The cabin of an airplane has been transformed into an extraordinary living space, redefining the idea of a home!
Bruce Campbell, a 64-year-old retired electrical engineer with a passion for creative projects, has always thought outside the box. At just 20 years old, he made a bold decision to purchase 10 acres of densely wooded land near Hillsboro, Oregon, for $23,000. At the time, he likely had no idea that this property would one day become the site of one of the world’s most unique homes—a fully repurposed airplane turned into a livable masterpiece.
Campbell’s lifelong fascination with tinkering and repurposing objects has been a driving force behind many of his projects. Since childhood, he has enjoyed dismantling things, understanding their mechanics, and reassembling them in innovative ways. Initially, his plan for his Oregon land was to construct a house using retired shipping containers. At the time, this seemed like an original idea, but after discovering that others had already implemented similar concepts, he felt compelled to find something even more unique. Instead of abandoning his vision, this realization pushed him to pursue a project unlike anything he had imagined before.
About 20 years after purchasing his land, Campbell came across a story that would dramatically shift his plans. He read about Joanne Ussery, a hairstylist from Mississippi, who lost her home in a devastating fire. Rather than rebuilding a traditional house, she made an unconventional choice—she transformed a decommissioned Boeing 727 into her new residence. Situated near a peaceful river, her airplane home became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity. Campbell found her story deeply inspiring, motivating him to embark on a similarly bold endeavor.
In 1999, Campbell made the life-changing decision to follow in Ussery’s footsteps and bring his own airplane dream to life. After extensive research, he purchased a retired Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways for $100,000. However, acquiring the aircraft was only the beginning. The plane was stationed in Athens, Greece, and transporting it to Oregon was a daunting challenge. The logistical hurdles were immense, and the transportation costs alone amounted to an additional $120,000. By the end of the process, Campbell had invested a total of $220,000 in his ambitious vision. Despite the high costs and complexities, he remained convinced that it was a worthwhile investment in creating something truly remarkable.
Once the airplane arrived on his land, the real transformation began. Campbell devoted himself to converting the aircraft’s interior into a fully functional and comfortable living space while preserving its distinct character. The result is a home that seamlessly blends the futuristic feel of an airplane cabin with the warmth and practicality of a traditional residence. Stepping inside his home is like entering a world where engineering brilliance and creative vision coexist in perfect harmony.
One of the key aspects of Campbell’s project is his strong commitment to sustainability. By repurposing a retired airplane, he has given new life to a structure that would have otherwise been discarded or left to deteriorate. His innovative approach not only reduces waste but also highlights the potential for unconventional materials to be repurposed in housing projects. Campbell believes that retired airplanes offer an underutilized resource, and his work showcases the potential for these massive machines to be transformed into functional and inspiring homes.
The interior of Campbell’s airplane home is nothing short of fascinating. While he has preserved many elements of the original aircraft design, he has also made thoughtful modifications to ensure livability. The seating has been removed to create open, functional spaces, while the original cockpit remains intact as a tribute to the plane’s history. Large, transparent windows flood the space with natural light, giving it a bright and inviting atmosphere. Every detail, from the flooring to the storage solutions, reflects Campbell’s meticulous attention to design and his passion for combining practicality with creativity.
For Campbell, living in an airplane is more than just a personal project—it’s a challenge to conventional thinking and an invitation for others to consider alternative possibilities. He takes pride in sharing his story and frequently welcomes curious visitors who wish to witness the transformation firsthand. His airplane home has become a local landmark, drawing attention from people across the globe who are eager to experience this one-of-a-kind living space.
While Campbell’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles, he has found immense fulfillment in turning his dream into reality. From the initial land purchase to the complex logistics of transporting and converting a retired airplane, every step of the process has been a testament to his perseverance and passion for innovation. His story serves as a powerful reminder that with vision and determination, it is possible to create something extraordinary from the ordinary.
Today, Campbell continues to reside in his airplane home, embracing the uniqueness of his surroundings and the inspiration it provides. His journey has become a symbol of ingenuity and sustainability, proving that thinking beyond traditional norms can lead to incredible possibilities. His work challenges us all to view the world differently and consider how we might repurpose the resources around us in creative and meaningful ways.
Bruce Campbell’s airplane home stands as a shining example of what happens when creativity meets determination. It is not just a place to live—it is a celebration of innovation and the endless possibilities that arise when we dare to dream big.
