An Unusual DIY Undertaking: Kala, a 37-year-old TikTok user with the handle @engineer.everything, has captured the internet’s curiosity with her unique home improvement project. She’s building a substantial tunnel, stretching 30 feet long and 20 feet deep, right under her house in the Northeastern United States. This project, more than just a storm shelter, represents a personal challenge for Kala, who enjoys taking on ambitious home construction tasks.
From Digital Obscurity to Viral Sensation: Starting her tunnel project in October 2022, Kala quickly rose to fame on TikTok, earning the nickname ‘Tunnel Girl’. Documenting her journey has garnered her over 330,000 followers, fascinated by her unconventional hobby. Kala’s project echoes the viral success of other unique DIYers, such as 2022’s “eel pit guy”, who transformed a cistern into an eel habitat.
Safety Concerns and Curiosity: With Kala’s increasing popularity, questions about the logistics and safety of her project have surfaced. Inquisitive followers and a dedicated subreddit thread express concerns and curiosity regarding her qualifications, safety measures, and legal permissions for such an extensive excavation.
No Stranger to Home Improvements: Before embarking on this underground endeavor, Kala successfully added a four-story extension to her home. Her background, though in business and finance, leans toward a passion for civil and mechanical engineering. Despite not having formal training, Kala’s self-taught skills and determination drive the project forward, with occasional help from friends.
A Non-Traditional Storm Shelter: Kala describes her tunnel not as a doomsday bunker but as a protective shelter and a personal challenge. Her innovative spirit and problem-solving abilities keep her engaged and entertained, showcasing a unique blend of creativity and technical prowess.
Building Skills Through Experience: Kala, working predominantly in information technology, attributes her success in the tunnel project to her natural aptitude for learning new skills. She emphasizes that hands-on experience often trumps traditional education, at least in her personal journey of home improvement and engineering feats.
Internet’s Latest DIY Icon: Kala’s tunnel project underlines the internet’s fascination with unconventional hobbies and the power of social media in sharing unique personal stories. Her journey demonstrates the blend of ingenuity, resilience, and the spirit of adventure that resonates with a global audience.