,” where the protagonist, played by Bill Bixby, traveled across the country in an airplane solving mysteries. This unique mode of living and traveling sparked a fascination in Joe that burgeoned into a passion for aviation. By his teenage years, he was not only an avid fan of aircraft but also a trained recreational pilot, achieving an advanced instrument rating by the age of 26.
However, life’s conventional demands—career, marriage, and family—temporarily grounded his aviation dreams. It wasn’t until a pivotal life change, his divorce in 2011, that Joe revisited and revived his childhood dream. With newfound freedom and a desire to embark on a personal project that reflected his individuality and passions, Joe conceptualized what he fondly termed “Project Freedom.” This project was not merely about building a home but reclaiming a sense of adventure and fulfillment that he had shelved for decades.
The foundation of “Project Freedom” involved acquiring two decommissioned aircraft, specifically McDonnell Douglas MD-80 and DC-9 jets. These planes, once bustling with passengers crisscrossing skies, were about to be transformed into a serene, grounded home. This return to his first love—aviation—set the stage for Joe to transform his long-held dream into a tangible reality, merging his past inspirations with his present capabilities.
Laying the Foundation for His Dream Project
After his divorce, Joe Axline found himself at a crossroads, armed with $250,000 in savings and a burning desire to turn a page and start anew. This marked the beginning of what Joe affectionately dubbed “Project Freedom”—a venture that was less about constructing a mere dwelling and more about building a life that truly resonated with his deepest passions and childhood dreams.
Choosing the right location was Joe’s first critical decision. He sought a spot where his unconventional home wouldn’t just be allowed, but would be right at home itself. He purchased land at Sport Flyers, a private airport in Brookshire, Texas, an area free from the typical residential restrictions that would have stifled his creative ambition. Here, Joe found his loophole: the airport’s rules didn’t prohibit using airplanes as homes, allowing him to skirt the common constraints imposed by homeowners associations elsewhere.
With a place secured, Joe turned his attention to finding the perfect planes to convert into his home. His hunt led him to a retired McDonnell Douglas DC-9 fuselage sitting unused in a Florida mall, and a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 in Arkansas. Both planes, already stripped of their wings and thus more manageable and affordable to transport, were ideal for his vision.
Joe approached acquiring and transporting these planes methodically, propelled by a blend of enthusiasm and thriftiness. He meticulously weighed each decision to ensure it fit within his budget and aligned with his dream, demonstrating not only his dedication to this unique project but also his resourcefulness in maximizing every dollar.
Transforming Airplanes into a Home
Transforming two massive passenger jets into a livable, cozy home was not a project for the faint-hearted. For Joe Axline, it was a dive into a world of unforeseen challenges and creative problem-solving. The practicalities of moving entire airplane fuselages—each a whopping 60 feet long—from different states to his plot of land in Texas were just the beginning. Picture these giant structures traveling on highways, requiring careful navigation around tight corners and under low overpasses, an ordeal that demanded meticulous planning and a bit of nerve.
Once the planes touched down on Joe’s land, the task of laying down solid foundations took center stage. Imagine pouring vast amounts of cement and building robust platforms sturdy enough to support these retired giants—this wasn’t your everyday DIY project. Every step was a learning curve, from navigating local building regulations that never anticipated someone would use aircraft as homes, to mastering the logistics of such an unusual renovation.
Adapting Spaces Where No Blueprint Exists
Inside the planes, traditional home-building techniques hardly applied. Joe faced the unique challenge of adapting every inch of the curved, narrow interiors to create a functional living space. This meant custom-building furniture to fit the contours of the walls, and innovating ways to install essential services like plumbing and electricity from scratch. The complexity of these tasks often turned his days into a series of trials and errors, a test of patience and persistence.
Budget management was another constant hurdle. The financial demands of such an unconventional project required Joe to be as much a penny-pincher as a visionary. Unanticipated costs cropped up regularly, whether for special tools, unexpected repairs, or the sheer amount of materials needed. Each dollar spent was a balance between dream and reality, pushing Joe to find economical solutions without compromising his vision.
For Joe, these weren’t just obstacles; they were opportunities to push the boundaries of what’s possible in home design. Each problem solved was a triumph, a step closer to achieving a personal dream that was decades in the making. His journey speaks to the spirit of resilience and innovation, resonating with anyone who has ever taken on a challenge that seemed a bit out of reach, proving that with enough determination, even the most ambitious dreams can take shape.
A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Lifestyle
Joe Axline’s transformation of retired aircraft into a home is not only a testament to his creativity but also to his commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By repurposing these planes, he has given new life to structures that would otherwise be left to deteriorate or be scrapped. This approach not only conserves resources but also minimizes the environmental footprint associated with building a new home from scratch.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Axline’s plane house is its affordability. The entire setup costs him approximately $200 a month, a figure that starkly contrasts with the expenses typically associated with conventional housing. This low cost is achieved through strategic choices in energy use, maintenance, and the initial investment in purchasing and retrofitting the aircraft. The planes’ unique insulation properties also contribute to reduced heating and cooling costs, making it an efficient living space in terms of energy consumption.
Furthermore, the location of the home within a private airport community adds another layer of value, providing quick access to aviation facilities and a unique lifestyle that few can claim. Axline’s project goes beyond mere housing—it’s a lifestyle choice that reflects a blend of personal passion, environmental consciousness, and economic practicality, making “Project Freedom” a pioneering model in alternative living spaces.
Embracing the Unique Challenges and Community Spirit
Living in a home made from aircraft fuselages presents a set of unique challenges and opportunities that Joe Axline has embraced wholeheartedly. One of the major challenges is complying with the zoning laws and regulations that govern non-traditional homes. Axline has navigated these complexities by closely collaborating with local authorities to ensure that his home meets all necessary standards without compromising its unique characteristics.
Another aspect of Axline’s unique lifestyle is the strong sense of community found within the private airport. Neighbors often share a common interest in aviation, which fosters a close-knit community environment. This camaraderie is bolstered by regular community events and activities that take place on the airstrip, from small local airshows to barbecue gatherings, making it a vibrant place to live.
Additionally, the security and privacy offered by living in a gated aviation community are unparalleled. Residents enjoy a secure environment where they can also indulge in their passion for aviation without stepping far from their front door. For families with children, this setting offers a safe and intriguing environment where the young ones can learn about aviation history and science firsthand from community members.
Overall, Axline’s choice to convert airplanes into a home has not only provided him with a unique residence but also integrated him into a community where shared interests and mutual support enhance the quality of everyday life. This project, while personal, underscores the potential for innovative living solutions that make use of existing resources in novel ways, offering insights for those interested in sustainable and creative architectural pursuits.
Innovating Within the Bounds of Home
Joe Axline’s project of transforming retired aircraft into a functional and stylish home exemplifies how creativity, coupled with a deep respect for sustainability, can redefine traditional concepts of housing. His journey from a childhood dream inspired by a TV show to the realization of “Project Freedom” demonstrates the powerful impact of personal vision and resilience. Axline’s home is more than just a place to live; it’s a testament to the possibilities that open up when we dare to think outside conventional frameworks and use resources in unconventional ways. This story not only serves as inspiration for those looking to embark on similar projects but also ignites a conversation about the future of sustainable housing. As we move forward, embracing innovative solutions like Axline’s could pave the way for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective living options. For anyone dreaming of creating their own unique sanctuary, remember that with the right blend of imagination, planning, and community engagement, even the sky is not the limit.